What does a typical working day look like for you at Knight Frank, Shanghai?

I spend my day-to-day looking after all of China's clients from exchange to completion, guiding them from completion to letting and furniture and tax. I also receive various calls and requests about property updates and after-sales services. Another part of my role which is a delight, is assisting clients by listening to their questions and communicating with related departments to solve their requests. In addition to this, to help increase our clients return investment, I advise them when selecting the furniture for their property.

What excited you the most about joining the Knight Frank Interiors team? 

Knight Frank Interiors are the strongest, most intellectual interiors team that I have come into contact with during my career. They not only have a talented Design team, but they also consider the client's desires, ensuring each project is completely tailored to each individual's lifestyle. The studio does not use a "fast fashion" method like other furniture companies which operate in the current marketplace. As a high-end and qualified interior design company, they monitor every step they take for the client in order to make sure they are left satisfied with the service.

What is the most important thing about using a trusted furniture supplier?
To most of our investors, to save on their investment cost, the furniture will always be the last thing they will consider. Many believe it is not as significant during their process or feel that it will not have an impact on their investment return. Many will choose the cheapest and low-end quality furniture suppliers to save money in the beginning. Often, the consequence of their decision can result in having their future repair cost increased heavily. Finally, the delivered items are not always the same as those they chose initially due to the suppliers' short stock and low-end quality furniture. This can impact and reduce property viewings as more tenants are seeking a higher quality lifestyle. 

This is why choosing a trusted furniture supplier, such as Knight Frank Interiors, is so significant and important for clients, whether it be for investment or self-use. It will not only solve all the above issues that landlords may encounter but it will also create an opportunity to increase the future buyers' investment. 

How do you see your clients design preferences changing? 
Landlords typically prefer a very traditional style which they believe is what the local market will prefer. Due to the unforeseen circumstances we have found ourselves in, the average age of a tenant is now much younger than before. When young tenants start to inspect the properties, furniture design will generally affect the tenants' decision. The traditional furniture style is no longer their first choice as it feels too old fashioned and doesn’t appeal to their lifestyles. Nowadays, the younger demographic prefers a contemporary, clean design and high-end quality. Consequently, when landlords start to pick the furniture at this stage, they need to follow the market changes and begin to think who their primary target demographic is and how to attract them during such a competitive market.  

How will you be spending the Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is the most important time for a family reunion in China. Usually, people who work in a different city will start to travel back to their hometown and spend the whole duration with the family for celebrations, similar to the Western Christmas time. 

This year, due to the pandemic, I have decided to stay in Shanghai and celebrate New Year through WeChat or video with other family members. During this time, I also hope to finish my oil painting! I wish everyone all the best and fresh start in the New Year.