Studio 1:1

Founded in 2006, Studio 1:1 is an architecture practice operating regionally from its Hong Kong headquarters. From its roots in residential, corporate, and retail interiors, today it undertakes larger-scale civic and commercial projects that rely on a design-driven approach. This book presents in-depth case studies of three of the studio’s award-winning buildings at different locations across Asia: ‘Light & Span’ in the Philippines; Muse Edition in Hong Kong; and Entrance Pavilion in Thailand, each of which presented distinct challenges. The volume explores how the young firm addressed and resolved these problems to successfully produce three stunning pieces of infrastructural architecture.

Gene Miao is the Founder and Principal Designer of Studio 1:1, a Hong Kong-based emerging studio founded in 2006. The practice initially focused on residential, retail, and corporate interior projects, and since 2016 has undertaken larger-scale civic, commercial, and industrial projects across Asia. Studio 1:1 continues to refine its vision, merging aspects of innovative design with a strong community-based and sustainability-focused grounding. The Studio has received international architectural awards, including the Architecture MasterPrize and Architizer A+ Award; its work has also been shortlisted for the PLAN Award and d/a (Design Anthology) Award.

In addition to his role with Studio 1:1, Gene is engaged personally in a number of community and cultural projects in and around Hong Kong. His dedication to preserving local culture resulted in his founding “Day- Tau- Chung” (neighborhood worm), an online platform promoting and building awareness of lesser-known businesses, cultural sites, and other urban narratives with intangible cultural value. In 2008, Gene received PERSPECTIVE Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Award for ‘Design Activism’ for Day- Tau- Chung. Gene received his Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees from RISD (The Rhode Island School of Design) and worked in New York City for a number of years before returning to Hong Kong to build his practice. He continues to explore how design can shape the way commerce is carried out, as well as guide users through concepts of social value, community, and heritage.