Architects and designers are lucky people, says Mike Atkin, director of Head Architecture and Design. They're keenly aware of their environment and appreciate many things that most people don't normally look at.
If Atkin's words are anything to go by, tomorrow should be a good opportunity for designers to share that perspective. At the fourth Designers' Saturday, which celebrates the local design industry, 26 architecture and design firms will open their doors to the public. Among the participating companies are eight interior design houses, alongside photography studios, graphic designers, jewellers and more. Visitors can tour their offices, talk to the architects and designers and check out their work.
Started in 2002 by architecture and design firm Atelier Pacific, Designers' Saturday is now organised by Head Architecture and Design. It was inspired by similar events in countries such as Switzerland and Norway, which held their first Designers' Saturdays about 20 years ago.
The Hong Kong event attracts about 3,000 visitors, including practising or aspiring designers and people who are just curious.
Nick Banks of Atelier Pacific, who organised the first Designers' Saturday five years ago, says he was driven by a desire to demystify design.
'The aim of the event has always been to raise the level of understanding - and appreciation - of design in everyday life,' Banks says.