James "JJ" Acuna is a celebrated figure in the fields of hospitality and high-end residential architecture and interior design, boasting a stellar track record of numerous awards and accolades. With an impressive portfolio spanning Hong Kong, China, and the wider Asian region, Acuna serves as the Founder and Creative Director of JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio. His aim is to help Clients craft soulful projects of the highest caliber, elevating spaces to facilitate joyful connections for all who inhabit them.
Acuna has a strong background, having finished his Bachelor of Architecture at Cornell University and earning a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Throughout his career, he has lead projects of varying scales, catering to a diverse clientele that includes both high-profile individuals and esteemed blue-chip companies. Throughout his journey, spanning from his time at established firms to the establishment of his own studio with branches in Hong Kong and Manila, Acuna has remained steadfast in his commitment to delivering uplifting design solutions for his partners.
His work has garnered widespread recognition, being featured in esteemed publications such as Interior Design Magazine, Wallpaper*, Tatler Asia, and Vogue. Acuna's vision extends beyond mere aesthetics; he strives to create meaningful spaces that resonate with the aspirations of his clients and enrich the lives of those who inhabit them, fostering a lasting impact through thoughtful collaboration and innovative design.
Member of HKIDA and HKDA
Dominic aspires to inspire and uplift the lifestyle and comfort of people through creating humanistic and sophisticated space. He believes only by juxtaposing the old and the new – from materials to furniture – can we craft a story with space and time.
Started as an interior designer after graduated from the School of Design in Hong Kong Polytechnic University, he has developed the skills and sensibility in designing and realizing well-articulated space that connects people – from understanding client briefs, presenting design proposal, producing tender & construction drawings to managing project execution on site.
To work on architectural projects of a larger scale, his recently awarded degree in architectural design from Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff University allows him to expand his scope of work from crafting interior to building exterior.
Member of HKIDA - Hong Kong Institute of Interior Designer Association
Having grown up in the States and studied abroad in the UK, Kristy has always been attracted to the colourful and vibrant fashion scene for brands like Ralph Lauren and Isabel Marant. The obsession with their use of fabrics, patterns, and colors for garments has eventually inspired her to dive into the world of interior design.
Before becoming an interior designer, Kristy had worked in various creative roles within the advertising and fashion sectors - though she felt there was something missing to truly fulfil her creative soul. 2021 marks the year of change to Kristy's creative career by applying for a full-time diploma course in both residential and commercial spectrum at the Insight School of Interior Design Hong Kong.
Kristy approaches every project like she would design a fashion garment. She gathers detailed understanding of the client and the brief and thread these pieces together to create a design narrative, forming a design language to describe their stories. She believes a successful interior design is not just just about the visuals but about storytelling, making joyful memories and creating immersive experience to touch one's soul.
Han's design career began shortly after he completed his degree in Interior Design from Polytechnic University of the Philippines. His comprehensive education and extensive experience in the field have equipped him with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of designing spaces and objects from vision to completion.
He aims to be a thoughtful design thinker beyond just aesthetics and be part of creating built-enviroments that can drive positive impacts on the lives of its end-users and, ultimately, the community they connect to.
Being passionately driven to his craft, he always seeks new perspectives from the different lenses of people he has collaborated with, believing that continuos learning breaks boundaries and allows us to further our leaps as we face new frontiers ahead.
Member of PIID - Philippine Institute of Interior Designers
Kiran embarked on the world of Interior Design and Construction in the early 2000’s. She has lived and practiced in various countries. Born in the Philippines, brought up in Baguio City, she is a Filipina in so many aspects, she speaks the local language, passionate about the culture and heritage and has love for many things Filipino.
She moved to Hong Kong in her youth and lived there for around 35 years, worked in a trading business for a long time before finally following her calling and studied Interior Design/Management, a working mom at the time, she chose to do this through distance with the United Kingdom completing her interior design studies with merit. She joined the corporate world very briefly before starting her own practice which eventually gave way to immense collaborative works in Hong Kong. Manila, Dubai and China and has now led to working along side JJ Acuna/Bespoke Manila Studio in Design Management!
Her 20+ years of experience has become her backbone and purpose. Her art is orchestrating collaborative and cohesive communication amongst all contributors in a said project.
Kiran believes that for a space to be whole it needs to have that touch that brings it all together. Having an eye, heart and passion for a well-designed space, she values the team work and leadership drive that allows for this.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Interior Design from SoFA Design Institute, Cindy has embarked on her career with a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to leaving her unique creative imprint on the industry. She is eager to embrace diverse experiences that will shape her journey as a designer.
Cindy firmly believes that the essence of successful design lies in the seamless blend of the client’s vision and the designer's creative soul. She finds meaning in crafting spaces that are not only visually compelling but also resonate deeply with those who experience them. Each space tells a story—one that captures the spirit of both the client and the community involved. For Cindy, the true reward lies in seeing people connect with and find joy in the environments she helps create.
