Our Director of Interiors, Ricz Hung is honoured to be included in Prestige Magazine's annual "40 Under 40" list, to pay tribute to Hong Kong's "the city’s most sagacious and audacious young individuals from the world of arts, commerce, fashion, health, sport, hospitality, philanthropy and beyond." Hung is honoured to be included under the visionary category among the 39 other
Ricz Hung Director at PMDC Group and de Hub
When Ricz Hung was a boy, he was rarely found without pen and paper in hand, drawing fictional cities, floor plans and maps. While other kids played video games, Hung obsessed over spatial forms and architecture. A boarding school in the English countryside may not seem like the obvious place to develop this obsession, but as Hung says, “I was truly inspired by the historical architecture and the contrasting concept of space and my surroundings compared to Hong Kong. My formal education nourished me in art and design, so I subsequently turned this passion into my career.” Returning to Hong Kong after studying at Chelsea College of Art in London, Hung co-founded PMDC Group, an architecture and interior-design office focused on hospitality projects, in 2013. This later evolved into a full-service consultancy offering graphic design, branding and app-development services. In 2014, the team established sister company de Hub (designer hub) as a complementary community for designers and entrepreneurs, operating serviced offices and event venues. Today, four de Hub locations in Hong Kong provide collaborative working environments; the newest, de HUB+ in Kwun Tong, includes among its activities a partnership with Music Live Valley that organises live-music events. Hung is also involved in other projects that include Space X, a shisha bar with outlets in Causeway Bay and Lan Kwai Fong, for which he handles design and branding. His Instagram feed @old.hongkong documents heritage Hong Kong mansions and the many tales they have to tell. “I have a huge passion for history and culture, especially that of Hong Kong,” the 30-year-old says, “so I love exploring the rare remaining historical sites, documenting them and learning the fascinating history behind them.” Hung’s day job sees him working on architectural and design projects that range from residential spaces and offices to hospitality venues. Highlights include the interior for the mini-golf venue and restaurant Strokes and the beer-pong bar and nightclub Pong in Causeway Bay, as well as Japanese restaurant Musoka in Central. Although every project is unique, there’s always something that makes them stand out from the crowd, often bright splashes of colour and vibrant graphics. Take the hotel Butterfly on LKF, for instance, with its six-storey-high podium cladding and ever-changing LED screen. Opening shortly, the designer’s next project is the collaborative workspace de Ocean in Kwun Tong, which integrates smart systems including keys and controls, and has been two years in development. Hung has plans to diversify business further and to expand internationally, though he says that Hong Kong will always be at the heart of his business. “It’s a great base to have,” he says, “a melting pot of talents from all around the world that can lead to other opportunities elsewhere.” Vest: Giorgio Armani | Belt: Gucci | Shirt and pants: Hung’s own