JJ Acuna

JJ Acuna, born James Jonathan Acuna in Manila and raised in Texas, leads JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio, a multi-disciplinary interiors and concept architecture practice he founded in 2015 with studios in Hong Kong and Manila. He trained in architecture at Cornell University, earning a Bachelor of Architecture, and completed a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design at Columbia University. Rather than practising as a registered architect, he works as a designer and creative director, having spent about a decade with established firms before launching his own studio.

The studio is best known for hospitality and restaurant interiors across Asia. Signature Hong Kong projects include Tate Dining Room and Bar for chef Vicky Lau, the Korean fine-dining room Hansik Goo for chef Mingoo Kang, and several Elephant Grounds coffee outposts, one of which earned a Silver Award at the Hong Kong Design Awards.

Acuna's work has drawn wide recognition. Perspective magazine named him to its 40 Under 40 list in 2017, and the Design Anthology Awards named him Interior Designer of the Year in 2019. His projects and viewpoints have been featured by Tatler Asia, Vogue, Wallpaper, and Interior Design.