Huainan Jia: Innovating Retail Spaces with FARNEAR Design

Huainan Jia, a key figure at FARNEAR Design, has played a crucial role in transforming commercial spaces with innovative design. Since its establishment in 2019, FARNEAR Design has rapidly emerged as one of China’s most forward-thinking and creative design consultancy firms. Their award-winning project, the A.H. Beard China Flagship Store in Shanghai, showcases their commitment to creating functional and engaging spaces. We had the pleasure of discussing their approach and inspirations with Huainan Jia, shedding light on their remarkable work.

Could you give us a little background on yourself or your company?

Huainan Jia: FARNEAR Design was founded with a mission to create top-tier residential spaces and comprehensive visual experiences in commercial spaces, living spaces, and art spaces. We have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards.

Our collaboration with renowned luxury brands like FENDI and our exclusive partnership with A-cero highlight our commitment to excellence. We strive to explore a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, shaping a beautiful way of life through our innovative designs.

What was the brief for the award-winning project?

Huainan Jia: The A.H. Beard China Flagship Store, located in Shanghai’s upscale Shanghai Home Expo Mall, was inspired by the lush green landscapes of Australia. Our concept aimed to create a “nature-inspired sleep experience” by transforming the interior space into a theatrical “wilderness” with extensive “blue sky” elements. This design not only made shopping more engaging but also seamlessly integrated the concept of an Eastern garden’s ever-changing vistas, guiding customers from cognitive awareness to experiential product interaction. We wanted to highlight the century-old brand’s spirit of leading the new era.

Please describe the design process. How was it resolved?

Huainan Jia: The initial challenge was the store’s rigid rectangular layout, which limited the potential for a fresh visual experience. We infused the concept of the “wilderness” to break free from the traditional retail “box” form. Through dramatic techniques, we created a liberating and open “natural” ambiance, turning the initial disadvantage into an advantage.

What challenges were faced throughout the process?

Huainan Jia: One challenge was simulating the transition from the “wilderness” night sky to the earth’s dramatic material finishes, ensuring both a seamless, ultra-long gradient effect and precise color accuracy. Custom UV spraying techniques eliminated manual errors. Another hurdle was highlighting the unique features of the mattresses within the space. We used Australian-specific materials like wool felt, blue ribbons, and elastic light-transmitting membranes to showcase craftsmanship and natural textures. After multiple experiments, we achieved perfectly executed dramatic spatial props.

What is most outstanding or most innovative about the project?

Huainan Jia: Our “wilderness” sleep art space breaks away from the conventional high-end retail “store” concept, showing openness, confidence, and inclusivity. It effortlessly draws customers in, inviting them to experience the space while engaging in a “treasure hunt” during their shopping journey.

What outcomes of the project are you most proud of?

Huainan Jia: The entirely new open spatial layout shattered preconceptions of high-end retail stores. The artistic, dramatic ambiance received widespread acclaim from customers. Contributing to business growth through creativity is my greatest source of pride.

What led you to become an architect specializing in interior design?

Huainan Jia: Growing up in an artistic environment, my fascination with spatial aesthetics led me to explore painting, engraving, and model-making from an early age. These hands-on experiences eventually guided me toward becoming an architect and interior designer.

Who are your biggest influences or who do you most admire in architecture and interior design?

Huainan Jia: Two designers stand out for me: Tadao Ando, the Japanese architect who infuses spaces with poetry and soul, and Philippe Starck, the French design maverick whose multidimensional, cross-disciplinary thinking captivates me.

If you could own any building or design object in the world, what would you choose and why?

Huainan Jia: I’d opt for a cozy wooden cabin nestled in the mountains or a seaworthy vessel by the ocean. The small cabin, though modest, would offer warmth and a seamless connection to nature, allowing me to listen to its sounds and emotions. The boat, both anchored and mobile, would symbolize my inner world—an expanse of calm and storms alike.

What future trends, technologies, social changes, or other influences do you feel will have a major impact on your discipline?

Huainan Jia: As architecture and interior design evolve alongside technology, economics, and lifestyle changes, the philosophical exploration of returning to nature and our core selves will shape future trends. Humanity’s quest for the unknown and self-awareness will significantly influence architectural and interior design considerations.

How can your discipline make a real difference to society and the world?

Huainan Jia: As designers, our influence may seem small, but we approach our work with confidence, aiming to create more pieces that align with a better way of life. Through these incremental efforts, we can gradually shift people’s attitudes—from self-focus to caring for others—thus making a genuine difference in the world.

How do you feel about receiving an Architecture MasterPrize? What difference do you feel it will make to your future or the future of your company?

Huainan Jia: I am deeply grateful for the recognition given to me and my team by the Architecture MasterPrize. This acknowledgment will undoubtedly inspire us to work even harder, creating more exceptional pieces that contribute value to society. Additionally, it reinforces our commitment to pursuing international markets and realizing our ideals.

We thank Huainan Jia for sharing insights into FARNEAR Design’s exceptional work on the A.H. Beard China Flagship Store. Their dedication to creating meaningful and innovative commercial spaces is inspiring, highlighting the significant impact of thoughtful design on retail environments.