Today’s interview takes out the award for being THE LONGEST EVER IN THE MAKING. And when I say the longest, I mean it’s taken over 6 f*#$&!g years to get us here. I know, it’s disgraceful, and if it was anyone else I would’ve probably blacklisted them, but I’m sure most of you will agree it’s been well worth the wait.

Of course, I’m taking about Kelvin Ho, the super clever Sydney-based in demand architect, and founder of AKIN. Heralded as one of Australia’s finest designers, Kelvin is known for creating retail spaces that manifest as engaging brand extensions for his A-list clients. Of course, it’s not just retail spaces he designs. There have been plenty of hospitality and residential projects, with commercial, hotels and set design thrown in for good measure.

What struck me most about K-Dog after meeting him on a couple of occasions, apart from his height (he is probably the tallest Asian dude you’ll ever meet), is his calm demeanour and a certain nonchalance that’s incredibly disarming. For a man who has managed to singlehandedly build one of Australia’s pre-eminent design practices, Kelvin remains unaffected and cool as a cucumber. In today’s age where PR hype is perceived to be the king, this man remains dedicated to his work, and his work alone. I say this because, up until very recently, AKIN’s website and portfolio was completely out of date, the practice was never to be seen in any of the design awards, and their work was not often published in the media – at least not through Kelvin’s direct efforts (most of the PR for AKIN would’ve been generated by his fashion and hospitality clients). Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that this guy is the real deal, which is basically the only reason I haven’t blacklisted him after all this time. Ha!

So without further ado, thank you Kelvin for allowing me to eventually wear you down, and for being a part of Yellowtrace. I mean, a person with a design pedigree that isn’t afraid to admit they enjoy Kebabs and Chicken Twisties is totally my kind of person.

+ Hello Kelvin, welcome to Yellowtrace and thank you for taking the time to e-chat. Could you please give us a quick introduction on yourself? When did you first decide you wanted to become an architect? And what path lead you to starting your business?

+ What is your main priority when starting projects? Is there something that is fundamental to your practice – your philosophy and your process?

+ How is your studio structured? i.e. How many of you work in the studio, what types of skills do you have in-house, is there anything you are outsourcing, and how many projects do you handle at any one time?

+ How do you organise and manage the competing demands of modern business and life? Do you have any tip or tricks you could share with us that help you in your day to day?

+ Although you are now quite well established, the world of design and architecture is really competitive and it can be difficult to get a break. In retrospect, what do you consider to have been a turning point in your career? Has there been one project, one client, or an important set of skills you’ve developed that has changed the course of your career?

+ What do you feel is the most challenging part of being an architect today? And if you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

+ What are some of your methods to staying motivated, focused and expressive? And your top 3 main sources of inspiration and references you are drawn to regularly – i.e. books, magazines, websites/ blogs etc?

+ Who or what are some of your influences?

+ What advice would you give to emerging designers who want to follow your path? What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting your practice?

+ What’s the best mistake you have ever made?

+ What rules do you live by?

+ Your most treasured belonging?

+ What’s one thing other people may not know about you?

+ It’s not very cool, but I really like…

[Images courtesy of Akin Creative. Photography credits noted.]