Architect Moira Moser utilised Hong Kong’s leading edge to serve design clients globally and launch her business in the mainland

 "In many respects, we have grown global as Hong Kong has grown global," Ms Moser said. "The majority of our clients are multinational companies, and as they have come to Hong Kong, and from Hong Kong looked into the region, we have expanded as well. 

"The fact that Hong Kong is an international city was a major reason that enabled us to expand to London and New York. We have been able to gain much international exposure through Hong Kong, and decision-makers at other global headquarters have come to know us here, so it has all helped expand our network globally."

Specialising in workplace interiors, the company quickly built a portfolio of high-profile clients such as Cisco, MLC, Herbert Smith, BNP, Clifford Chance, NordDeutsche Landesbank, Nomura, Qualcomm, and GlaxoSmithKline.  Hong Kong became the nucleus for a network of M. Moser offices in Taiwan, Shanghai, Singapore, Beijing, Guangzhou, London, New York and Kuala Lumpur.  It also became the driver for services integrating the newest advances in IT and telephony into the interior design of the workplace.  This "leading edge" transferred quickly to M. Moser's China offices as well. 

Knowledge transferred to China

"In the late 80s and early 90s, China was a 'jumping off place' for multinationals expanding into China, and so it was with us.  We established an office in Shanghai in 1993 and quickly became fully licensed in China. Our Hong Kong and China teams often work together and this gives our multinational clients with projects in the mainland, such as ExxonMobil, IBM and PricewaterhouseCoopers, a great degree of comfort." 

The key elements to global enterprise, Ms Moser says, are having an international understanding of quality, and the knowledge and ability to deliver it locally. Another is maintaining a core focus. "Many (design) firms might combine hospitality, residential, retail and commercial, but we focus specifically on the office. We have expanded our capabilities within that focus, so that we now design, manage and often actually build the project. It means there is a single point of responsibility, which the client finds quite comforting."  

The pool of professional talent available in Hong Kong has also benefited the firm, Ms Moser said. "Hong Kong attracts quality people because it offers a lot of opportunity and a very good living environment. We have expatriates who come here from all over the world, and local people who were educated overseas and have come back.

"If you enjoy doing business, Hong Kong is the place to be. You are in touch with the rest of the world, news is open and available, and there is very little red tape. Travel is easy throughout the region, and telecommunications costs are very low.

"The tax regime is low and simple, and one is not taxed on income generated outside Hong Kong. And of course, as our young designers keep telling me, there is a great social life."

Related link:
M Moser Associates