Career Decoding: Improve Space, Help Yourself and Others — Interior Designer Chhavi Cheng
- Uni Dream
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
The original article (in Chinese) was published in the 24 February 2025 edition of Ming Pao's Monday Campus Subscription.
When interior designer Chhavi Cheng wanted to study interior design, her family strongly opposed it, saying that the subject was not practical enough. Chhavi then gritted her teeth, studied business English during the day, and went to evening school to study design. Eventually, she was admitted to a university design degree program and fulfilled her dream of becoming an interior designer after graduation. As someone who has gone through this journey, Chhavi believes that students should "follow their hearts" when choosing their field of study, if circumstances allow. Otherwise, they may find their studies to be a struggle. She adds, “If you wait thirty years until your circumstances finally allow you to pursue your dream, it might already be too late.”
Q: Uni Dream
A: Interior designer Chhavi Cheng graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and has extensive international design experience. She is committed to integrating art and space design to create unique and creative works. Her designs span residential, commercial, and exhibition spaces, and she has received multiple international design awards.
Q: Why did you choose to study interior design?
A: I loved watching movies when I was a kid, but I was usually not attracted by the plot, but by the interaction between the characters and the light and shadow in the scene. When I was in my teens, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I noticed that changes in my surroundings — something as simple as turning on an extra light — could significantly affect my mood. That led me to explore the relationship between emotions and space. I hoped to improve spaces in a way that would help both myself and others relieve emotional distress and achieve a sense of mental and physical well-being. That’s why I chose to study interior design.
Q: What does the work of an interior designer involve?
A: It mainly includes three parts: design, client communication, and project supervision. First, the designer needs to understand the client’s lifestyle and future plans — for example, whether they are planning to have children. Based on that information, the designer will plan the space accordingly, such as determining the number of rooms needed, and create a floor plan. The designer will also incorporate the client’s preferred style into a 3D rendering so they can visualize how the unit will look and understand the function of each area.
Once renovation begins, the interior designer must collaborate and communicate with contractors and workers, following up on construction details and progress. We basically need to understand all trades, from electrical work to plastering. Additionally, we have to coordinate with material suppliers, furniture manufacturers, and maintain communication with the client — we work seven days a week. For example, for a 1,000-square-foot unit, the entire process from design to completion takes about four months.
Q: Do you have any particularly memorable projects or experiences?
A: I once redesigned and renovated a flat that was filled with old belongings. The owner had lost a close family member years ago but never had the courage to sort through their things. However, since she was planning to welcome a new baby, she finally decided it was time to renovate.
Her late relative had loved beauty and vibrant colors, and the owner herself had a deep affection for the color pink. So, I designed two fully “pink-filled” personal spaces where she could relax completely and feel embraced by the environment. When the renovation was complete, she hugged me and cried while saying thank you. I felt that this project fulfilled my personal aspiration of becoming an interior designer — someone who helps others ease their emotions through space. It was incredibly meaningful to me.
Q: What is the most challenging part of being an interior designer?
A: The most difficult part is having to juggle many roles at once — like an octopus — and constantly being at work. Another major challenge is balancing the client’s expectations, the practical execution by contractors, and the overall project timeline. That’s why having strong communication skills is absolutely essential for an interior designer.
Q: What are the current trends in the interior design industry?
A: Two major trends that have had a significant impact on the industry are ordering custom-made furniture from the Mainland online, and using artificial intelligence to generate home design plans. However, these trends can never truly replace the value of quality human communication. Therefore, strengthening client relationships, making design services more personalized, and even studying psychology will be key for us to stay competitive. Interior designers should also cultivate a strong personal style to make themselves less easily replaceable.
Learn More About Interior Design Courses
The School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Design, which includes a specialization in interior design. Institutions such as the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), HKU SPACE Community College, and the Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education at Hong Kong Metropolitan University provide Higher Diploma programs in interior design. These programs emphasize practical training and are suitable for students who wish to enter the industry quickly. Upon graduation, students can obtain certification from the Hong Kong Interior Design Association to enhance their competitiveness and expand career opportunities.
Interior design graduates can pursue careers at architectural firms, design studios, or work as freelance designers. The starting salary for interior design assistants is approximately HK$12,000 to HK$15,000, while junior designers earn around HK$15,000 to HK$20,000, with salaries increasing alongside experience and professional growth.
