Since launching in 1999, AB Concept has earned a reputation as the design firm of choice for the world’s leading hoteliers, luxury developers and premium restaurant operators. Led by co-founders, Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, AB Concept’s designs are underpinned by the core fundamentals of architectural precision and a bespoke approach to interior detailing.
By Hend Seif El Din
Uniquely positioned as a luxury atelier, the AB Concept team comprises an international team of over 70 specialists from the fields of decorative and architectural design. AB Concept oversees every design aspect of a project, creating consistent, cohesive and wholly integrated environments. Mastering these dual disciplines, AB Concept has built a reputation for attracting a variety of clients and diverse projects.
The design studio’s client list includes the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La Hotels, Rosewood, W Hotels, Waldorf Astoria and Swire Properties, while the company’s diverse projects span across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and beyond. AB Concept brings a cross-cultural overview to each project, emerging as one of the most acclaimed design studios in Asia.
AB Concept effortlessly blends Confucian principles, Chinese traditions and contemporary style in its luxurious design of the Shangri-La Hotel, Qufu. Known as the hometown of Confucius, Qufu retains and celebrates traditional values while embracing China’s rising affluence and appreciation for luxury. A landmark on the Qufu landscape, the new 325-room hotel has transformed the once-sleepy historical city, marking a new era for the Qufu community and sparking renewed interest in the location.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qufu is the city’s first international luxury property. Within walking distance of the Temple of Confucius, the hotel is already regarded as a local attraction with residents drawn to its central location and breathtaking façade. Its majestic design is a striking silhouette on the horizon, evoking the appearance of a traditional Chinese pagoda with its imposing pillars, interlocking beams, delicate latticework and upturned eaves. Striking a respectful balance between traditional Chinese architecture and elegant luxury, AB Concept has designed Shangri-La Hotel, Qufu to reflect the city’s historical significance while reinterpreting the cultural touchstones from a modern perspective.
AB Concept was also drawn to this project for a very personal reason: AB Concept’s co-founder, Terence Ngan, is a direct descendent of Yan Hui, one of Confucius’ closest disciples. “This project is personally very meaningful for me,” notes Terence. “I am very proud to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors and contribute to Qufu’s history and development.”
Inspired by the principles of Confucian philosophy of Order, Harmony and Hierarchy, and the Six Arts – Calligraphy, Archery, Arithmetic, Music, Chariot Racing and Ceremonial Rites – AB Concept’s design team expressed these values through a masterful blend of subtle patterns, rich textures and sleek symmetry. Throughout the hotel, the designers employed traditional Confucian motifs and recurring Chinese symbols to convey the sense of place and pay tribute to the location.
