INDEX offers a more dimensional view of the design landscape across Asia by introducing design studios and companies that demonstrate clear design philosophies and notable achievements. Spanning graphic design, branding, spatial design, product, digital, and motion, INDEX focuses on emerging practices and looks beyond portfolios to examine how they work, where their ideas come from, and what they stand for. Rather than cataloguing projects, INDEX documents the design language and attitudes shaped by local identity, industry, and cultural environments across Asia.

Japan

Studio: Schemata Architects 

URL: http://schemata.jp 

Profile: Schemata Architects is a Tokyo based architectural practice founded by Jo Nagasaka. The studio is globally recognized for its unique approach of subtraction, where existing structures are thoughtfully stripped back to reveal their essential character and hidden history. Working extensively across residential, retail, and hospitality spaces, Nagasaka breathes new life into old buildings by carefully balancing raw industrial materials with warm and tactile elements. Their spatial design philosophy not only preserves the memory of the site but also creates a highly engaging and transparent environment for modern use, redefining the concept of renovation in contemporary architecture.

China 

Studio: Neri&Hu 

URL: https://www.neriandhu.com 

Profile: Neri&Hu Design and Research Office is an interdisciplinary architectural design practice based in Shanghai founded by Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu. The studio is celebrated for its critical approach to spatial design, often responding to the rapid urban development in China by preserving and reinterpreting historical contexts. Through adaptive reuse projects, hospitality spaces, and cultural institutions, Neri&Hu masterfully orchestrates light, material, and spatial sequences. Their work transcends simple aesthetics, provoking meaningful reflections on memory, identity, and the evolving nature of the modern Asian metropolis.

Hong Kong

Studio: NC Design & Architecture (NCDA) 

URL: https://www.ncda.biz 

Profile: NC Design & Architecture is a Hong Kong based architectural and interior design practice founded by Nelson Chow. The studio is celebrated for its highly narrative and cinematic approach to spatial design, often transforming restaurants, retail spaces, and hospitality venues into immersive theatrical experiences. By meticulously designing every detail from lighting and furniture to spatial sequencing, NCDA creates environments that tell compelling stories and evoke strong emotional responses. Their work challenges conventional spatial norms, offering a deeply engaging and imaginative escape within the dense urban landscape of Hong Kong.