Earlier this month we sat down to talk living spaces with Raymond Chow, award-winning architect and partner at gh3*. Today we dive into the design details that help make Collecdev homes some of the most sought-after on the market.

Your designs for Collecdev communities, particularly TRETTI and Nørdic, have been extremely well received. Why do you think buyers are responding with such enthusiasm?
I think our philosophy resonates with purchasers, and it’s a philosophy shared by Collecdev. Together, we’re creating residences that offer thoughtful consideration of key architectural elements such as proportion, material selection, and natural light. None of these need to cost more money, and buyers appreciate that.

They also seem to appreciate your approach to multifunctional design. City living usually requires a tradeoff between physical space and urban convenience, but the communities you’ve designed with Collecdev don’t appear to sacrifice function at all. How do you ensure that spaces remain functional at any size?
Size isn’t actually the most important metric here. The issue is usually the layout itself - the amount of built-in storage provided, the carefully considered placement of fixtures and appliances, careful planning so that every bedroom is on a windowed wall… By taking a more thoughtful approach to these elements, we’re able to create functional spaces that work well at any size. It’s about smarter design, where size is not a limiting factor to how well you live.

Would you say that multifunctionality is a conscious strategy at gh3*?
Yes - it’s fundamental. People need flexible spaces to meet the demands of our busier lifestyles. If the last few months have taught us anything, it’s that home is a place where we spend a lot of our time. Even before COVID, more people were working from home. Now, our homes need to be a place where we can work, relax, retreat, entertain, all in the same space. That space needs to adapt to our needs, not the other way around.

How can good design be made more accessible for everyone?
Don’t over design. Don’t try to be too trendy or ‘of the time’. It’s important that architects, designers, and developers prioritize functionality and quality wherever possible. Design with purpose and simplicity in mind and you’ll often arrive at the most elegant solution.

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