Karen Mak: Building Through Passion 麥嘉慧：以激情塑造奢侈品店設計的世界

ENGLISH 英 :  Samantha Ho | CHINESE 中 :  Maggie Ho

LOCATION: Residence designed by dkstudio architects inc. 
ART DIRECTION: Deborah Lau-Yu · PHOTOGRAPHER: Calvin Lee
COORDINATION & Video Production: Fête Chinoise Team
Makeup Stylist: Kelly Wong
As featured in Fête Chinoise Annual Book of INcredible People Edition 10: Thinking in Decades with exclusive online content

The traits you carry through life can lead you down various paths, whether familiar or foreign. Comfort may guide you along the well-trodden route, while whimsy might take you somewhere new. Passion, on the other hand, will always propel you far and wide, on bright thoroughfares and dark laneways alike. It will help you navigate the sea of self-doubt and traverse the path of confidence. Passion will challenge you and lift you when you fall. Such is the essence of Karen Mak, whose life is driven by passion.

As CEO and co-founder of dkstudio architects inc., Mak is a celebrated figure in the world of luxury retail design. Her innovative store concepts seamlessly blend architectural expertise with a keen eye for aesthetics. Initially drawn to design through her love of art and math, she chose architecture for its broader scope and travel opportunities. This decision led her to the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies in 1995, laying a strong foundation for her future career.

Silver Cropped Track Jacket with Piping, Logo Patch Mock Neck Knit, Pants, and Billie Mary Jane Shoe, all by Alexander Wang. Necklace from Karen Mak.

It began with a surprising yet formative project in Asia, where she worked on various initiatives that laid the groundwork for her future success. After a year in Singapore, she joined an architectural firm in Hong Kong. One of her first projects? 

“I did 18 public toilets,” she says with a grin. It wasn’t the most glamorous start, but it helped her earn her Registered Architect Licence in Hong Kong. Soon after, she realized that her true passion lay elsewhere, particularly in the world of interior design, which led her to seek out more creative challenges.

店面及商業空間設計，除了需要精密及靈活計算，更講求令人眼前一亮的創意及美感。dkstudio創辦人及行政總裁麥嘉慧 (Karen Mak)在香港開展事業，十七年前與丈夫於加拿大定居及開設室內設計工作室；歷年來憑藉出眾的設計企劃獲獎無數。工作卓越之餘，亦不忘回饋社會，為推動「減塑」環保而出一分力。

從建築到品牌門市設計

Karen自小熱愛設計，精於美術及數學的她，最初在平面設計、室內設計及建築三者中，選擇了方便四處遊歷的建築師工作。「畢業後，我在加拿大及新加坡工作了各一年，再在香港一間建築師樓找到工作。」她笑着回憶道:「當年我專門負責設計公共洗手間！完成了整整18個公共洗手間設計及考獲建築師執照後，我發現自己不喜歡建築工作，然後我看到Club 21（集團擁有Donna Karen Inc.亞洲特許經營權） 的招聘，便當上了該品牌的區域項目統籌經理。」在 Donna Karen Inc.工作兩年期間，她負責策劃及執行旗下品牌Donna Karen、DKNY、DKNY童裝及Armani Exchange在東南亞及其他七個地區的門市設計項目。

Mak’s big break came when she joined Donna Karan (DKNY) in 2001, helping the brand expand into seven countries across Asia. She managed 55 projects, planning and designing stores. After two and a half years, her expertise caught the attention of Louis Vuitton Asia Pacific, where she was hired as a Senior Store Projects Manager in 2004. Her Registered Architect status meant she could read, understand, and execute building projects.

“Each time we go in, we cut the building like Swiss cheese,” she shares excitedly, her hands illustrating the story. “We took over the whole building facade and worked with many local Chinese stakeholders and teams.” She adds with a laugh, “My Mandarin sucked. It still sucks.”

Declining parental health brought Karen Mak and her husband, Dmytriy Pereklita, back to Canada in 2007. Despite Mak’s success in Asia, they both knew they would regret not returning to spend time with their families. At the time, Pereklita was working as an accomplished architect at Aedas, a leading international architecture and design practice based in Hong Kong. After relocating, he continued to consult for the firm, but over time, they both found themselves without steady employment. One day, Pereklita realized he needed to formalize his consulting work to secure payment. In a moment of inspiration, he suggested a name for their new company: “What about dkstudio?” This collaboration would prove to be a crucial turning point in their careers and lives.

Mak still remembers her surprise and appreciation when her husband suggested incorporating both their initials into the company name. The “dk” in dkstudio stands for Dmytriy and Karen, symbolizing their partnership in both life and business. That name, born out of necessity, is now synonymous with award-winning luxury design, their creativity knowing no bounds.

Stretch Cotton Pinstripe Tailored Blazer, Vest and Shorts by Christopher Bates. Wulu Collection Necklace and Earrings by Qeelin.

及後，她轉職成為Louis Vuitton區域項目統籌經理，負責中國一線城市的門店翻新及二、三、四線城市的新門店落成。「他們看上了我建築師、明白機械結構的背景，因為Louis Vuitton的每個工程，都好像把原有建築結構當成瑞士芝士般精密切割，再重建外牆門面。」在Louis Vuitton任職三年，Karen走遍中國不同城市：北京、上海、杭州、廈門、西安等，並在歐洲工程總部及中國當地設計學院中間進行協調及統籌工作。

轉戰加拿大室內設計

在香港工作了十年後，Karen因為丈夫要照顧家人的原故，來到加拿大再次開展事業。她提到與丈夫開設dkstudio之初，也曾經歷多番奮鬥。「一開始時，Louis Vuitton北美辦公室跟我接洽，他們只讓我負責一間太陽眼鏡專門店的翻新工程。儘管我在香港、大中華地區有豐富經驗，他們認為我沒有北美本地經驗，只能從最基本開始。」

Now in its 17th year, dkstudio architects inc. is a premier international design atelier. The firm has built a distinguished portfolio of luxury retail projects and has a reputation for collaborating with a global spectrum of professionals and trades. This allows for the holistic delivery of comprehensive projects that balance design, sustainability, budget, and execution through the design process. Every project is a cultural, spatial, and material exploration that aspires to raise the bar, challenge convention, and shift industry paradigms in the areas of residential, office, and retail design.

Shirt from Karen Mak. Yu Yi Collection Necklace and Earrings by QEELIN.

One of dkstudio’s first projects involved retrofitting a sunglasses kiosk for Louis Vuitton North America. Mak recalls her frustration with the assignment. Despite her extensive experience managing significant store projects in Asia, she was required by Louis Vuitton to work on smaller-scale projects due to her lack of North American experience. So she did one kiosk, then another, then 20. Later, she handled department stores for Louis Vuitton in Edmonton and Calgary, and the company didn’t consider anyone else for their largest Canadian store, the Toronto Bloor Street Maison flagship. Since then, Mak and dkstudio have completed over 30 projects for Louis Vuitton.

“I think you just have to find a place that nobody wants to go, even though there’s a lot of competition, and then expand your wings,” she says thoughtfully.

Mak’s ability to transform spaces is exemplified by her work on Alberni Street in Vancouver. She was instrumental in converting an “ugly building” (as she calls it) into a world-class De Beers store with a double-height facade, attracting more luxury stores and revitalizing the street in the 2010s. The project was gruelling. Few trades in Vancouver knew how to build the complex, multi-layered glass facade they wanted, and the time spent only covered staff wages. Mak and Pereklita worked without pay. However, the reward came when a Swiss designer told Mak it was the best-executed De Beers in the world at the time.

Jacket by Christopher Bates. Mid-Rise Cargo Rave Pants in Army Green, and Glitter Hoop Sneaker by Alexander Wang. Yu Yi Collection Necklace and Earrings by QEELIN.

她並沒有因工程規模小而掉以輕心，每個工作都認真看待。「我們因那一次翻新工程的成功，取得另外二十單工程 。然後他們又把另一個不太重要的工作──愛民頓區內一個pop-up store交給我全權設計。」Karen套用從亞洲地區所得經驗，同時憑其理性、務實、靈活、使命必達的過人之處，以實力一步一步地取得客户的信任，由愛民頓、卡加利逐步擴至溫哥華，甚至多倫多市中心黃金地段Bloor Street的旗艦店也是由她主理。

dkstudio至今開業17年，由Karen 與丈夫共同創立。原本夫妻二人各有所長，先生Dmytriy Pereklita專門負責企業大樓、辦公室設計，Karen則專長於零售及品牌門市設計。發展至今，分別在香港、多倫多及溫哥華均設有分店，服務多達150個客戶，業務涉及奢華品牌、房地產、企業及門市等不同行業。問到她最自豪的作品，Karen自言每個項目都是她的最愛。不論是以光貫穿作主題的休閒大麻專門店、抑或為加拿大本土品牌特別構思的甜甜圈型櫃台陳列設計、還是De Beers在艾伯尼港所開設的第一間高級品牌專門店……每個項目的細節與挑戰，她都記得一清二楚。

“We love doing it. We help all the brands grow because we know what we’re doing,” Mak remarks offhandedly. “As long as you don’t screw up, they will keep using you.”

Over the years, dkstudio has evolved from one-off jobs to working with over 150 of the world’s top luxury fashion, jewellery, and cosmetic brands. Yet, Mak’s true passion doesn’t necessarily lie in these projects. She has trained her staff of 40 to do what she can do, maintaining the firm’s reputation as a top luxury design and architecture firm in Canada. This reputation has brought not only high-end brands but also autonomy. The firm now drives many of the projects in a way that best serves the brands while meeting client requirements. Mak truly enjoys creative projects and open-minded clients. During the pandemic, dkstudio took on many creative design projects, allowing her to flex her creative muscles.

White Rose Flowers Top and Sequin Skirt by Deborah Korosec. Jade Gold Jacket by Moose Knuckles. Xi Xi Collection Necklace and Earrings by Qeelin.

Mak and Pereklita’s vast knowledge and creativity, coupled with their teams, have allowed them to thrive in disciplines such as residential, condo, showroom, and office designs.

This model has won them many awards, several for the small projects acquired during the pandemic. Passion has a way of leading you down a path with unpredictable outcomes.

Mak attributes the firm’s success to the melding of her and her husband’s personalities.

“Speaking as a Hong Kong-Chinese person, everything we do has to be practical, flexible, on time. This is my business DNA,” she says. But Pereklita’s Ukrainian upbringing emphasizes the heart. It’s about the design, not so much the profit.

好設計同時要照顧及保護環境

Karen在行內工作多年，見證品牌店舖每隔幾年便要全店由外到內換裝一次，深感業界必須重新考量及正視因為建築及裝修所造成的大量廢物問題。「最近我們在為Cameron Stephens的Bay Street辦公室進行翻新工程，那舊建築內原有的木牆、浮雕仍然美得很。很多承辦商都提議乾脆全丟掉再換上新物料，那是多麼可惜；我們寧願花上十倍的精力和時間，思考如何將舊有復修再翻新。哪怕用上更多心力，我們確信那是值得的。」Karen指出她的公司團隊現在選擇建材時非常審慎，盡量避免任何不能重用或對環境有害的物料(例如塑膠、亞加力)：「我們在過程中，不斷考慮所用的物料對環境會造成甚麼影響，這是我們作為建築師在構思新設計時，必須思考的問題！」

White Rose Flowers Top and Sequin Skirt by Deborah Korosec. Jade Gold Jacket by Moose Knuckles. Xi Xi Collection Necklace and Earrings by Qeelin.

Mak’s energy and passion shine through when she talks about her work. Her eyes glimmer at the idea of a new challenge. They sparkle with fondness when she talks about ensuring her children have a healthy blend of Chinese and Ukrainian culture and influences. She is also an advocate for female entrepreneurs. Mak remarks on the traditional Chinese mindset, the lack of encouragement for women to achieve more than just being a wife and mother. This passion drives her to help and encourage other female entrepreneurs to pursue and achieve their dreams.

Mak’s advocacy for female entrepreneurs extends to her personal life, where she strives to maintain a work-life balance. She admits she struggles with this balance, but credits her husband for helping her manage it. Pereklita drags her off on family vacations, dates, anything to help her stop and relax. It was on one of these vacations that their next venture emerged.

另外，她與丈夫亦開創了「One Piece A Day」非牟利網上平台，期望喚醒大眾對「減塑」的關注。「一次我們在墨西哥旅行時，Dmytriy在海邊跑步，發現海面上佈滿塑膠廢棄物，數目之多，根本無法憑一己之力去清理。我們便想有必要讓大眾、下一代明白: 如果我們不再減塑、不再行動，美麗的海灘上不會再有細沙，只會剩下密密的膠粒！」工作室以外，Karen與家人會在閒時到沙灘清理膠粒，或到學校教育大家有關環境保護的知識，身體力行，用另一種方式守護及建設美麗的環境。

Silk Blouse with Puffy Sleeve by Deborah Korosec. Linen Chintz Slit Black Ballon Trouser by Alexander Wang. Wulu Collection Necklace and Earrings by Qeelin.

One Piece a Day is a global environmental initiative promoting environmental awareness and sustainability by encouraging people to refuse single-use plastics, reduce waste, and pick up one piece of trash a day, logging their progress on an app. The idea came to Pereklita during a family trip to Mexico. Mak noticed he was taking longer than usual on his daily run when he returned with a substantial bag filled with plastic bottles. He proudly told his family about picking up all the litter on the beach, but when they revisited, it was already filled with plastic again.

One Piece a Day goes beyond just an app. They also organize events and talks encouraging students to do their part. Mak feels that through research, they are also educating themselves. While Canada may not have a terrifying garbage issue, she explains, the amount of microplastics in Lake Ontario is a problem. Soon, children won’t be playing with sand but plastic particles.

Mak is truly looking toward the coming years. Sustainability is on everyone’s mind, and it’s something luxury brands need to address. 

With a facelift every three to six years, the amount of materials being discarded is monumental. dkstudio encourages working with existing materials and building with them.

Silk Blend Tailored Blazer and Pants by Christopher Bates. Shirt and Shoes from Karen Mak's Personal Collection. Yu Yi Collection Necklace and Earrings by QEELIN.

“Everything that we do now, we have to be very conscious of how it’s made, how far it has had to travel.”

The firm avoids using materials that risk people’s health during creation and is aware of how materials affect the earth.

The path ahead is intangible but very real, and no one knows where passion will take you. Mak doesn’t see retirement in her future: “Maybe I’ll retire to doing only the stuff I love to do.”

She envisions a time where dkstudio becomes a truly international firm with clients around the world. Her sketch includes homes in all the places she likes, travelling with the weather. More creativity, fewer shackles.

“Passion breeds work, not the other way around,” she says.

There isn’t a better proverb for Mak to pick as her favourite. She lives by these words every day.

Calypso Longlines Vest and Tailored Shorts by Christopher Bates. Shoes from Karen Mak. Xi Xi Collection Necklace and Earrings by QEELIN.

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