Hong Kong gave interior designer Andrew Scattergood a foothold to various prestigious hotel and resort projects in the region

Having arrived in Hong Kong 1988, Andrew Scattergood's focus was on obtaining a few years' design experience in Asia before returning home to the UK. Noting the rapid establishment of new restaurants, bars and clubs, he established Damask Design International in 1992 as Hong Kong's first dedicated hospitality industry interior design consultancy. Such has been the success of Damask (HK) that demand for its expertise has resulted in expansion into hotel and commercial projects and the establishment of regional offices in Shanghai, Singapore and Bangkok.

"I had visited Hong Kong twice briefly prior to my arrival and was very much attracted by the power, excitement and general buzz of the place. I welcomed the openness as experienced with both locals and expatriates and quickly realised this would assist in overcoming any relocation problems I may encounter. My original plan was to work for a local company until I found my feet.

This I did, working with a couple of companies specialising in architectural and interior design, as well as being employed by a project management company. This gave me a very good grounding in the industry and eventually enabled me to consider establishing my own design company.

One of the areas I felt was not properly serviced was the interior design of hospitality outlets. I decided to establish a company that would provide an all-encompassing service, from evaluation of site suitability to issuance of relevant licences, something not previously provided here.

I really must place great emphasise on the straight forward, simple process of establishing a business in Hong Kong. The ability to purchase a limited liability company and then change the name instantly means you can be trading under your own company name within a mere two weeks. The additional requirement of only two directors and shareholders of any nationality enables foreigners to be in complete control and ownership of their company from the outset, something that is not always possible in other cities of the world. 

The low rate of taxation in Hong Kong is very attractive. The local employment situation in Hong Kong is also very strong, with skilled personnel who are eager to work hard. One of the fears I had when Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule and localisation was introduced, and therefore the ability to employ overseas personnel reduced, was that the quality of employees would be compromised. I am pleased to say that this has not been the case. The government is also very open to issuing work visas to overseas employees if there is a real need for them. I have sponsored several individuals because of their specific area of expertise and have not encountered any objection.

Hong Kong has historically been one of the major hubs of Asia, with its advanced technology, banking facilities and geographical location. Most international companies choose to establish a head office in Hong Kong and then expand via a network of offices throughout the region. This has great advantages for a company such as Damask, enabling us to work on several regional projects under one company.

Damask experienced such an advantage working with the Jardine-owned Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which eventually resulted in our own regional expansion. The geographical location as well as the frequency of air services to other regional destinations also enables Hong Kong-based companies to get to most areas of Asia within just a few hours.

The fact that Damask-designed restaurants and bars are among the most profitable outlets in Hong Kong is no coincidence. Damask quite often advises against the owners' original vision, but the proof as they say is in the pudding, or in Hong Kong, in the happy owners' bank accounts.

The company's recent appointment at the Whitekaps Resort in Thailand has been a natural progression from this, with Damask engaged to provide complete design consultancy for this much-anticipated hotel resort.

Damask has established offices in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Shanghai. We simply could not have achieved this without the advantages to be gained by initially establishing the company in Hong Kong."