In 2023, I led the design of the Rolls Royce Private Office in Shanghai, the first in a series of Private Offices I worked on for the brand. It laid the foundation for the Seoul and New York projects that followed, with each new space building on the last.

Shanghai set the tone for a more modern and experimental approach to Rolls Royce interiors. The space was compact, which meant we had to think carefully about how to balance functionality with a sense of openness.

The design leaned into simple forms, raw finishes, and a muted colour palette. It drew inspiration from the world of luxury brand homes, minimal and well-proportioned, with subtle nods to local culture layered throughout.

One of the standout materials was Laurameroni’s carved wood panelling. Its deep, blade-like cuts reimagined traditional Chinese woodworking in a more contemporary way, reflecting the brand’s ongoing relationship with craftsmanship. Lighting was also tailored to the setting. We included a pendant by local studio Notion Studio & Offhand Practice, which took its form from Tang Yuan (a traditional Chinese sweet), and gave the space a soft, sculptural touch.

The ceiling was finished in rippling stainless steel, a quiet reference to the Spirit of Ecstasy’s flowing robes and the entry canopy was lined with hundreds of laser-cut stars, offering a subtle moment of drama as guests arrived.