Max Trullas of MTM Design on Designing His Way Around Asia
Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Interior Design

Max Trullas of MTM Design on Mapping Out His Creative Vision Across Asia

MTM x The Beat 5

Form and Function is our home to explore the journeys of Hong Kong’s physical makers, the architects and interior designers who create defining spaces we use to party, eat, and live in. Behind every building and room in our architecturally-marvellous city is a master of their profession.

Step foot inside any MTM Design concept, and you’ll find yourself temporarily suspended in another environment that’s part out-of-this-world, and part evocation of your most fond memories.

Founded in 2013 by Barcelona native Max Trullas Moreno, this international company has left its fingerprints everywhere, from Italy to Hong Kong, to Southeast Asia and beyond. With offices in Shanghai and Bangkok, Max has built a bustling network of commercial, hospitality, and corporate works that each burst with a unique personality.

About to pop a cork off for the studio’s tenth anniversary in February 2023, Max sat down under the beautiful hanging garden lights at Sai Ying Pun’s La Paloma to chat to The Beat Asia about his trans-national journey so far, the building blocks underlying his regional expansion, and the route that lies ahead.

MTM Design
MTM Design

“We make projects in Manila, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Hong Kong, in Italy, and also Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen,” the architecture guru said. Behind this impressive portfolio, it has been fifteen years since Max’s initial trip to Shanghai in 2008. Instantly on arrival he fell in love with the energetic mix of cultural and entrepreneurial buzz of the city.

Having then just freshly graduated from architectural training from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, he first began collecting experience at a local company in China, all whilst amassing contacts in the food & beverage industry thanks to chance encounters introduced by his brother, chef Willy Trullas Moreno. One restaurant project bled into another, and after five years of referrals and recommendations, Max stepped up to helm a studio of his own.

He had hoped to introduce the Ho Chi Minh arm of MTM Design in 2019 with six strong years under their belt, but the door of opportunity was abruptly closed due to the COVID-19pandemic. However, another door opened, diverting his attention to Bangkok, where he successfully staked foundations for his second office’s branch.

MTM Design
MTM Design

In retracing his steps in expansion, Max recalls that his expeditions usually began with an invitation. “Normally [introductions begin] with someone that I met in Shanghai before, or maybe we've worked together already, and they say: ‘Oh, I'm opening a new restaurant, I would like to work together with you,’ and we say, okay yeah, why not? I would love it! I love to travel, you know. If there's a chance to work anywhere, I'm always happy to explore new countries.”

For Max, the question of ‘where to next?’ holds both the promise of his next eye-opening adventure in travelling, as well as the spark to light a way through to new opportunities and inspiration. “It's always important to understand the context where you're working,” he explains.

“You can see that whatever shop we've done in China is not the same, exactly as a shop in Manila. [Each place shows] a little bit of care about the local culture there, or care about the locals and what they like. We pay attention [to] the context and cultural aspects, and their way of interacting with food.” This immersive research process has also been a vast source of design inspiration, one that Max believes to easily beat out simple browsing from magazines or coffee table books and social media.

MTM Design
MTM Design

Taking on an inside out approach, understanding a client’s inspirations, conceptualizing the venue with the best intentions for both staff and guest experience, are all crucial factors in his design process.

“Together with the client, we like to have a close relationship and dialogue with them. A lot of my clients, they become my friends, because, you know, it's a relationship that will go [on] for at least six months.”

“A restaurant or an F&B project, apart from being beautiful—it also needs to work. It needs to be very well designed, so the staff can make a good job, and they can be happy working there, and they can transmit this energy to the clients.”

His deep understanding of the world of food and cooking began at home, as close involvement with his brother, chef Willy made him privy to the many layers and inner workings that weave together into a fully flourishing restaurant. “We've (Max and Willy) opened our own restaurant (El Willy Kitchen) in Bangkok, so it's always a good showroom, to show to our clients what we are capable of doing. That's something that makes us a bit different. I can offer the expertise of how to make a restaurant work.”

MTM Design

Max’s passions for design and travel are the core drivers that lend themselves towards the symbiotic relationship between his plans for the studio, and headways offered by his clientele. “When you have a project in a country or a city that you like, you have the chance to go work there, but it's fun too! You build relationships with people there and make good friends.” The road ahead sees Max setting his compass to Vietnam, with the studio’s Shanghai and Bangkok offices both welcoming inbound projects of varied persuasions.

Continuing to flit between destinations old and new, coordinates that hold together MTM Design’s reach are tight-knight connections and prudence with every project. “Something that I've learned with all these years is, you need to work hard to get the right team to do the right job. Get a nice, experienced local team, where you work, that's very important, get a good contractor to build it.”

“A good project needs time. It's like wine. Good wine needs time. Good food needs time. You want to eat the proper chicken, that chicken [needs to have] a good life. Fast food chicken didn't have a good life!”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.


Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Form and Function interviews here.

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This Week's Events In Hong Kong View more

This Week's Events In Hong Kong

Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Commercial

Discover The Twins and SOGO Kai Tak: The Next Big Thing in Urban Shopping

Wave to earth 1 Photo by Courtesy of The Twins

Kai Tak’s rapid urban transformation has just reached a new milestone with The Twins, a cutting-edge mixed-use commercial landmark in East Kowloon!

This striking and unmissable duo of 22-storey towers, each one standing 120 meters tall with 22 stories above ground and 4 below ground, combines sleek architecture with innovative retail concepts.

Sogo
Courtesy of The Twins

In addition to its commercial offering, the project covers 61,000 square feet of greenery and showcases two signature sky gardens of leisure area, setting a new standard for shopping and leisure in Hong Kong.

The spotlight shines on Tower I, home to the highly anticipated SOGO Kai Tak, the department store giant’s first new store location in a decade.

With over 480 brands — including 22 making their Hong Kong debut such as Grams28, Grandioso Emporium, Pebbly, Moulin, and more — this flagship is set to redefine your average shopping experience.

SOGO Kai Tak has something for everyone – whether it’s East Kowloon’s largest beauty and skincare zone (110+ brands), Hong Kong’s biggest Baby Mart (120+ brands), or the most extensive home and lifestyle offerings (140+ brands).

“The strategic design of this new store ensures SOGO remains relevant to both mature and younger customers with varied consumption habits,” said Mr. Hiroto Taguchi, President & COO of SOGO & SEIBU.

SOGO opening
Courtesy of The Twins

The floors are thoughtfully curated to enhance every shopper’s journey. From beauty on B1/F to luxury fashion on G/F, kids’ essentials on 6/F, sports clothing and equipment on 5/F, and home décor on 9/F, each level promises a treasure trove of surprises. Don’t miss the exclusive Dior Beauty Counter, a first-of-its-kind shop-in-shop concept in Hong Kong.

But the allure doesn’t stop at shopping. The culinary scene is just as enticing. Explore three floors of dining at the upcoming Restaurant Park, featuring debuts like OKOSTA, a Japanese okonomiyaki haven, and Okinawa’s famed YONNA YONNA Gelato. Add to that the serene Sky Koen sculptural park and garden, as well as a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose exhibition space, and you have a destination unlike any other.

To celebrate the grand opening, the SOGO Kai Tak Store is running its Kai Tak Fest until Dec. 1, 2024, offering exclusive deals across beauty, fashion, and more.

For more information on offers and a complete list of shops, visit The Twins on their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Commercial

New Hong Kong Social Club 1880 Set to Launch at Two Taikoo Place

Untitled design 92 Photo by 1880 Hong Kong

Renowned for its flagship location in Singapore, 1880 is set to launch its innovative social club concept in Two Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay by the end of 2024. This new venture seeks to transform workspace entertainment by seamlessly integrating work and leisure, fostering meaningful collaboration, and promoting both professional and personal fulfillment.

In collaboration with Swire Properties, 1880 Hong Kong aims to foster a vibrant atmosphere where ideas and interactions thrive, offering a new destination for work, relaxation, and community engagement with premium facilities.

L4 Members Club
1880 Hong Kong

Occupying four floors, the top floor will house the exclusive 1880 Hong Kong Members Club. This luxurious space will feature Leonie’s – a top-tier dining experience, a cutting-edge bio-hacking focused spa, and QUARRY Gym, led by professional athlete Max Woodward. Both the spa and gym will also be accessible to the public for a fee.

Members and 1880 SOCIAL guests can also expand their horizons by participating in a diverse array of experiences, with a large variety of events each month. These include intellectual, culinary and wellness talks, trivia nights, film festivals, music performances, and more. The fourth floor will host an exclusive lineup of premium, curated events for 1880 Hong Kong Members.

L3 Social Lounge
1880 Hong Kong

The first three floors will be dedicated to 1880 SOCIAL, a vibrant new concept open to both members and the public, featuring dynamic events, curated drinks, and versatile coworking spaces.

Té Bo Fine Dining
1880 Hong Kong

1880 SOCIAL will be a hub for a diverse range of dining options from casual to fine dining, including The Double (coffee and wine bar), Hoi Polloi (Southeast Asian cuisine), Té Bo (fine dining), and The Sports Bar (an American diner).

1880 Meeting Room
1880 Hong Kong

The third floor of 1880 extends the working environment with state-of-the-art facilities. It features modern meeting rooms, a high-spec boardroom, podcast studios, a green screen room, and a spacious event area. These facilities will be accessible to the public, with an in-house event concierge team available to cater to both professional and casual needs.

For more information on the concept, membership details, or to RSVP for their upcoming events, visit their website, or check out their Instagram, Facebook for more updates.

Location: 1/F - 4/F, Two Taikoo Place, 979 King's Rd, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

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Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Home Decors

Most Unexpected Things You Can Buy at 7-Eleven Hong Kong Online

Instagram 7 Eleven HK Photo by Instagram/7 Eleven Hong Kong

We know 7-Eleven as the go-to spot for instant food and drinks, but beyond that lies a world of products not typically found in other convenience stores. Prepare to discover quirky appliances and home items that will bring color to your life at 7-Eleven Hong Kong. Whether you’re looking for charm, functionality, or a bit of both, the 7-Eleven online store in HK surprises you with a range of products that go beyond the expected convenience store fare.

Snoopy and Friends Pet House (HK$50)

Snoopy and Friends Pet House
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

If you’re a fan of Snoopy, consider yourself lucky! For pet lovers who appreciate style and comfort, the Snoopy and Friends Pet House at Hong Kong’s 7-Eleven offers a charming retreat for your furbaby. Featuring a white design with a red roof adorned with iconic Snoopy characters, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized dogs looking for a cozy space to call their own. Buy the product here.

Japanese Electric Pot (HK$688)

Japanese Electric Pot
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Versatile and efficient, the Japanese Electric Pot combines steaming, boiling, roasting, and frying functions in one device. Simplify your cooking process with this multi-functional kitchen essential, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Buy the product through this link.

Dragon Ball Z Mouse Pad (HK$149)

Dragon Ball Z Mouse Pad
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Remember Dragon Ball Z, the iconic series that millennials grew up watching? Take a trip down memory lane by embracing your inner anime enthusiast with the Dragon Ball Z Mouse Pad. It proudly displays the iconic Dragon Ball Z logo and a print of Goku, offering a smooth surface for precise mouse movements. Get the product through this link.

Mickey Mouse Mini Refrigerator (HK$800)

Mickey Mouse Mini Refrigerator
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Disney fans, this one’s for you! Add a touch of magic to any space with the Mickey Mouse Mini Refrigerator, available at 7-Eleven Hong Kong. Featuring a cheerful Mickey print and compact size, it’s perfect for bedrooms or solo living to keep your snacks and beverages cool in style. You may buy the product here.

STAUB Tall Round Saucepan (HK$1,999)

STAUB Tall Round Saucepan
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Crafted with enamel porcelain and embodying French craftsmanship, the STAUB Tall Round Saucepan is a culinary staple. Ideal for simmering sauces or cooking vegetables, its durable construction ensures even heating and long-lasting performance. Buy it here.

Modern Silk Bedding Sheet (HK$999)

Modern Silk Bedding Sheet
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Experience luxury with the Modern Silk Bedding Sheet, equipped with an advanced eight-point positioning tying rope and a quilt core locking system. This bedding ensures comfort and stability, catering to different sleeping preferences effortlessly. If you’ve been struggling to fall asleep lately, you’ll surely have a good night’s sleep with this item. Get it through this link.

Kuromi Keyboard (HK$399)

Kuromi Keyboard
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Gamers and computer addicts, rejoice! Transform your workspace with the Kuromi Keyboard, featuring circular buttons and a super cute 3D doll. Complete with a protective film, it adds a playful charm while maintaining functionality for your typing needs. If you’re getting bored with your computer setup, this product will bring life to your home workspace or gaming station. You can buy the item on this page.

Momax Smart Eye (HK$499)

Momax Smart Eye
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Enhance home or workspace security with the Momax Smart Eye, a monitor and CCTV device that captures moments and potential risks with precision. This product will definitely make you stay connected and informed about your surroundings for added peace of mind. Get it here.

Coca-Cola Ice Cream Maker (HK$339)

Coca-Cola Ice Cream Maker
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Craving ice cream? Why not make one for a change? Enjoy the freedom of making homemade treats with the 400ml Coca-Cola Ice Cream Maker. Its retro design and quick operation churn out delicious ice cream or smoothies in just 15 to 20 minutes, perfect for satisfying cravings and creating refreshing treats at home. Get the product via this page.

Nintendo Switch Kirby Controller (HK$448)

Nintendo Switch Kirby Controller
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Gaming meets adorable with the Nintendo Switch Kirby Controller. Styled after the well-loved character Kirby, it offers wireless convenience and ergonomic design for hours of comfortable gameplay. Powered by AA batteries, it’s a must-have for Nintendo enthusiasts. Buy it here.

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Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Interior Design

TREE Unveils Sustainable Furniture Collection for New Season

TREE karma desk split dining chairs Photo by TREE

As summer draws to a close, TREE has introduced a new range of sustainable furniture designed to inspire productivity for the upcoming season. Whether returning to the office or preparing for a new school year, TREE’s latest collection of desks and racks offers both functionality and style.

Bok Adjustable Desk

The Bok adjustable desk, designed by Belgian designer Alain van Havre, is perfect for those who prefer switching between sitting and standing throughout the workday. Crafted from sustainably sourced solid European oak, the desk features a sleek design with slimline T-shaped legs and an integrated motorized system for easy height adjustments.

Karma Desk

Handcrafted from reclaimed teak salvaged from old Indonesian houses, the Karma desk embodies TREE's commitment to giving old wood a new lease on life. Its brass-coated iron framing and luxurious handles contrast beautifully with the weathered wood, creating a modern industrial look. The desk includes a closed compartment with shelves for ample storage space.

bloomsway
TREE

Hemingway Desk

Channeling mid-century modern design, the Hemingway desk is made from sustainably sourced European white oak. It features clean lines, soft-closing drawers, and multiple storage compartments, making it an elegant and practical addition to any workspace.

Circa17 Desk

The Circa17 desk is perfect for small spaces and is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Made from FSC-certified solid teak, it includes a convenient drawer and integrated compartments for books and stationery, making it ideal for students and home offices alike.

Sophisticated Multi Rack

TREE's sophisticated multi rack, crafted from FSC-certified solid teak, offers a versatile storage solution with unique geometric shelving. It can be placed vertically, horizontally, or even upside down to suit various spaces and needs. This piece also serves as a stylish room divider, adding a natural and striking element to any environment.

TREE's new collection combines sustainable materials with innovative design, providing stylish and practical solutions for the new work and school season. For more information, visit TREE's official website.

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Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Architecture

Zaha Hadid Architects' Hong Kong Skyscraper Hits Roof Level Milestone

Zaha hadid architects 2 Photo by Zaha Hadid Architects

Zaha Hadid Architects announced that construction of their landmark development above the Hong Kong High-Speed Rail West Kowloon Terminus has reached roof level. The project, situated next to the West Kowloon Cultural District, aims to connect neighborhoods with a network of public gardens and landscaped plazas.

The development, which integrates with the existing station and rooftop park, includes civic, office, and retail spaces. It is located above the West Kowloon Station, a key gateway between Hong Kong and mainland China, and is near the Kowloon and Austin MTR stations, enhancing connectivity within the city.

The project features nearly 9,290 square meters of green terraces and plazas, and includes interconnected office towers at both ends. The central plaza, linked to the West Kowloon Parkway, offers sheltered outdoor spaces for public events.

The design emphasizes maximizing outdoor public space and natural ventilation while maintaining views of Kowloon’s mountains. The towers are designed with vertical shading pleats and photovoltaic panels to reduce energy consumption. The development has achieved an 'excellent' BREEAM rating and top pre-certifications from LEED, WELL, and HK BEAM Plus.

This project aims to provide new public spaces and improve well-being for Kowloon’s residents, highlighting sustainable design and innovative architecture.

For more updates on architectural developments, visit Zaha Hadid Architects' news page.

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Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Commercial

Sun Hung Kai Announces Plans for Mong Kok Development

Sun Hung Kai Unveils Plans for Mong Kok Development Photo by Website/Sun Hung Kai Properties

Mong Kok is about to gain the title of Hong Kong’s “Green Heart,” as property developer Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) has unveiled its plans for the development of the residential district with an array of green and sustainable elements.

Under the project, SHKP is slated to build a 320-metre tall, 53-storey tower as the development’s centerpiece. The building is projected to be the second tallest commercial landmark in Kowloon and will be equipped with a public rooftop viewing platform.

It will also feature a 200,000-square-foot shopping mall, five community facilities, outdoor spaces, and a 1.2 million-square-foot commercial space.

Sun Hung Kai Properties' 53-Storey Building in Mong Kok
Photo by Website/Sun Hung Kai Properties

Another landmark rising soon in Mong Kok is SHKP’s “Ficus Plaza,” a public space that will feature three banyan trees, along with 50 other trees and green areas that will create a “'Cool Island Effect.”

Other facilities to look forward to include 800 private car parking spaces, a public transport hub, two landscaped walkways that will lead visitors to the Mong Kok East MTR Station deck, and a footbridge to Hak Po Street for greater connectivity to neighboring districts.

The development comes after SHKP won the tender to build a commercial site in the district’s Sai Yee Street last year, allowing them to develop the area.

Stay tuned for more updates on SHKP’s Mong Kok development by visiting their website.

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Hong Kong/ Urbanite/ Interior Design

Philippine Weaves and Sculptures Make a Show at Home InStyle HK Event

Brian wangenheim UL Djeye QL08 unsplash

It’s no surprise to know that Hong Kong and the Philippines share an amicable bond. The two destinations, which are a mere hour and a half away from each other, are both frequented by many Southeast Asian fliers. Filipinos have been visiting Hong Kong for its vibrant culture, delicious eats, and even to visit family. Many OFWs find themselves in this bustling city, to earn bread for their families as well.

Celebrating each other, as well as the many other cultures that make Hong Kong such an exciting melting pot, is the annual Home InStyle event. Known for exhibiting thousands of houseware items, brands, and legacies from a variety of countries and regions, this year’s Home InStyle event boasted 1,750 exhibitors from 16 countries which included first-timers from Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. Pavilions featured familiar cultural elements from countries such as China, Taiwan, India, Japan, and Thailand.

In total, the Home InStyle event attracted an impressive 24,000 buyers from 100 different countries and regions to its grounds at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Home InStyle 2024

Not to be left out from the excitement is the Philippines, from which came two brands: Art Meets Craft and La Bonne Vie.

Art Meets Craft provides homeowners with vibrant, handmade sculptures in urethane varnish. Pieces are playful and cover a range of animals and even “fat ladies,” making it a unique showpiece. Established in 2010, Art Meets Craft also does custom designs, each of which is made meticulously by artists Tisha Paculba, Didi Diaz, or Pau Kimberly Co.

The exhibits from the 2 Filipino companies.

On the other hand, La Bonne Vie specialises in handloom woven textiles and products. Culturally significant, these weaves — which include inabel from Ilocos — are a treasure to the Philippines.

“In the past, Inabel Iloko was used as sails or masts for the galleons during the galleon trade,” shares Geraldyn Bonnevie Savellano, who helms La Bonne Vie. “It was also bartered in exchange for gold since it was at par with the French brocade.”

Despite challenges faced during their earlier years, La Bonne Vie has since grown and is a significant supplier for establishments such as Kultura and Rustan’s. Their shop offers everything from inabel cushion covers to woven blankets, both of which are common accoutrements in a Filipino home.

Group photo of PTIC-HK and the Philippine exhibitors.

Currently, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong (PTIC-HK) is in talks with 13 potential buyers from around the globe, all of whom have expressed an interest in the brands and suppliers.

The Home InStyle Event is a distinguished effort and has been participated by the Department of Trade and Industry through PTIC-HK and its attached agency the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.

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