Coca Huynh: “Sustainability a core principle in design”

I pursued this field because I have always believed that good design is not only about beauty but also about creating positive value in the world. Sustainability should not be a fleeting trend; it should be fundamental to design practice. This philosophy mirrors the approach of our ancestors, who designed with locally available materials and employed architectural vernaculars. That approach was inherently sustainable, and I believe it should guide contemporary design thinking.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, how would you explain sustainable interior design in the simplest way?

Sustainable design focuses on creating solutions that reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency and enhance quality of life for both people and ecosystems. The simplest way to think about it is to reduce waste in every aspect of a project. The less waste, the better—not only for the environment but also in terms of efficiency and cost savings.

This includes minimising energy waste by optimising heating, cooling and lighting systems to consume less electricity. It also means reducing material waste by selecting sustainable, locally sourced, recyclable materials and using them efficiently, with minimal excess. Transportation waste is another factor—prioritising suppliers and resources located near the project site significantly reduces environmental impact.

See also: When architects design houses for dogs

What is the biggest challenge in your current role?

One of the main challenges for interior designers in Vietnam is the limited availability of materials in the domestic market. This often necessitates the use of imported goods, as locally sourced options still lack both aesthetic diversity and long-term durability, presenting additional difficulties for the industry.

Can you share a design in your portfolio that you are most proud of? What has been the most interesting project you have worked on?

My favourite projects—perhaps for personal reasons—are Gallery Medium and The Ice Factory. The first, as a designer; the second, as a client. Both are also examples of sustainable design, focused on renovation and adaptive reuse.

I still remember the first time I saw the Modernist house that is now Gallery Medium. Despite its state of neglect and disrepair, I immediately fell in love with its architecture. I was careful to preserve the original essence of the house, selecting materials that would honour its design while ensuring longevity.

The second project, The Ice Factory, underwent three different design concepts from three architects before reaching completion. Originally built in the 1960s as an ice factory, the space later became an industrial laundry. My priority was always to retain its industrial spirit rather than demolish it in favour of something overly modern. For both projects, my goal was to respect their history while breathing new life into them. Renovating these spaces was my way of giving them the second chance they deserved.

Besides your passion for interior design, you have a great love for art, reflected in the founding of Gallery Medium. Can you introduce this platform?

I founded Gallery Medium with the vision of merging art and design in a way that is still relatively new to Vietnam. While this concept is well established elsewhere, I saw an opportunity to bring it to the local creative scene. I also wanted to provide a platform for young artists and designers—a space where they could showcase their work, connect with audiences and develop their careers.

Gallery Medium also aspires to be a space for bold, original ideas in exhibitions and events. Although we have only been active for two years, we have already hosted some remarkable exhibitions that reflect our vision. For instance, our 3 Weeks of Design series presented art and design as one, blurring the lines between the two disciplines. Another highlight was an exhibition staged within an installation we created—The Circle—set in a hotel lobby.

Beyond exhibitions, we also host talks and events exploring art, design and architecture, fostering meaningful conversations and connections within the creative community.

See also: Hong Kong designer reinvents 17th-century French heritage

Can you share some of your future plans for your interior design work and for Gallery Medium?

At the moment, I am focused on several projects, primarily centred around renovating and repurposing old spaces—something I am deeply passionate about.

As for Gallery Medium, our mission remains to discover and support emerging artistic talent, both in Vietnam and internationally. We recently launched an open call for artists to submit their work for the opportunity to be exhibited at the gallery. Next year, we are planning a group exhibition that aligns with our core philosophy—exploring and celebrating materials, as reflected in the name Gallery Medium.

Vietnam offers an incredible range of unique materials and techniques that can be incorporated into contemporary art practice, and we are particularly keen to explore this potential. We also want to delve further into traditional crafts, elevating them as significant and meaningful art forms.

This article was originally published in Tatler Vietnam, December 2024 issue.

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