STEAD Architecture and Design
contemporary architecture.
end to end.
Featured Project
Branding Integration
SHEUNG WAN, HONG KONG
Minimal and Simple in Form
KABAYAMA, NISEKO, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
Why Us?
Sean T Ellis, AIA
Zhang Fengyi
Licensed NY Architect
Licensed in the State of New York, A Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Hong Kong Chapter
20 Years of Experience
20 Years of experience working in large international firms in New York and Hong Kong
Technical Expertise
Technical expertise in Architecture, Facades, Interiors, Theater Design, Construction and Computational Design
Advanced Software Skills
Extensive experience in parametric and computational workflows using industry-leading software to build complex, data-driven solutions.
How We Work
01. Consultation
Understanding your vision and project requirements.
- Brief, program and budget framing - including Feng Shui and lifestyle considerations where relevant
- LiDAR drone survey and interior LiDAR scanning for accurate site capture
- Early authority and regulatory checks across Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Dubai
02. Design
Developing architecture, interiors, and façade solutions.
- BIM modeling in Revit and parametric design in Rhino + Grasshopper for coordinated, buildable drawings
- Real-time 3D rendering and VR walkthroughs, so you sign off on the design before construction starts
- Sustainable design and smart home / IoT built in from day one - not retrofitted later
03. Coordination
Managing approvals, consultants, and contractor engagement.
- Authority submissions and coordination with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, and smart-home consultants
- BIM clash detection - catching conflicts on screen rather than on site
- Tender, contractor selection, and price negotiation on your behalf (working alongside a licensed local architect where the jurisdiction requires it)
04. Completion
Supporting construction, fit-out, and project handover.
- Regular site visits, RFI response and oversight of contractor workmanship
- FF&E sourcing and installation, plus smart-home / IoT set-up through handover
- As-built BIM model and LiDAR record delivered with the keys
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only do the design, or can you take my project all the way to handover?
Both. Most clients come to us for the full journey. STEAD runs projects end-to-end: concept design, assisting with and overseeing submission and approvals, working alongside your local architect, then sourcing, negotiating with, and overseeing the contractor on-site. We can even handle the furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) so the space is move-in ready. You deal with one accountable team from the first sketch to handover.
Do you build the project yourselves, or have an in-house construction crew?
We’re not a construction company, and that’s deliberate. STEAD helps to select, negotiate with, and supervise the right contractor for your project, managing them on your behalf so your budget and interests stay protected. You get independent oversight rather than a builder marking up their own work.
I'm not sure the extent of service I need: architecture, interiors, façade, BIM, or a LiDAR survey. Where do I start?
Start with a conversation; that’s what the first call is for. Tell us about the space and the outcome you want, and we’ll tell you which services actually move the needle and which you can skip. Many projects only need a subset, and we’ll be straight with you about that.
What does the process actually look like once we start?
We walk you through it step by step. First, we map out the design with you, then we’re upfront about any build restrictions on your site and the realistic construction timeline. Our pricing is grounded in real jobs we’ve delivered over the past few years, so the numbers are based on reality, not guesswork.
Can I see my finished space before construction starts?
Yes. We develop your floor plan and a 3D model simultaneously, and render the space in real time, so you can react to your actual space (light, materials, proportions) long before anything is built. For interiors, we can also produce VR walk-throughs so you can step inside the design.
How do you make sure a beautiful design can actually be built and not just look good in a render?
That’s exactly what our 3D and BIM modeling is for. Anyone can render a striking building; we model it properly to confirm every part is physically buildable before it reaches the site. It takes more time up front, and that time saves you from expensive surprises later.
What is BIM, and why does it matter for my project?
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a single coordinated digital model of your whole building, not just a set of drawings. Because everything is linked, it catches clashes between systems early. It lets us produce far more detailed drawings easily, which means clearer tender documents, more accurate contractor pricing, and fewer “that’s extra” disputes later. Experienced clients ask for it by name; if you’re new to it, we’ll show you what it changes in practice.
Can you create truly custom elements: façades, ceilings, furniture, signage?
Yes. We work directly with factories to fabricate bespoke pieces: custom façades, ceiling arrangements, walls, signage, and furniture (FF&E). We also treat the façade as a chance to make the building genuinely iconic rather than ordinary.
Can I get a one-of-a-kind design without paying a big-practice premium?
Yes. Because STEAD runs lean, our overhead is lower than that of a large firm, so you’re paying for design and craft rather than organizational overhead. You get a distinctive, bespoke result without the premium that usually comes with it.
Will my project come in on budget and on time?
That’s always our goal, and we set you up for it: pricing based on recent comparable projects, clear communication, and early flags on anything that could move the number. We’ll also be honest that some variables, such as third-party contractors, authority approvals, and design and material decisions made by the client, sit somewhat outside any architect’s direct control. That’s precisely why we manage those parties on your behalf, to keep them from derailing your budget or timeline.
Are the technical services (BIM, LiDAR, parametric design) actually necessary for me?
Not always, and we’ll tell you when they’re not. On complex or high-value projects, they prevent costly coordination errors and pay for themselves; on simpler ones, we won’t push services you don’t need. The honest answer for your project comes out of that first conversation.
What kinds of projects do you take on?
Modern homes, smart homes, hospitality and villa resorts, museums, retail, and offices from concept through to a finished, furnished space. Our residential work leans modern and liveable; our hospitality work aims to feel luxurious yet down-to-earth and connected to nature; our office design is modern yet comfortable, and we’re glad to incorporate Feng Shui considerations where they matter to you.
Do you design smart homes?
Yes. Smart-home and IoT integration is one of our most-requested capabilities. We design the technology from the start, so automation, lighting, and climate feel like part of the architecture rather than gadgets bolted on afterward.
Can you make my project sustainable and cheaper to run?
Yes. Sustainable, environmentally conscious design is core to what we do, and when done well, it lowers running costs over the life of the building, not just the upfront spend. We build these choices into the design to reduce the carbon footprint, rather than treating them as an add-on.
Do you work outside Hong Kong?
We’re based in Hong Kong and know its building codes and culture inside out, and we also take on projects in Japan (Niseko), Dubai, and Thailand. Wherever the project is, you get a team that takes local codes, climate, and context seriously from day one.
How do we get started, and what do you need from me?
Just reach out with a few lines about your project: the space, your goals, and roughly where you are in the process. There’s no obligation; the first conversation is about working out whether we’re the right fit and what your project actually needs. Contact us to start your project today.