From Designing Interiors to Creating Meaningful Experiences: Austin Tang on Spaces That Tell Stories

In his Legacy Bench conversation, Austin Tang explores why great interior design is about far more than creating beautiful spaces, and how thoughtful environments have the power to shape the way people feel, connect, and experience the world around them.

At the heart of Austin’s story is a passion for purposeful design.

Originally from Hong Kong, Austin has built his career across Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK, drawing inspiration from different cultures, architectural styles, and ways of living. Along the way, he came to realise that the most memorable spaces are not necessarily the most extravagant, but the ones that create an emotional connection with the people who use them.

That philosophy eventually became the foundation of Austin Tang Interiors.

As the founder of his Manchester-based design studio, Austin creates high-end residential and brand-led commercial interiors that combine contemporary design with bespoke craftsmanship, cultural influences, and Feng Shui principles. Every project is approached with the belief that a space should tell a story, reflect the identity of its owner, and stand the test of time.

Throughout the conversation, Austin shares how his journey as a studio founder began with the opportunity to design Hong Kong’s first padel tennis club. What started as a single project evolved into the design of a second, larger venue, reinforcing his belief that great design extends beyond aesthetics. It has the ability to bring people together, create community, and transform the way a place is experienced.

Rather than following trends or designing for appearance alone, Austin believes every interior should have a soul. By balancing contemporary design with timeless principles of harmony and spatial awareness, he creates environments that feel authentic, emotionally engaging, and deeply personal. For him, the true measure of successful design is not simply how a space looks, but how it makes people feel.

Joining Legacy Bench is an opportunity to share this perspective with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders who understand the value of creating meaningful experiences. He hopes to contribute to conversations around design, culture, and innovation while encouraging others to think differently about the spaces they build for themselves, their businesses, and their communities.

Looking ahead, Austin continues to grow Austin Tang Interiors with a vision of creating distinctive spaces where design, culture, and human connection exist in harmony. His ambition is to build a studio recognised not only for exceptional interiors, but for the stories, emotions, and lasting experiences created within every project.

His story is a reminder that great design is never just about what we see.

It is about how a space makes us feel, the memories it creates, and the stories it leaves behind.