about
I am Innovative...
Name: Philippe Ho
Hometown: Huntington Beach, California.
I live in California and think it’s only natural to enjoy all the great benefits that come with living in such a great place; like a two-hour semi-private paddle surfing lesson on the Pacific Coast, fresh food from the Farmer’s market at the Grove, or even a customized meal delivered right to your doorstep. Living in Southern California is a luxury. It’s good to be on the West Coast. Here’s to good living!
Occupation: Principal Designer, Owner of Philippe Ho Design (Formerly known as STUDIO 8 DESIGN).
Growing up…
I grew up in an unconventional Asian household where I was very early exposed to all manner of Western Art and cultural influences.
Best advice ever…
The best advice I ever received was: “Do what you love: the rest will follow.” Thank you aunt Lam Yen.
Visionaries and renegades…
I am inspired by people who create change by following their passion, especially if it’s not he mundane route.
Used and still love, but still around…
I have a collection of Sotheby’s and Christie’s highly important auction catalogues that I’ve collected during my college years… I love going through the pages from time to time. I also enjoy my Venice-Simpson Orient-Express train collection.
Something I like to do and admit…
I still pack too much when I travel because most of the time I won’t know what mood I’ll be in the next day when I wake up. As my mother would say “I travel like the royals of England”… I always thought that was funny.
In the 80s I was a style rebel…
I said goodbye to Duran Duran and taking a cue from Alex Keaton moved to a more Brit aristocratic wardrobes with double-breasted suits and bow ties.
Favorite place I’ve been…
Château de la Treyne (Relais & Château), Souillac, France…a 14th to 17th century chateau, a romantic dream castle overlooking the Dordogne river in Southwest France known for its exquisite cuisine.
Best design ever…
Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic from the Ralph Lauren Collection considered to be the most beautiful car ever with its sleek drop head coupe is the epitome of “Speed, Style and Beauty”.
Please take a seat…
IN style… the Barcelona Chair, AN architectural MARVEL, armless, and comfortable as hell. This AMAZING ICONIC chair was created by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the German Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona Exposition… one of the best designs of 20th century.
I have to confess…
I don’t have a bible on my night stands; instead I have a black leather bound book which very much resembles a bible…”1,000 Places To See Before You Die” by Patricia Schultz. I do use it religiously though. Thank God!
The Rock of Gibraltar…
None of this would have been possible without the great support of my folks, Cuc & John Ho. Love ya mom and dad.
Favorite song of all time…
“A Song For You” by Ray Charles
Favorite quotes…
“Give me the luxuries of life and I will gladly do without the necessities.” – Frank Lloyd Wright, 20th century American Architect
“Love is the virtue of the Heart, Sincerity is the virtue of the Mind, Decision is the virtue of the Will, Courage is the virtue of the Spirit.” – Frank Lloyd Wright, 20th century American Architect
“Living in cities is an art, and we need the vocabulary of art, of style, to describe the peculiar relationship between man and material…” – Jonathan Raban, British Writer