Who We Are

Michael Young – Director

Michael Young was born in 1966 in Sunderland, a small industrial city in the North-East of England. He graduated from Kingston University in 1992 and the following year, he founded the Michael Young Studio with the aim of providing exclusive, quality design services across an eclectic range of markets – from interiors to technology.

Michael Young quickly became one of the UK’s most sought-after young designers and revered retailers and institutions such as the Conran shop and the Pompidou Museum began demanding his work. He became known in the industry as a sophisticated minimalist acclaimed for his elegant, pared-down aesthetic design, which was in direct opposition to the elaborate style dominating London at the time.

After nearly a decade working across the UK and Iceland, Michael was enticed to Asia by his passion for pioneering technology, and in 2006 set up a studio in Hong Kong. Today Michael Young Studio is considered to be one of the most exciting and formidable design companies operating in Asia, responsible for designing award-winning icons for its clients that last a lifetime and are presented in museums globally.

Over the past 20 years Michael Young has established himself as one of the leading international figures in his field continuing to push the boundaries of experimental design. The studio specialises in creating modern design through exploring the endless possibilities Asia’s technological ingenuity provides. Propelled by the momentum created through collaboration with Chinese industrialists, the studio captures the strengthening ties between local industry and design, and exemplifies the skills of Asia’s industrial innovation.

The result is work that transcends design by harnessing some of the highest and most innovative manufacturing skills to create Industrial Art. Michael Young’s vibrant imagination and his continued ability to innovate and take a fresh approach to a seamless blending of East and West is what keeps his work relevant and increasingly in demand across all continents.

“It is design as Industrial Art that interests me, not just as a limited edition, but on a scale of mass production.” – Michael Young

Ben McCarthy Head Of Industrial Design Originally from Sydney, Ben has been with Michael Young studio in Hong Kong since 2007. As Head of Industrial Design many of the factory focused projects invariably cross Ben’s desk as they make their way from hand sketches to producible forms. Ben has coordinated several award winning projects during the offices Hong Kong years.	Alex Nacrour Industrial Designer Alex is a French / British Londoner who uses his manufacturing engineering background, product development skills, and material knowledge to help bring projects to manufacturing feasibility. Alex is also responsible for coordinating many of the limited edition projects, and exhibition logistics that the studio engages in worldwide.
Lavrans Laading Industrial Designer Of Scandinavian origin, Lavrans grew up in Africa and now works between Asia and Europe. Lavrans first began working with Michael in 2005. As a product designer, his focus tends to be on conceptual development as well as 3D visualisation. Lavrans works on complex structure projects as well as some interiors, pattern work and consumer products.	Chaya Lin Industrial Design & Branding Chaya was born and educated in Taiwan. With an industrial design background and research on craft, she develops projects with a combination of experimental and practical approaches. Leveraging her previous experience in branding prior to working at the studio, Chaya is involved in helping our clients clarify their identities and deliver suitable solutions.
Doreen Tang Design Strategist Doreen grew up between Hong Kong and Mainland China,  she studied Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University in London. With her sensitive observation and analysis on human behaviour, Doreen is primarily focused on research based design projects. Her diverse background helps to strengthen her understanding of both European and Asian markets.	Alice Harding Business Development Manager Alice originates from New Zealand and is our Business Development Manager. Alice started her career as a Buyer for Selfridges, London, then transitioned into Business Development for a broad range of commercial and boutique companies within the design, homeware and fashion industry. She is now co-ordinating our business partnerships between Asia, USA and Europe.