Head of Interior Architecture
Dip Arch, MArch
London, UK
Kar-Hwa Ho
Photograph by Frederic Aranda ©
Photograph by Paul Warchol
Kar has led teams for numerous high-profile projects, including the Infinitus Plaza Interiors in Guangzhou and the Il Makiage Pavilion in New York. His strength lies in conceptualising interior spaces that frame diverse human experiences and narratives across different typologies. At the heart of Kar’s work is a focus on human interaction, creating environments that connect with inhabitants on an emotional level. His residential interiors, in particular, have won numerous awards and been widely published.
Kar first worked with ZHA in 1985 following his studies at the Architectural Association (AA) in London. He contributed to early projects such as the Vitra Fire Station and the Monsoon Restaurant before pursuing further experience globally. After completing his studies in the UK and US, Kar worked extensively on projects around the world, focusing on interior architecture and retail design. He returned to ZHA as Head of Interior Architecture in 2014, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a refined design sensibility.
Before re-joining ZHA in 2014, Kar spent eleven years with Kohn Pedersen Fox in New York, where he led design teams responsible for the design and implementation of mixed-use, commercial, and retail projects across the US, the UK, and Asia. He then spent eight years with Louis Vuitton Malletier, leading the design planning, development, and implementation of Louis Vuitton retail stores across China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Interior Architect
Interior spaces have a profound ability to shape how we feel and are integral to our design. Our interiors craft memorable experiences, embracing and guiding visitors.
Photograph by Hélène Binet
Kar obtained his Diploma in Architecture with Honours from the AA, where he studied under the late Zaha Hadid. He subsequently completed his Master of Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and qualified as an architect in New York. He has lectured extensively on interior architecture design.
He believes that curiosity and interest in all aspects of life continually inform and inspire his work, allowing him to create spaces that resonate with those who experience them.
Projects
Explore a selection of projects Kar has contributed to since joining ZHA.
Photograph by Virgile Simon Bertrand
Tall Buildings
Offices
Developed on the world’s most valuable site purchased by Henderson Land, the 36-storey tower's design shelters new civic plazas enveloped by nature, creating an urban oasis in the centre of the city. Accommodating enhanced workplace flexibility, the building’s smart management system creates a contactless pathway for all occupants, eliminating all contact with communal surfaces.
Photograph by Xue Liang 薛亮
Offices
Mixed Use
Infinitus Plaza is the new global headquarters of Infinitus China. Incorporating work environments designed to nurture connectivity, creativity and entrepreneurship, the new headquarters also includes the group’s herbal medicine research facilities and safety assessment labs as well as a learning centre for conferences and exhibitions.
Photograph by Paul Warchol
Retail
Il Makiage has launched a collection with a pavilion at 490 Broadway by ZHA that is informed by the label’s characteristically bold graphic identity.
Render by Negativ
West elevation
Tall Buildings
Residential
The renovation and redevelopment of Mercury House integrates residential apartments and a boutique hotel within Malta’s most dynamic urban environment. Creating new public spaces and amenities for the island’s residents and visitors, the design responds to Paceville’s key urban challenges by investing in its civic realm and increasing its limited housing supply.
Photograph by ©Christian Richters/VIEW
Civic
Culture
Conceived as the end-note to existing factory buildings, the Vitra Fire Station defines rather than occupies space – emerging as a linear, layered series of walls, between which program elements are contained – a representation of ‘movement frozen’ – an ‘alert’ structure, ready to explode into action at any moment.
Render by Negativ
Offices
The new Taikang Financial Centre will be a centre of excellence, developing effective systems and networks that will provide a new ecosystem of support for people of all ages across China. Using the new technologies developed within the Taikang Financial Centre, the group will continue its commitment to supporting community development, healthcare, education and well-being throughout the country.
Photograph by Paul Warchol
Fire part of the project, Lounge Area
Interior Architecture
Fire meets ice to create two strange, synthetic worlds in Moonsoon. A formal eating area features cool greys, tables reinvented as ice shards, and a raised ‘iceberg’ floor area. Above, a furnace of fire contrasts the relaxation lounge – all searing reds, brilliant yellows and exuberant oranges.
Render by DAMAC
Sales Launch January 2025 100% DD
Residential
Situated on the beach at Surfside, The Delmore’s design is defined by its location and environment. ZHA’s detailed analysis of the oceanfront site mapped fluctuations in solar radiation, temperature, humidity, prevailing winds, air quality, rainfall, in addition to the variable ground and sea conditions throughout every day of the year.
Render by Negativ
Hospitality
NOT A HOTEL has launched its first hotel brands: HERITAGE by NOT A HOTEL reinterprets architectural heritage, such as temples and museums, through a contemporary sensibility. vertex by NOT A HOTEL embodies design at the intersection of architecture and technology.
Render by Atchain
Culture
Mixed Use
A place of convergence and collaboration, the Yidan Center will be home to the Chen Yidan Foundation in its work to promote lifelong learning and innovation in education.
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