Noelle Walker: You’re known for designing Hong Kong interior spaces that are practical, entertaining and memorial – tell me a little about how how you got into this business?

Hernan Zanghellini: I’m a qualified architect and worked within this industry for 14 years before moving into restaurant design which actually began as a hobby. In a way, I have always been very close to the restaurant scene as my father was a partner in a restaurant when I was a child. I would go there for lunch and also wait there to be collected after school.

Zanghelli & Holt Associates, Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong

NW: Leading Hong Kong-based dining chain Dining Concepts contracted you as their lead interior designer – how did this come about?

HZ: I had previously worked on projects with the general manager of Harilele Strategic – a dining group that is now closed. When my contact shifted roles to work for Dining Concepts, I began designing their spaces with Hong Kong -based restaurant, Lupa as my last project.

Zanghellini & Holt Associates, Peninsula Hotel, ‘The Verandah,’ Hong Kong.

NW: What is it you offer the dining and entertainment industry that is unique?

HZ: It’s no rocket science. We follow the trends, we adapt fast and we don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Perhaps one day when we get a brief to do whatever we want, we perhaps would have a different approach. We are constantly evolving and learning from our clients and our mistakes. Small revolutions are ok, I don’t believe in big ones.

Zanghellini & Holt Associates, Woolloomooloo Prime, Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong

NW: Tell me a little about your current projects and what is to come?

HZ: We are crazy busy! We just finished a new Maxims restaurant at Hong Kong Airport and in September, we reveal The Chophouse, Singapore. Also on the agenda: Jade Garden in Shanghai, Chiu Chau restaurant in Causeway Bay, a new Woolloomooloo Prime to open in November – and the list goes on!

Zanghellini & Holt Associates, Woolloomooloo Prime, Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong

NW: Tell me about a project you are most proud of and why? Or a recent success project that you recognise as special?

HZ: This is like talking about your children – impossible to point your finger at just one as almost all of them have something special to offer. We have done over 450 restaurants so even if I were happy with just 10 per-cent of them, that would equal a long chat! 50 per-cent of our projects are international with Hong Kong our main market.

Zanghellini & Holt Associates, Woolloomooloo Prime, Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong

zanghellini & holt associates.

www.zha.com.hk.