Grande Development's Founder Matthew Li on Creating Greatness through Design

More than ten years ago, Matthew Li and Maggy Cheung founded Grande Development Limited with a very straightforward idea: to create greatness through design.

Li says, "The Italian word 'Grande' means 'great.' Our original intention was to learn from Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, who founded the international architecture firm BIG, and to simply aspire to great development and achievements in the future. We used the word 'development' without adding 'interior design' to avoid limiting ourselves, thinking outside the box."

It's often said that small, incremental efforts can add up to make a significant impact. This philosophy holds true in the story of how one entrepreneur's design company came to be. It all started when he set out to find a design firm to bring his vision for his new home to life.

He recalls, "Back then, I couldn't find an interior design company that met my requirements, so I directly created my own studio, and have been running it ever since."

He points out, "The brand philosophy of Grande is dedicated to creating and maintaining an exquisite and minimalist design aesthetic. We hope to create works that withstand the test of time, are magnificent and exquisite, yet simple and powerful."

So what are the core values behind the Grande brand? Li answers, "The core value of the Grande brand is very simple, which is to approach every project and decision with empathy, helping clients build their ideal homes and growing with them."

His love for interior design has never waned. He says, "I have been continuously self-improving, recently pursuing a master's degree in Design, Innovation & Brand Management at the University for the Creative Arts, hoping to integrate interior design knowledge with brand innovation design."

Grande Development Limited has three brands under its umbrella: Grande Work+, Grande Studio, and Grande Brand+.

"Grande Work+ mainly provides human-centred workspace design services, helping stakeholders in commercial projects improve work efficiency significantly. Grande Studio primarily plans bespoke private residential projects, integrating living spaces with the client's tastes and habits,” Li explains. “Grande Brand+ offers comprehensive brand design services, covering print, packaging, promotional materials, websites, apps, videos, and other digital and physical media, along with interior space design, complemented by creative marketing solutions."

What brings Li and his team the greatest satisfaction in their design work? He answers, "The greatest satisfaction comes from the collaboration with our clients, partners, craftsmen and suppliers. We grow together, continuously improve and create memories. Some of our clients first come to us to design their very first home purchase. Then they get married and start a family. It's been so rewarding to grow alongside them and plan out the different stages of their lives. That's really the greatest value and meaning that interior design brings us - being a part of those milestone moments.”

Photo: Grande Development Limited

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