In just a decade, Ruth Chao has risen to become one of Hong Kong’s most sought-after design talents. She started her career at Vogue magazine in London, before moving back to Hong Kong and working for companies including film company Lionsgate, and retailers Lane Crawford and I.T. She also worked extensively with legendary film production designer William Chang.

In 2014 Chao and business partner Antonia Li founded agency Indicube, of which Chao was also creative director; it was acquired in 2017 by Beijing-based agency PBB Creative, where she remains a partner.

She then founded her own design firm, Ruth Chao Studio, in 2018, and with it has won a brace of awards, including the coveted Red Dot Design Award three times; Chao is also a Hong Kong Ambassador of Design. The company has worked on projects including the redesigns and redevelopments of Central Market, Amber restaurant at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel and House 1881, and has worked for clients including Estée Lauder, Mr Porter and Mandarin Oriental.