DANISH INTERIOR DESIGNER FONG CHAN ZEUTHEN SHAPING VIETNAMESE DESIGN

Explore the leadership and design philosophy of interior designer Fong Chan Zeuthen, KAZE Interior Design Studio founder

Article by: Tatler Asia

Link: https://www.tatlerasia.com/homes/architecture-design/fong-chan-zeuthen-interior-design-entrepreneur-journey-vn-en

Fong Chan Zeuthen arrived in Vietnam in the early 2000s, a time of rapid innovation and transformation. She saw immense potential in a market where high-quality interior design was not yet a priority. With a long-term vision and a steadfast belief in the value of sophisticated design, she founded KAZE Interior Design Studio—an interior practice committed to industry leadership and dedicated to precision and meticulous craftsmanship.

For Fong Chan, interior design is about embellishment and cohesion. “Design isn’t just about adding gold leaf, silk curtains, or plush cushions. It’s about the overall composition—proportion, balance, and the feel of a space.”

That philosophy defines the way she and her team approach every project, with functionality at its core.

Function is the “key” to design

“Everything begins with function. Nothing is more important than that,” she says. “A hotel has two main areas: public spaces, where guests arrive, move, and interact, and private spaces, where they need to feel comfortable and at ease. It’s not just about storytelling or spending lavishly to create an impression. What truly matters is how guests move, how they engage with the space, how they sit, communicate, and dine. Every element must be designed with function in mind.”

The complexities of hospitality design set it apart from other sectors. “Offices and apartments are easier because many elements can be standardised. But in hotels, almost nothing can be fully standardised. Each project presents a new set of challenges, and every space must be shaped by a deep understanding of how people interact with it.”

Drawing from her architectural background, Fong Chan remains committed to the principle of ‘form follows function’ in all her projects.

Rather than chasing fleeting design trends, Fong Chan prioritises sustainability and longevity. “I focus on longevity. Look at Mia Resort or Sailing Club Mui Ne—we’ve maintained their identity for years. We make subtle refinements rather than drastic changes because customers appreciate familiarity.” Her mission is to honour each project’s identity while refining it over time so that any evolution feels organic and effortless.

This approach allows her work to remain relevant and enduring without compromising her distinctive style or design ethos. It is the essence of her philosophy—creating spaces that blend tradition with innovation, identity with adaptability, and elegance with lasting appeal.

People-centric

Over 14 years at the helm of KAZE, Fong Chan Zeuthen has learned that building a successful design business requires both creative talent and people managing skills. “We invest heavily in training and upskilling our team because they are the key to everything,” she says. She believes that sustainable growth is only possible when a leader knows how to delegate and create opportunities for their employees.

She also recognises that every individual has unique strengths and that balancing introverts and extroverts within a team is essential. “I need people who can take on challenges with confidence, but I also need those who can sit down, focus on details, and work with precision.” This is why she continually seeks out the right talent and nurtures their development.

The qualities of a female leader

Fong Chan Zeuthen observes that women are well represented in interior design. However, in leadership roles within architecture and construction, men still dominate. “I think there are more women than men in interior design, but at senior levels, men still outnumber us,” she says.

Vietnam, however, presents a unique landscape where women can hold significant and influential positions. “Here, you see powerful ‘madames’ standing on equal footing with male presidents. This comes from families with strong traditions, where women have always played crucial roles in management and leadership,” she explains.

Yet, invisible barriers remain, particularly in gaining the trust of clients and partners. “I think some developers feel more at ease working with men,” she admits. This poses a significant challenge for female entrepreneurs, requiring them to prove their expertise through results rather than assumptions. “Whether being a woman is an advantage or not—I don’t really dwell on that. I just do what I do, and I do it to the best of my ability,” she says.

When discussing the future, Fong Chan Zeuthen makes no secret of her ambition to propel KAZE to new heights. At the same time, she is focused on building an operating structure that can thrive independently of her. “If I want to have a life and not be overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion, I need to delegate. The company must be able to run without me.” This, she acknowledges, is a challenge faced by many entrepreneurs in the design industry—how to scale while preserving both identity and quality.

Regardless of her role, Fong Chan Zeuthen remains committed to creativity, perseverance, and responsibility in the world of interior design. She is not only shaping living spaces but also creating new opportunities for the next generation—particularly for women looking to establish themselves in the industry. With her past achievements and ambitious plans ahead, her journey is far from over.