ACDO is a Toronto-based design firm founded by Abraham Chan, a Chinese-Canadian designer. Abraham Chan founded the studio in 2014 after working for Yabu Pushelberg for 10 years. Today, the studio is growing rapidly in Toronto, and Abraham has built a high-profile and dynamic portfolio of work at ACDO, customizing interiors for luxury hotels, residences and retail brands around the world.

Yinji：Since you established ACDO firm in 2014, how did you complete the preliminary accumulation in 6 years? What is your first project?

ACDO：It wasn’t easy! It took the support of my friends and family to successfully build my studio during the first few years. Through their guidance and connections, I was able to focus on design, execution and creating strong client relationships. Having worked at Yabu Pushelberg, you get to work on the best projects in the world, and I knew that I wanted to continue working on projects that would strive for similar levels of greatness. We started small, working on boutique projects for the Pedder Group/Lane Crawford, developing shoe stores for their Pedder Red and Pedder Men label in China and Singapore. Over time we secured larger projects, and our growth has been organic and steady ever since. 

Yinji：The size of your team today? What is the main business direction?

ACDO：We are currently seven people, and plan to grow next year. Over time, our clients have entrusted us to work on projects with larger budgets, and we look forward to designing a new class of bespoke residential, hospitality and retail projects within North America and Asia.

Yinji：What changes have you brought to you with ten years of work experience in Yabu Pushelberg?

ACDO：At Yabu Pushelberg you learn to become a great designer by channeling your energy through George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg’s design principals. When you are a part of their studio, you undergo a rigorous education that includes editing and refining your work and of course developing an eye for exceptional design. When I started ACDO, I wanted to apply the same rigour to all of our projects, but all our work is channeled through me. My upbringing included growing up in Hong Kong, Vancouver, Tokyo, New York and Toronto and we travelled extensively as a family. The design we create at ACDO is inspired by the cities in which I have lived paired with each client’s aspirations and desires.

Yinji：As your Chinese who has lived abroad for many years, what do you think of the current design situation in China? Are there any designers you like in China?

ACDO：There is a lot of exciting design coming from China! It makes me happy and proud to see Chinese projects being recognized in publications and blogs for pushing design boundaries with a great level of sophistication. Neri & Hu has developed several timeless and beautiful projects. I have noticed other younger firms like Liang Architecture and Waterfrom developing interesting residential and retail concepts. Within Hong Kong, there are firms like AFSO, Joyce Wang and NCDA developing exciting hospitality work.

Yinji：Has your office returned to normal office status now? How do you see the impact of COVID-19on the design industry?

ACDO：Our team has been working in a hybrid scenario, which includes working at home, the studio and client sites.  In the short-term, the epidemic’s impact on the design industry has encouraged increased investment in local and private projects, with an emphasis on well-being. I anticipate that in the future we will be craving adventure and escape, and I expect to see travel and hospitality (especially resorts) return. Over the last year designers and our clients have learned to adapt to new ways of communicating and collaborating digitally. I think we’ve all become better communicators which will serve us well in the future and opens doors to new projects across the globe.