#310 - TOMMY ZUNG, Principal of Studio Zung
SUMMARY
This week David and Marina are joined by Tommy Zung, Principal of Studio Zung to discuss collaborating with Brizo; Brizo’s Modern Goddess campaign; the importance of self-expression in projects; his approach to working with clients; his journey from fashion, hospitality management to architecture and interior design; his relationship with Buckminster Fuller; and more. Enjoy!
ABOUT TOMMY
With over 30 years of experience in the design world, starting in hospitality management, delving into fashion, and his most recent endeavor: an eponymous architecture and design studio, Tommy Zung has transformed what it means to be a designer in today’s world. His unique and balanced perspective - a mix of professional experience countered with years spent surfing, and negotiating the ocean’s unpredictable and formidable nature, gives rise to his commitment to an authentic and holistic lifestyle, and modern, and essential design.
Zung had the privilege of growing up among some of the world’s greatest architects and thinkers. His father, Thomas T.K. Zung was a partner and friend of the visionary R. Buckminster Fuller (their firm aptly named Buckminster Fuller, Sadao and Zung Architects), in addition to working with architectural luminaries, Eero Saarinen and Edward Durell Stone. Intelligent and intuitive, Zung’s approach to architecture, and life, is informed by his unusual background, world travels, philosophy, and -- not least of all -- surfing. Ask him about his work and he’ll comfortably discourse on the humbling nature of the ocean -- as well as theories about proportion, scale, and materials.
Zung’s multi-disciplinary approach began with his early studies in Hotel and Restaurant Management, eventually leading Zung to become a key collaborator and assistant general manager of the celebrated Moomba Restaurant and Lounge in NYC.
Intent on branching out and exploring different areas of design, Zung established his own clothing label and ready-to-wear line which sold to over 300 accounts internationally. The success of the label received praise from Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Arena, L’Uomo Vogue, GQ, The Face, and i-D magazine. In addition to his clothing line, Zung designed and created clothing lines for Mitsubishi Corporation, Itochu Fashion, and Sebu as well as creating and guest hosting design segments featured on the Fox Network, F/X.
Starting his architecture firm Zung Design in 2001, Zung went on to evolve and rebrand as Studio Zung in 2013, expanding further on the design principles and environmental integrity of his godfather, Buckminster Fuller. Studio Zung, a multidisciplinary architecture, design, and holistic lifestyle studio, harnesses Zung’s hands-on experience from his various successful and creative business ventures. His architectural work focuses on boutique contemporary design, blending worldly elements with a mindful and integrated approach.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Tommy’s relationship with Brizo.
(09:43) The importance of partnerships.
“Creativity lives in spontaneity, and spontaneity lives in a relationship… Younger designers may not see that at the moment, but it is part of the next steps of the work. You have to step into that because we all need each other to get there. Nothing's completely, absolutely original. And creativity that lives in the spontaneity happens when we talk with each other across disciplines, etc.” (17:46)
(21:30) Helping clients express themselves.
“Present with design conviction your vision of what it's going to be. Now in that, there are choices. With those choices, you're the stewards for the client, but the client's taking ownership of the choices that you are presenting to them. You must present choices that work for your vision, but it's their empowerment… The work we're doing is for them as architects and designers.” (23:26)
(28:56) Using a questionnaire to understand client needs and aspirations.
(41:05) Referencing other creative industries as designers.
“Our studio is about sensory work. It's about the six senses. If we do it right, we're going to evoke one, two, three, or a sixth sense or, you know, multiple senses in our clients. That's where our work is good.” (43:50)
(52:05) Tommy’s background.
(59:55) Transitioning through different industries.
(01:03:56) Tommy’s relationship with Buckminster Fuller.
“He was an extraordinary human being. He was so loving, so caring, and like I was saying, he just spoke to everybody very equally. It didn't matter who you were, if he was interested or wanting to have a conversation, he would just feed you with knowledge and experience. He was very metaphysical… many people don't see the world like geniuses as he does.” (01:05:35)
(01:12:06) Why Tommy returned to the architecture industry.
(01:14:32) About Studio Zung.
(01:21:17) What is next for Tommy.
