DOTY Award 2026: Hakimi Lau and Chloe Choo on the Idea of Timeless Design

Meet Hakimi Lau and Chloe Choo, the creative forces behind IDPM

The diverse voices and bold ideas of designers are what truly propel the industry forward, embracing the latest technologies, sustainable design initiatives and pure imagination. Our exclusive QCtv interviews this year offer fresh perspectives, inspiring approaches and a look at the creative forces redefining design for the better.

What does being recognised by DOTY for three consecutive years mean to you, both personally and professionally?

Being recognised by DOTY for three consecutive years is really meaningful to me. Personally, it feels great to see the hard work and creativity behind our projects being recognised. Professionally, I see it as a recognition of the whole team, because good design is never an individual effort. It takes a lot of collaboration to bring an idea from concept to completion. Most importantly, it’s a motivation and also a reminder for me to keep growing, keep challenging ourselves and continue exploring new ideas. It encourages me to keep creating meaningful workplace designs, and not just designing for awards.

Project: Kuala Lumpur (DOTY 2022 Best Commercial Design)

Project: Novel Leap Sdn Bhd (DOTY 2023 Best Commercial Design)

How has your understanding of what makes a meaningful interior evolved over the course of your career?

Earlier in my career, I was more focused on how a space looks. But as I gained experience, I realised that meaningful design goes much deeper than aesthetics. A well-designed interior can influence how people feel, how they work and how they connect with one another. It can strengthen a company’s culture and support its wider ambitions. So today, I see design not just as creating a space, but as creating an environment where people and businesses can grow. That, to me, is where the real value of design lies.

Project: Liberty General Insurance Berhad (DOTY 2023 Merit Commercial Design)

Project: Toyota Capital Malaysia Sdn Bhd (DOTY 2023 Merit Commercial Design)

What makes an interior leave a lasting impression?

For me, a lasting interior is not necessarily about creating a design that looks the same for many years. True timelessness is about creating a space that continues to have meaning as people and organisations evolve. A good interior creates memories, but a great interior does more than that. It gives people the opportunity to grow, to connect and to experience something different over time. I believe design should have enough character to be remembered but enough flexibility to evolve. Because people change, businesses change and the way we use space changes.

So, for me, timeless design is not about resisting change. It’s about designing something that can grow with change. A truly lasting interior is one that remains relevant and continues to inspire people years later.

Project: Incite Innovations (DOTY 2025 Best Commercial Design – Workplace (Gold))

Project: IDPM Collaboration Hub (DOTY 2025 Best Commercial Design – Workplace (Silver))

Looking ahead, what ideas or directions are you interested in exploring through your practice?

Looking ahead, I’m interested in exploring more sustainable design and how we can integrate AI into our design process. For sustainability, I think it’s about looking beyond just using green materials considering how we design, use and adapt spaces for the long term. As for AI, I see it as a useful tool to help us explore ideas, test possibilities and work more efficiently. But I still believe the creativity and human touch of a designer are very important. It’s really about finding the right balance between technology, sustainability and human experience.