Renowned for their groundbreaking approach and numerous global accolades, Ahn&Partners has carved a niche in creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply aligned with the experiences people seek. In this exclusive interview, the visionary founder of Ahn&Partners Minwoo Ahn, shares insights into his journey, the firm's unique design philosophy, and the driving forces behind their continued success.
Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Mr. Ahn, you've achieved remarkable success, receiving numerous global awards across different countries and earning a spot among the Top 100 Architects and Designers of the World. Can you elaborate on your background in the interior design industry and what led you to such success?
Minwoo Ahn: I have been working in the Korean interior and architectural design scene for about 20 years. Throughout this time, I have explored the experiential and contextual relationships that blur the boundaries between interior design and architecture. For instance, interior design often focuses on the relationship between movement and architectural structure, while architecture addresses the connection between a space and its surrounding environment. Ultimately, I realized that both are closely tied to the user experience, with a key factor being the desire to connect these spaces to nature.
LLA: Ahn&Partners describes itself as a lifestyle platform developer group that focuses on creating spaces tailored to the experiences people seek. Can you explain what this means and how it influences your design approach?
MA: The modern commercial environment is growing larger and more complex, leading users to seek a variety of experiences on a single platform that aligns with their needs. This is closely linked to their personal consumption and economic activities. Our goal is to harmoniously connect this diverse user base with the activation of spaces. This is where a design approach centered on the user experience becomes essential.
LLA: Ahn&Partners has an extensive portfolio in real estate. What do you think attracts real estate businesses to your firm, and what unique value do you offer to these clients?
MA: Until recently, most commercial facilities in Korea have focused on exotic locations and were marketed under the construction company’s brand. In contrast, we have prioritized customer experience value in our product development, from small to large-scale projects. By taking a holistic approach that integrates architecture, landscape, and interior design as key experience factors for the end users—the customers within a given area—we ultimately create a compelling story that enhances the customer experience.
LLA: One of your projects, the Wave House in South Korea, has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury Residential Interior Design. What makes this project stand out, and can you introduce its key features and design concepts?
MA: Wave House is a project that emphasizes the user experience in a single-family home, spanning interior design, architecture, landscape, and outdoor spaces, all under the theme of "scenery." Our ultimate goal was to seamlessly connect the home with nature. We focused on simplifying the interior design and concealing advanced features to highlight the connection between the natural scenery and living space. This approach, I believe, allowed for a more dramatic visual integration of the surrounding landscape.
LLA: As pioneers in Innovative Space eXperience Design, can you explain what this concept entails and how it influences your approach to creating spaces?
MA: We prioritize user experience over style. By exploring the places users visit, understanding the locational and urban roles of those spaces, and examining the experiences users have within them, we can create environments that are not flashy but possess a diverse individuality. Simultaneously, we aim to provide city dwellers with experiences reminiscent of those found in nature outside the urban environment.
LLA: What drives your passion for your work, and what are your aspirations for the future of Ahn&Partners?
MA: After years of research, our recent work has been validated by winning awards at prestigious international competitions, including the Luxury Lifestyle Awards and TOP100, for the experience design process we have developed. We do not intend to rest on this modest success; instead, we see it as a steppingstone to tackle more creative and enterprising challenges in the global market. We believe that our efforts can contribute to making the world a better place for everyone.
Conclusion:
As Ahn&Partners continues to push the boundaries of design with their innovative space eXperiences, Minwoo Ahn’s vision and passion remain central to their achievements. From the celebrated Wave House to their influential role in real estate, Ahn&Partners exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform spaces and elevate human experiences. Looking ahead, Ahn’s dedication to creativity and excellence promises to lead the firm to even greater heights, shaping the future of interior design and architecture.
