Building a Good Life, for Self and Others

Keith Griffiths, founder and chairman of Aedas, insists to approach architecture not through certain style but through the understanding of cultures, histories, locales and demographic features of cities he design for. The architect has settled in Hong Kong since 1983, and is known for his urban hub concept of high-density complexes that embody "work-life-entertainment". This notion has also seeped into his personal life, – or vice versa - whereby work is meshed in inextricably with the tapestry of life and entertainment.

Keith’s architectural philosophy is premised on the idea that it must meet the needs of people and possess cultural and historical value. "Architecture is like designing a car. What fuels the car is what fuels architecture: the engine. In other words, appearances in architecture is not as integral, compared with what lies underneath.”

Local and Global
Keith’s work is unique in the sense that they are what he would describe as “local and global”.

"We coalesce wisdom from Aedas offices across the globe then knead it to the shape of specific locations. When we establish a local company, we consciously hire local people who know the region best. The culture rooted in the local area is then manifested in our work.”

Keith believes high-density cities are the ideal model for future urban development. They can be reflected in highly connected complex buildings that are essentially “work-life-entertainment” city hub. It is a way to minimise the environmental impact of urbanization and complement the lifestyle engendered by the Internet era in which we live.

A Dust-Free Home in Black and White
A proponent of the “work-live-entertain” philosophy, Keith embraces the work from home arrangement popularized by the pandemic, and believes it will become the new normal.

Design permeates Keith’s surroundings to the degree that it behooves him to bring along a pen and notebook wherever he goes. This insular universe he created has perhaps blurred the lines between work and personal, but it has not compromised Keith’s work-life balance, for “design is an integral part of my life,” he asserts. The green space he has set up at home serves as a proof to this statement: it is a space which doubles up as a backdrop to his home office and as a landscape in which he could decompress.

Keith also shared with us the intention behind his home in Shek O. By virtue of his sensitivity to dust, every element is a consequence of deliberation. "There is no carpet or wall paper. The walls are painted white. The furniture is made of black leather, and the floor is made of wood-like plastic flooring.” All of which contributes to a perfect setting to showcase his art collection.

A Life Not in Thrall to Money
Contrary to popular belief, Keith is of the persuasion that material things do not necessarily lead to a good life. "All architects attach importance to sustainability. Both of my cars are second-hand. They are more than ten years old and the price is only one-fifth of the original price. It is undeniable that money brings more choices to a certain extent. But material pursuit is an interminable process. In fact, rich people are not necessarily happy if they’re doing work they don’t enjoy.”

An Architect by the Waters
Have been living in Hong Kong since 1983, Keith is deeply fascinated by the city. "Hong Kong is full of high-rise buildings, but the mountains and sea are just as accessible. It really is a wonderful city full of possibilities." As a water sport enthusiast, Keith describes himself as one who "lives in the sea”, "I own three beaches, each used for inexpensive activities: one for swimming, the second for water skiing, and the other for eating. In short, outside of work, you can definitely find me in the water!

Adapting to the Ever-Changing Future
Speaking of future plans, Keith said: "Change has always been my source of inspiration, and I do think that’s how success is brought on. Change requires courage. Of course it is easier to stay in your comfort zone. At the same time, change can be full of surprises.” Constitutionally unable to settle with inertness, Keith said, "I built many houses in the 1980s and 1990s. It got boring so I expanded to projects such as airports and railways."

Keith, who’s now 66 years old, never considered slowing down, "I plan to work in architectural design for at least another 20 years. As for the future, the most important thing is to train your body, have a sense of humor, and be open to change.”