Interview with ELTO Consultancy

I always wished to be an architect, but end-up to be an interior architect. I am passionate about using work to make a difference, whether by improving the quality of everyday life, shaping culture, or contributing to social change. I am inspired by a desire to create spaces, products, or experiences that bring people together or foster well-being.

It was surely my choice, a passionate choice for aesthetic building and space.

I do design for Hospitality space，School/Academy space, Commercial retail/ corporate offices and also some private residences. I love for projects that are seeking for new thoughts and direction, that challenge more creativity.

To have persistence in the right position. Design is a long process, we need to keep learning and explore to get different experience.

Vision and practice, a different way in seeing and doing things.

The intention and approach based on the medium and context on the design, that carry out well-functional, aesthetic and wow factor.

Good design generates economic and social value, and could enhance our lives.

Projects that are seeking for new thoughts and direction; Client who are willing to try and go for something unique with their own personality.

I dream of creating furniture and decorative products of my own brand. This is a very big project.

Ok, I tell you secretly... keep passion, and stay out of the box.

Avel Verdvoot, Carlo Scarpa, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Christian Liaigre etc.

I like design that somehow got the shadow of Japanese Zen Influences that speaks to the universe and nature, which is soothing and poetic. But i also like wild and fascinating design from Philip Starck.

Salon de Ning, Peninsula Shanghai. Salon de Ning is a place where history, art, luxury, and modern design come together. It provides a refined experience that appeals to those seeking both cultural richness and sophisticated relaxation in Shanghai. Whether for its elegant ambiance, spectacular views, or its distinctive design, Salon de Ning is a memorable destination for those wanting a unique and exclusive experience.

Keep the passion, keep trying and exploring.

Architect.

Design is a language to connect people, the body and soul to the environment. It makes the world better.

My business partner Samme Goh, and my family who always support me.

Learning and Exploring, and importantly listening the inner voice of myself.

Learning to organize myself in between lots of different thoughts.

With confidence and conviction.

We are now designing a spa in French style. It is totally different from the GTR and Teleport project. We transform the classic elements into a modern way of presentation, carrying some sense of romance and softness.

To make lives and world better.

Better understanding about what they need.

Design influences people and, anything that can influence people can make an impact on society.

We are now creating our own two brands : RFLAB and ELTOMADE

RF Lab is a brand that specializes in creating innovative, sustainable, and culturally rich décor products that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics. The brand is known for its focus on sustainability, ethical production, and cultural preservation, promoting the idea of east meet west, where it collaborates with local artisans to create high-quality, handcrafted pieces.

ELTO Made is an art and décor brand, dedicated to creating unique masterpiece that elevate living spaces and reflect individual styles and personalities. The collections are a fusion of artistry and inspiration, curated through collaborations with artists and visionary designers.

One of the most acclaimed projects is the GTR and Teleport Office, which exemplifies lots of innovative approach and our commitment to creating spaces that are not only functional but also rich in character and context.

Design that embrace technology, but sustainable design.

The design field is heading towards more sustainable, inclusive, and technologically driven approaches. With a focus on human-centered experiences, digital integration, and eco-conscious practices, design will continue to evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The boundaries between the physical and digital realms will blur, offering endless opportunities for creative innovation.

It depends... few days to few months.

I will first do research on the client background, specificities of program, site, function, and history which is essential to the creation of rigorous design work. From there, i will come out with a concept or story for the design.

What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.

They both goes together proportionally, like "Chicken and Egg" Theory.

The usage of modern technology performs the tasks in effective time and reasonable cost.

Photoshop, Autocad, 3d max, Microsoft Words/ Powerpoint.

They are the key to express design intention.

I hope design can speaks by itself without questions. but I would still love to share the story behind.

I would appreciate it and wonder how did he/she came out with this idea?

My business partner Samme Goh, who complementary and challenge me. There must be chemistry occurs for co-design.

Someone who are extraordinary and have great vision.

Kengo Kuma .

Practicing and cultivating appetite for discovery. never give up.

Buddha. His teachings offer profound insight into how to live more mindfully, with compassion, and in harmony with the world around you. Buddha’s wisdom can be a source of light in times of darkness, offering a roadmap to a life of greater understanding and inner peace.

I feel honored and it gives encouragement to produce more great works.
Yes it is difficult to be famous. We need to work hard for it.

Grey and white.
Malaysia local flavor food.
I love Autumn.
I love my British shorthair cat.

I tried to gain more inspiration when I drank wine. But normally I would fall asleep directly...

I always like this quote to motivate myself in design: If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.

No. I thought I would be a teacher.

I see I will be still designing for a better life for all beings.

I always love to share the story of our Company name "Eleven To One" (ELTO). It paints a concept of a clock. To draw a middle line on the clock, 12 o’clock is the boundary. When hour hand straddles from 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock, it is beyond the boundary. It is just as design crossing different fields and creativity is always an essential. From 11am-1pm, or 11pm to 1am, there is neither ending nor beginning. It is a perfection of ever-lasting. It is beyond design through penetration and integration.

ELTO CONSULTANCY GROUP ( ELTO ) is a group of companies of which offers targeted services, ranging from master planning and architecture, to interior design, installation, furniture, product, branding, graphic works and project management. ELTO has expanded the conventional boundaries of practice to include complementary disciplines. A critical probing into the specificities of program, site, function, and history is essential to the creation of rigorous work.

The company design philosophy is just like its name. ELTO (Eleven To One) paints a concept of a clock. When hour hand straddles from 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock, it is beyond the boundary of 12 o’clock. It is just as design crossing different fields. ELTO anchors its ethos on the dynamic interaction of experience, detail, material, form, and light rather than conforming to a formulaic style.

Design is about an exploration into life, as if a play that could tell stories.

I love interesting projects that could go wild and extraordinary concept, that could raise one's emotions and interactions.

This award winning project, Avenue Green International Kindergarten. It is a project surrounded with wonderful nature, that reminds me the importance to appreciate mother nature. It makes me feeling young again. It fuels my creativity, tickles my inner child and nurtures my soul for design, like a resurrection.

Salon De Ning, a Jazz bar in The Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai

I am open to any materials. But i would like to promote sustainable materials in design, as i believe that we as designers/ architects play very important role in protecting our earth and environment through awareness in sustainability.

Every morning. I am not that kind of designer who seek for ideas at late midnight.. I need sufficient rest.

The conceptual stage which is the story-telling part.

I feel playful, and sentimental.

I feel touched and proud of the teams.

Passion and professionalism, that drive the force and desire to create some good stuffs.

The design intention, and how the intention turns into reality.

We need to increase our environmental sustainability and social responsibility efforts. We have the opportunity to infuse sustainability concepts into our lives through the products and spaces we design. For example, we can use only environmentally friendly materials and try to promote awareness to the public through the design outcome. Let our design speaks our intention and responsibility.

I believe there will be impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing and the future of work of design. We need to be well equipped to harness the challenges and explorations in design, to make meaningful contributions in the future. In which the design would be more humane and concern about the environment.

We will hold an exhibition of our own brand RFLAB and ELTOMADE in November 2025, in Shanghai.

Design inspiration is coming from everyday life and experience. I think meditation is a very good tool to keep mind calm and focus.

I do not own any specific style. I have very dynamic and daring approach towards different kind of project identity. Sometimes I can be very soothing, poetic and ZEN, while sometimes I am very playful and wild. I like to tell different story according to the personality I understand from each space.

I was born and grew up in Malaysia where full of different culture and heritage. Then i start working and living in Shanghai, a very cosmopolitan city. The very different culture and lifestyle at both cities inspires me a lot. I see different effectiveness and mentality, that let me always consider a lot at humanity and the living philosophy.

I am the design director and I will gives design thoughts and directions.

Companies need to encourage designers to think differently and also give them opportunity to try. I always judge on the passion, professionality and responsibility at work.

I will first do research on the client background, specificities of program, site, function, and history which is essential to the creation of rigorous design work. From there, i will come out with a concept or story for the design.

Clock, incense holder, tea pot, table lamp, my cat's house.

I will have meditation session in the morning, with my cat sitting next to me before i start working. After work，i will do exercise and reading. If not too busy, i will cook.

I would like to use this quote from Steve jobs : "stay hungry, stay foolish". Do not limit ourselves or to set any border.

Positives: Young is always the best to have more opportunities to grow and learn.
Negatives: lacking of experience and people might not trust your ability of design.

Keep trying and developing design to the max (If time allowed!)

Communication and presentation skills.

Photoshop, Illustrator, Autocad, 3d Max, Pinterest, Frame, Dezeen etc.

Have a To-Do List and start with the most important tasks.

It depends... few days to few months.
This project ( Avenue Green International Kindergarten) took about 15 months from preliminary design to completion of site.

"What and where is your inspiration coming from?" i think this is a question that most people are curious about designer.

Few years of time that i stayed with my mentor Henry Leung from CAP atelier ( company name previously was Chhada Siembieda Leung Pte. Ltd).

Coca-cola, Universal Music, Air Asia.

Projects that are seeking for new thoughts and direction; Client who are willing to try and go for something unique with their own personality.

I am now doing some product design with Agarwood. I hope my career path is more diversified.

We work as a team.

I am now creating my own two brands : RFLAB and ELTOMADE

RF Lab is a brand that specializes in creating innovative, sustainable, and culturally rich décor products that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics. The brand is known for its focus on sustainability, ethical production, and cultural preservation, promoting the idea of east meet west, where it collaborates with local artisans to create high-quality, handcrafted pieces.

ELTO Made is an art and décor brand, dedicated to creating unique masterpiece that elevate living spaces and reflect individual styles and personalities. The collections are a fusion of artistry and inspiration, curated through collaborations with artists and visionary designers.

I can be reached at my email: chloeliew@eltoconsultancy.com, or my partner: sammegoh@eltoconsultancy.com

No. Thank you very much.