Ming Leung focuses on the exploration of architecture, space, and art installation design. She also has a strong and ongoing interest in researching art, aesthetics, design education, new technology-driven design, super craftsmanship implementation, and parametric application. She advocates the philosophy of "No Formalism, No Functionalism, No Commercialism, No Radicalism"—refusing to be constrained by formal languages, emphasizing the dialogue between function and form, and avoiding blind pursuit of market trends.

Led by Ming Leung, the PONE Design team is a pioneering creative force. It undertakes influential work in the fields of architecture, interior space, and landscape design. Their designs break inherent rules and perceptions, pursue continuous innovation, and deeply explore the interactive potential between humans and spaces. Through a series of research and practices ranging from instinctive needs to sensory experiences, they fully present both function and experience while returning to their essence, redefining the boundaries of design.

Over the years, Ming Leung has been involved in a wide variety of projects, including urban landmarks, urban complexes, corporate headquarters, and commercial spaces. Her works have won wide international acclaim and more than 100 international honors, such as the Best of the Best of Red Dot Awards , IF Design Award, The winner of the Best of Year Awards, the Winner of WAF,the platinum of A'Design Awards, The Best Interior Design Award of AZ awards, ,Gold Nugget Awards Winner and DFA Design for Asia Awards etc.

Ming Leung is committed to promoting public welfare projects, hoping to help more people through the power of design. She has participated in the public welfare program Dream Home (aired on Dragon TV) for 8 consecutive years, using professional design to solve housing problems for clients, creating dream homes that are both practical and interesting. She integrates emotional and gentle elements into her designs, demonstrating the charming texture of design.

In addition, Ms. Leung has served as a judge for Future Star Young Designers Competition for many years, working with the organizing committee to discover outstanding design talents and support the growth of young designers.

As a member of the AYDA Awards jury, she encourages young designers to focus on exploring the interactive potential between humans and spaces, draw inspiration from nature, art, and humanity, condense their roots in cultural context, and create spaces in an innovative and pioneering way—spaces that are more culturally connotative and profound.

Her work spans luxury residences, commercial spaces, and hospitality projects, always guided by her belief in creating happy spaces that combine elegance, functionality, and emotional connection. In addition to her design practice, Amoda has expanded into related ventures including The Factory Atara, a design-focused furniture manufacturing company, and BLAC, a lifestyle restaurant brand.

Her journey reflects not only her creative vision but also her entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and commitment to shaping spaces that inspire and uplift people’s lives.

Bill Yen is the Founding Partner and Director of MRT Design in Shanghai, where he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering impactful work across architecture, interior, and spatial design. With a Master of Architecture from Harvard University and a dual degree in Economics and Studio Art from Duke University, Bill brings a rare synthesis of design sensitivity and strategic thinking to his practice.

In addition to his professional work, Bill is a committed educator, having served as Professor and Thesis Advisor at Fudan University’s School of Visual Arts, and as Assistant Professor at Hong Kong University (Shanghai Campus). His academic background spans landscape architecture, urban planning, and spatial design.

Bill’s work has received numerous accolades, including recognition from the Design for Asia Awards and multiple Top 50 Interior Design Works citations in Shanghai. As a judge for AYDA’s Interior Design category, he brings a global perspective shaped by both practice and pedagogy, inspiring emerging talents to craft spaces with purpose and innovation.

Gu Yi is the founder of Not a Studio Architect, an innovative architecture and design firm established in Shanghai in 2016. After spending over a decade in Africa, Gu Yi returned to China, bringing a unique global perspective to his work. His design philosophy is rooted in restraint and minimalism, emphasizing thoughtful spatial experiences across various typologies.

Not a Studio Architect’s diverse portfolio spans tea aesthetics, commercial spaces—including restaurants, retail environments, and boutique hotels—as well as public art spaces, residential projects, and offices. The firm has successfully delivered projects of varying scales, seamlessly blending cultural narratives with contemporary design.

Notable works include:

• The Container
• Duo Yun Bookstore (Shanghai, Chengdu, Suzhou)
• Shanghai Longhua Temple
• Pagoda Shadow Space
• Yongfu Temple Zen Museum of Art
• Suzhou Hanshan Temple
• Tea Space
• Atour Hotel 4.0 R&D
• Fotile Commercial Retail, and more.

Gu Yi’s commitment to timeless aesthetics, cultural sensitivity, and refined minimalism continues to shape distinctive architectural and interior spaces that inspire and engage.

The AYDA Awards is part of Colouring Lives, Nippon Paint’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Architectural and Interior Design talents. Through cross-learning and industry exposure, AYDA provides a platform for students to develop their skills and grow as designers. Discover more of Nippon Paint’s CSR initiatives under Colouring Lives.

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