IMPACT TRAILBLAZER: SARAH MUI

"Design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating spaces where people feel they belong," says Sarah Mui, the Co-Founder and Design Director of onebite. This philosophy underpins every project she undertakes, from revitalizing urban rooftops to reshaping entire communities. Raised between the bustling streets of Hong Kong and the rich cultural heritage of London, Sarah's global perspective—what she terms as being a 'Glocalist'—has profoundly influenced her work. She creates spaces that deeply connect with the communities they serve by combining international design principles with local perspectives. In a conversation with Sarah, we explored how her innovative design philosophy and unwavering commitment to community engagement are not only shaping the physical landscapes of Hong Kong but also nurturing a more inclusive and sustainable future.

"When we design inclusive public spaces, our goal is to create environments where all community stakeholders can access and find their place."

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

Redefining Public Spaces Through Collaborative Placemaking

At the core of Sarah Mui's work is a belief in the transformative power of collaboration. "Our goal is to create environments where all community stakeholders can access and find their place," Sarah explains. At onebite, she aims to bridge the gaps between space, place, and society. Sarah's team actively engages with community members, attentively listening to their ideas, concerns, and desires during the design phase.

Sarah emphasizes the importance of this approach: "When we design inclusive public spaces, our goal is to create environments where people not only feel welcome but also feel they have ownership of the space." One of her most notable examples was her work on the Siu Hei rooftop sports ground revitalization project. Sarah says, "In this project, we collaborated with neighborhood schools to co-create features ensuring active participation and a sense of ownership." She incorporated diverse elements catered to various interests and age groups, such as jogging paths, different sports games, and "abstract grids into a harmonious and energic floor."

This approach has not only led to the creation of vibrant, functional spaces but has also fostered a sense of community pride. "When people are involved in the design process, they are more likely to take care of the space and use it regularly," Sarah notes. This, in turn, strengthens social bonds and enhances the overall quality of life in the community.

"By involving the community from the outset, we ensure that the final design truly reflects their needs and aspirations," Sarah emphasizes. "We prioritize less prescribed functions and more room for user imagination, encouraging users to engage with the space in their unique ways," she adds.

Embracing Sustainability and Social Good

Sustainability is also at the heart of onebite's philosophy, and as Hong Kong's first certified B Corp architecture firm, Sarah takes this responsibility seriously. "We resonate deeply with B Corp's vision of designing for good," Sarah says. "It's about ensuring that our design solutions positively impact various areas—socially, environmentally, and economically."

Central to this commitment is the "onebite sustainability scale," which guides every project. "This scale emphasizes playfulness, social good, environmental benefits, urban synthesis, and collaboration," Sarah explains. For instance, the Siu Hei rooftop sports ground project mentioned earlier exemplifies this philosophy, with its playful design elements encouraging community interaction and its environmentally friendly materials reducing the project's ecological footprint.

She further explains, "Our team is dedicated to integrating principles of diversity, equity, and environmental sustainability into our design process. Most of our projects commence with Stage 0 - listening to the community. This initial stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for all subsequent work." Additionally, Sarah states, "By working closely with the community, we can incorporate local knowledge and preferences, resulting in designs that are not only environmentally sustainable but also culturally and socially relevant."

"We strive to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and socially responsible," Sarah adds. By focusing on projects that promote social equity and environmental sustainability, Sarah and her team are helping to shape a more equitable and resilient urban landscape.

Influencing Policy and Transforming Urban Landscapes

Beyond individual projects, Sarah Mui's work is influencing how urban developments are approached in Hong Kong. "We have been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of early community engagement and a human-centered approach in redevelopment planning," Sarah says, reflecting on the broader impact of her projects.

One of the most significant ways Sarah's work contributes to urban development is through her advocacy for early and continuous community engagement in planning processes. Traditionally, urban development in densely populated cities like Hong Kong has often prioritized efficiency and economic factors over the needs of local communities. However, Sarah's projects challenge this paradigm by demonstrating the tangible benefits of involving community stakeholders from the outset.

A notable example of this is her involvement as a placemaking consultant for private sector developers planning new developments. "We conducted inclusive design workshops and place assessments, gathering valuable insights from local residents and stakeholders," Sarah explains. These insights played a key role in shaping development proposals that incorporated more green spaces, accessible public amenities, and preserved local culture. "As a result, developers were able to submit plans that reflected the needs of the community," she continues, "setting a new standard for future developments."

By showcasing the success of a community-centered approach in these private-sector projects, Sarah is helping to shift how developers think about urban planning, encouraging a more inclusive and sustainable approach in future projects.

The Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Sarah's vision for urban spaces is as ambitious as it is inspiring. "I see cities where public spaces are dynamic, inclusive environments that foster community, support sustainability, and adapt to the evolving needs of their users," she shares.

Sarah's future goals include expanding the impact of her human-centered design approach on a larger scale. "We want to continue influencing urban development policies and practices, not just in Hong Kong but across Asia and beyond," she says. This involves further exploring cross-disciplinary collaboration and leveraging technology and data to enhance the design process. "Through platforms like GUTS, we're integrating global insights and urban analytics into our work, ensuring our designs are both innovative and culturally relevant," Sarah explains.

Mentorship is also a key part of Sarah's vision for the future. "Empowering the next generation of designers and architects is crucial for the future of urban design," she says. Her advice to aspiring professionals is clear: "Design with purpose, listen to the communities you serve, and never stop pushing the boundaries of what is possible."

Her approach inspires a new generation of urban planners and architects to consider their work's social and environmental impacts. By pushing the boundaries of traditional architectural practices and advocating for policies that support sustainable and inclusive urban development, Sarah is helping to transform not only the physical landscapes of Hong Kong but also the frameworks within which these landscapes are created.

Inviting Joy

Sarah's work is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of architecture and urban design. By placing community engagement, sustainability, and inclusivity at the core of her design philosophy, Sarah is not just creating spaces—she is fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the communities she serves. Her innovative approach to collaborative placemaking has redefined what public spaces can be, turning them into vibrant hubs of social interaction, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. As Sarah continues her journey, her work will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, inspiring others to join her in reimagining the possibilities of urban design.