The architect behind Hermès’s beautifully designed shops on balancing elegance with local flair

As the firm designing Hermès stores globally, how do you balance brand identity with local adaptation? 

It’s a highly creative process where we honour the local culture while maintaining the signature Hermès codes. Materials and finishes vary depending on the context—mosaic floors in warm climates, wood or carpet in cooler ones.

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How does RDAI respond to the specifics of places and cultures in its projects?

Every project begins with an in-depth study of its context, culture, history and surroundings. For example, when designing a condominium in Miami Beach with [the famed Italian architect] Renzo Piano, we drew on the colours and materials of the seaside. Similarly, the [design of] the So Paris hotel responded to the modernist heritage of the 1955 building it is in and its location along the Seine.

For Hermès stores, each design is bespoke, tailored to its context while retaining the brand’s core identity. We analyse the location and its surroundings to ensure the store is seamlessly integrated into the city. Materials, colours and finishes are selected project by project, creating a balance between global consistency and local specificity.

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How did your involvement with BODW and the Hong Kong Design Centre come about, and what attracted you to participate in this event?

We were introduced to BODW through PMQ’s director, William To, whom we met in Paris alongside Chris Lo of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). We’re honoured to participate, particularly as France plays a key role in this year’s programme. Opening our first office outside France in Hong Kong, located at PMQ, has been a pivotal step [in RDAI’s growth]. We’re excited about the opportunities in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, which feel like natural extensions for our work.

What can the audience expect from you at BODW this year?

We’ll showcase RDAI’s work, highlighting the intersection of contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. Our projects emphasise the use of materiality, colour and savoir-faire to create spaces that are both innovative and rooted in their cultural context.

See also: Claudia Schiffer’s elegant tribute to the English countryside with Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro

What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers hoping to work with global brands like Hermès?

Be curious. Observe the world around you—the people, culture, light, colours and sounds. Engage all your senses: touch, smell, taste and feel. Avoid being limited by fixed imagery or abstract concepts. Also, learn a second language; it’s invaluable for connections across cultures.

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