In a bright Sai Ying Pun apartment, where the gentle sound of waves drifts through the windows, designers Christina and Jay — the duo behind “Craft of Both” — twist open a curved door to reveal a discreet storage space, thoughtfully built into their design. Their work speaks a visual language in dialogue with Hong Kong itself: the flowing, wave-like lines inside echo the sea beyond the windows; every inch of storage is carefully maximised to suit the city’s compact living spaces. And when they unfold a chair inspired by the delicate form of a Chinese paper fan, the crisp click of magnets meeting becomes its own symphony — a meeting of traditional Chinese craft and contemporary Western design.

Christina Standaloft and Jay Jordan both moved to Hong Kong with their families at a young age, meeting for the first time in their high school design class. After completing their university studies in the UK, they gained work experience in several countries, including Italy, but ultimately chose to return to Hong Kong.

"The design and construction industry here is incredibly diverse and dynamic, making it an eclectic and fascinating place to start a business and to learn," says Jay.

Their brand, Craft of Both, is more than a collaboration between two designers; it embodies a philosophy — a dialogue between concepts and ideas, forms and materials, tradition and modernity. It brings together seemingly opposing elements to create spaces that feel truly distinctive. “It’s always one thing and another thing combined to make something special,” Jay adds.

To ensure the homes they design remain closely connected to Hong Kong’s unique context, they draw inspiration from the city’s diverse landscapes — from sweeping sea views to rolling hills — and weave these elements into their interiors. In the “Waveform Project,” an apartment perched on the coastline, the interior lines curve and flow like ocean waves, as though the waves outside have surged inward and been captured, frozen in motion within the living space.

But their inspiration extends beyond landscapes and forms, as they never compromise on practicality. Hong Kong’s unique relationship between people and space, with its famously compact living areas, drives them to ensure every inch is put to use. 

Decorative partitions are reimagined to conceal storage, while bespoke, cushioned tops transform shoe cabinets into elegant, comfortable seating. As they present their work, they eagerly reveal the hidden utility within each carefully crafted detail — proof that even the smallest spaces can hold infinite possibilities.

Echoing Hong Kong’s blend of East and West, their designs always find a delicate balance between the two. Rather than allowing traditional elements to be overshadowed by modernity, they weave clients’ collections of Chinese antique furniture into contemporary spaces, drawing special attention to details such as colours and textures. “We really wanted to highlight the details of the Chinese furniture,” Christina says.

This commitment to preserving traditional Chinese elements extends into Craft of Both’s latest creation. At the 2025 Hong Kong Interior Design Week (HKIDW), their showcased series, “Moon Series,” incorporates the delicate elegance of the Chinese paper fan into the structure of a solid, grounded chair. The interplay between fragility and strength creates a striking tension, capturing a dialogue between softness and resilience. As their designs continue to tour Milan and Hong Kong, their design language sketches a cultural map that bridges East and West.

Even as their designs take centre stage internationally, they remain deeply connected to Hong Kong’s local spirit. Of all the city’s neighbourhoods, Causeway Bay is where they feel most at home, choosing to establish their studio there. They are particularly captivated by the bustling crossroads near SOGO, which they describe as “a constant source of inspiration and dynamism.” Their search for materials often leads them along the streets of Lockhart Road and Portland Street, and even extends to sourcing online from mainland China.

Christina describes the tile as a symbol of Hong Kong: countless small tiles come together to form a grand picture or façade. “I feel like Hong Kong is not Hong Kong without all the people contributing to the city and its culture,” she says. And without question, Christina and Jay — along with their creations — are among those very “tiles.” As they design for the city, they, too, become a part of it.

Watch the video now for more details.

For more information, follow HKeye social media handles:

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@HKeye2023.

X:https://twitter.com/HKeye_.

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/HKeye.hk/.

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@hkeye_.