SPACE
Architecture / MIT
Space, scale, circulation, material, structure.
Three disciplines.
One spatial practice.
Exl Studio is an independent spatial design studio based between Los Angeles and Hong Kong, bringing together architecture, production design, and engineering. We use space as a medium for narrative – combining spatial thinking, storytelling, and systems to shape environments that are experienced, not simply viewed.
SPACE × STORY × SYSTEM
STORY
Production Design / UCLA
Narrative, image, atmosphere, character, sequence.
SYSTEM
Engineering / Stanford
Systems, mechanics, movement, feasibility, fabrication.
THE PRACTICE
Leo
Spatial DesignerTrained across Hong Kong, Europe, and Boston, with practice experience spanning Hong Kong and Boston and a background rooted in architecture and spatial design.
Leo explores spatial systems through architecture, with a particular interest in mechanical and automated structures, transformable environments, and the relationship between movement, structure, and space. Hand drawing remains central to his process as a tool for developing and communicating spatial ideas.
Effa
Production DesignerTrained across Hong Kong, Edinburgh, and Los Angeles, with practice experience spanning Shanghai, Hong Kong, and LA, including time at Gensler Hong Kong.
Effa works through hand drawing, spatial storytelling, and rapid visual world-building to translate narrative into space, atmosphere, and scene. Her practice moves between architecture and production design, with a particular interest in how environments can shape character, movement, and the experience of a story.
Lila
Design EngineerTrained in engineering across Hong Kong and Stanford, US, with experience spanning engineering research, interior construction, and technical coordination.
Lila works at the intersection of spatial design and technical systems, translating creative concepts into feasible, buildable solutions through systems thinking, engineering, and fabrication.
Awards
2025Architizer Vision Awards – FinalistData Democracy: The Memory Centre
2024International Design Awards – BronzeArchitecture Project Development / Mixed Use
2024International Design Awards – Honorable MentionCommercial Interior Design / Workspace Design
2024International Design Awards – SilverArchitecture Project Development / Industrial & Infrastructure
2024International Design Awards – Honorable MentionCultural / Community Interior Design
2024Architecture MasterPrize – Student Architectural Design AwardSmall Architecture
2024Architecture MasterPrize – Student Interior Design AwardRooms and Zones
2024Architecture MasterPrize – Student Architectural Design AwardOther Architecture
2024Architecture MasterPrize – Student Landscape Architecture AwardConceptual Landscape
2024AYDA – Asia Young Designer AwardsHong Kong Gold Award
2024Design for Asia – Hong Kong Young Design Talent AwardFinal Round
2024PolyU School of Design – Best Conceptualization Award
2023SHJD–4C International Design Competition – Second AwardFirst Place in Hong Kong
2023Sustainable Hospitality Challenge – Semi-Finalist
2023PolyU School of Design – Manual Design Technique Development Award
Exhibitions
2025PolyU School of Design ShowJockey Club Innovation Tower · Hong Kong
2024The Art of Sketching – Architectural NarrativesRIBA Hong Kong Chapter / DX Design Hub
2024Urban Design International Workshop & ExhibitionPolyU Design × Ewha Womans University · Seoul / Hong Kong
2024PolyU School of Design ShowJockey Club Innovation Tower · Hong Kong
2024The Global Research in Design Innovation ExhibitionHong Kong, China
2024PolyU-SD-EID Exhibition of Best Studio WorkHong Kong, China
2023SJTU-SD-4C Challenge – Award-winning Works ExhibitionShanghai, China