Over the past two decades, China has emerged as a powerhouse of modern design, not just in architecture but also in interior design. From sky-high hotels in Shanghai to private celebrity residences in Beijing, Chinese interior designers have redefined elegance and cultural sophistication. Blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics, they’ve created some of the most luxurious and internationally acclaimed spaces in Asia.
Below are the top 10 most famous interior designers and studios in China — the creative minds behind iconic hotels, opulent villas, and award-winning projects that have caught the world’s attention.
See Also: Discover China’s Favorite Design Pieces
1. Joe Cheng – CCD / Cheng Chung Design
When it comes to luxury hotel interior design in China, no name shines brighter than Joe Cheng, founder of CCD / Cheng Chung Design. Based in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, CCD is behind some of the most breathtaking hotels in Asia, including the InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun, the Waldorf Astoria Xiamen, and the InterContinental Dongguan.
CCD’s style is a poetic fusion of modernity and Chinese culture — calm, refined, and deeply atmospheric. It’s no surprise that they topped Interior Design Magazine’s “Top 10 Hospitality Design Firms” worldwide, marking the first time a Chinese firm reached that level.
2. Steve Leung – Steve Leung Design Group
A household name in Asian design, Steve Leung is synonymous with modern luxury. His group (SLD) has created some of the most exclusive residences and restaurants in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. Known for his minimalist approach infused with Chinese cultural motifs, Leung has designed interiors for high-profile clients and luxury brands.
From the YOO Residence in Hong Kong to Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity homes, his work perfectly captures the phrase “East meets West.”
3. Lyndon Neri & Rossana Hu – Neri&Hu Design and Research Office
Founders Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu are international stars in both architecture and interior design: their Shanghai-based studio, Neri&Hu, crafts deeply conceptual interiors that tell stories through materials and light.
They’re known for projects such as The House of Remembrance and Tsingpu Yangzhou Retreat — poetic spaces that balance old and new, rough and refined. Neri&Hu have received global recognition from Dezeen, Architectural Digest, and Wallpaper magazine, often cited among the best interior designers in China and the world.
4. Yang Bangsheng – YANG & Associates Group
Yang Bangsheng, based in Shenzhen, is one of the most respected figures in hospitality design. His firm, YANG & Associates, has worked with global hotel giants like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG.
His projects — including The Langham Chengdu and InterContinental Zhuhai — showcase a refined understanding of Chinese artistry combined with international sensibility. Yang’s spaces often feature soft palettes, natural textures, and subtle cultural references, creating a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere that defines modern Chinese hospitality.
5. Ben Wu – W.Design / WS Space
Ben Wu (Wu Bin) represents the new generation of Chinese interior designers who merge art, lifestyle, and modern oriental aesthetics. His studio, W.Design, has crafted lavish residences for China’s business elite and art collectors.
Ben Wu’s interiors balance tradition and technology — serene, poetic, and meticulously detailed. He has been listed multiple times in Architectural Digest’s “AD100” and won the prestigious Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year award. His work redefines what luxury means in the context of Chinese culture.
6. Alex Mok – Linehouse
Co-founder of Linehouse, Alex Mok brings a younger, experimental energy to China’s design scene. Her projects, including Tingtai Teahouse and John Anthony Restaurant in Hong Kong, stand out for their bold color use, spatial layering, and contemporary reinterpretations of Chinese traditions.
Linehouse has gained international attention from Dezeen and Frame Magazine for projects that blur the line between art installation and interior space.
7. Dariel Studio – Shanghai
Founded by French designer Thomas Dariel, Dariel Studio has become a cultural bridge in the Chinese design landscape. Known for bold, eclectic interiors mixing Western glamour with Chinese charm, the studio’s clientele includes celebrities and luxury brands.
Their Shanghai projects often appear in Elle Decoration China and AD China, setting trends for high-end residential design.
8. Ruan Hao – LYCS Architecture
Representing the new creative wave, Ruan Hao has gained fame for blending architecture and interior design into seamless storytelling. His firm, LYCS Architecture, designs modern offices, homes, and educational spaces across China. Recognized among China’s “Top 10 Interior Designers of the Year,” Ruan’s style emphasizes openness, innovation, and emotional connection.
The Essence of Chinese Luxury Design
What makes these designers stand out is their ability to merge Chinese tradition with modern global aesthetics. Whether it’s Joe Cheng’s tranquil hotel interiors, Neri&Hu’s conceptual storytelling, or Ben Wu’s poetic homes, they all share a devotion to craftsmanship and cultural meaning.
In a world where design trends evolve overnight, Chinese interior designers are crafting timeless elegance — spaces that reflect not only style, but soul.
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