With 90+ categories and 300+ jurors, the Architizer A+Awards is the world’s definitive architectural awards program. In anticipation of the Awards Gala and Phaidon book launch on May 14, we are pleased to share the stories behind the winners of the 2015 Awards program — see all of them here.
Millimeter Interior Design ltd won the 2015 A+Awards, Popular Choice, for the Residential Interiors Category with House in Sai Kung. This split-level home is organized in large open spaces that leave room for connectivity and multiple uses.
Your name: Michael Liu
Firm name: Millimeter Interior Design ltd
Location: Hong Kong Education:University of Alberta, Canada
When did you decide that you wanted to be an architect?
My parents hired an architect to rebuild and renovate our house when I was in eleventh grade. I was really interested in the whole process and even made a model of the house to understand more about the design. Unfortunately, I found many wrong measurements and the whole design could not be built out or used. This bad experience made me want to become a responsible designer eagerly. I named my company “Millimeter” to remind myself that every single millimeter of space should be treasured.
What was your first architecture/design job?
An office “design and build” project.
Who is your design hero and/or what is your favorite building?
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) [by Daniel Libeskind] is the first that comes to mind. It’s dramatically shaped crystal design combined with a 102-year-old heritage building creates nothing but a perfect and seamless transition from old to new.
What do you find exciting about architecture and design right now?
It’s not like designs that may only last for a short period of time, what is challenging and exciting about architecture is how its design can remain just as exciting years later.
Among your fellow A+Award winners, what is/are your favorite(s)?
Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Community Church Knarvik are my favorites. I voted for them, as well.
Other than your computer (or phone), what is your most important tool?
Definitely, it’s my pencil. I carry one with me all the time to write and draw with it anywhere and every day.
Outside of architecture, where do you look for inspiration?
Anything could be my inspiration. I like to brainstorm with my colleagues, as well, this allows me to see the same thing through others’ eyes.
What is the most important quality in an architect?
I think the most important quality of an architect is to be honest to yourself.
See all of the 2015 A+Award Winners here and all of the Winner Q+A’s here.