Company Introduction
Founded in 2014, Lead8 is an international multi-disciplinary architecture and design studio with a reputation for fusing creative thinking with award-winning experience.With a team of over 250, the firm works on projects in more than 40 cities worldwide from studios in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and London. Since their inception, Lead8 has partnered with some of the world’s leading property developers, owners and operators with a portfolio that includes SKYCITY at Hong Kong International Airport, MixC Shenzhen Bay, One Bangkok and the Shangri-La Mixed-use Development in Fuzhou.
Lead8’s mission is to design ahead of the curve; creating places and spaces which engage, inspire and give back to the communities of today, and tomorrow. The team delivers an integrated approach which blends informed strategy, cutting-edge technology and exceptional design skill to transform ambition into meaningful built environments.
Corporate Culture
Lead8 knows their people are their best asset. They foster a culture of leadership and mentorship, offer an inclusive working environment and access to an acclaimed portfolio, knowing that if their people excel, so too does the studio. As such, they have attracted a multidisciplinary team with a diverse and international mindset, growing to now represent more than 20 nationalities and speaking over 15 languages.The firm sees success as fostering leadership and collaboration – giving teams the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Through active mentorship and a ‘Design Review’ programme, they have built their own collaborative community, empowering young designers to bring new insight and innovation with expert guidance to fuel the creative process.
Lead8 has been recognised for investing in their team and community. They have received awards that range from their enhancement of retirement benefits for their employees, to their participation in awareness and fundraising projects with leading charitable organisations.
At Lead8, it is all about people and working together to achieve a common goal.
We believe design is for people and the place. When there is need for design, by sharing knowledge, we aim to create a better place for people to live.
Growth Initiatives
At the end of 2019, Lead8 made the move from their founding Hong Kong studio in a former industrial warehouse to a new Grade A office building to accommodate a growing team. The move marked the firm’s fifth anniversary and coincided with a brand evolution to reflect Lead8’s transformation from Hong Kong start-up to international award-winning design firm.The recent brand refresh for Lead8 also provides a greater platform for awareness in the industry and entry into new markets. The scope included enhancing the firm’s digital presence and involved launching a new website and further social media platforms.
Achievements and Impact
Lead8 has achieved spectacular growth in just six years, expanding from a team of eight to now over 250 with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and London, and more than 500 projects around the world. Over the last two years, Lead8 has been appointed by some of the world’s leading property developers, owners and operators including Shangri-La Group, Hong Kong International Airport, Hongkong Land, Chelsfield and Pamfleet.Beyond the commercial fee-paying portfolio of work, Lead8 firmly established their commitment to community from the outset. Looking to drive change and debate for their home city of Hong Kong, Lead8 forged ‘HarbourLoop’; a self-funded conceptual initiative which envisions connecting and transforming 23km of the city’s underutilised waterfront into an urban cycling and walking route for the public.
Lead8’s vision has helped give a voice to the development of the city’s beloved natural asset. The team at Lead8 has presented the concept to Hong Kong’s leading governing body, spoken at multiple public and professional forums, been published across the region’s leading media and also recognised by international programmes such as the German Design Awards; all with the desire to drive positive change for the city.
Future Direction
Lead8 plans to continue its business expansion based on the firm’s strategy of going where opportunity leads. Lead8’s portfolio continues to expand geographically with sector-leading projects that seek to create better communities and urban places for people. While still confidential, Lead8’s work currently on the drawing board will see the firm expand their presence in new markets, adding project locations in Australia and Europe.Lead8 is also looking to expansion of their office network, with Mainland China a key point of interest given the prominence of the portfolio Lead8 is now delivering across the country.
Collaborations with new industry partners are also being investigated as boundaries between sectors and markets blur, opening new opportunities. Lead8 is well-positioned to adapt to these new prospects and evolve their offering to benefit clients, communities and creatives.
COMPANY MILESTONES
