Vietnamese people possess a distinctive lifestyle and aesthetic sensibility that deserve to be preserved and celebrated. For Architect Lê Huy Trực, design is not merely about fulfilling aesthetic or functional requirements — it’s a mission to “translate the Vietnamese way of life” into contemporary spaces.

At the event “Quality and Value in Interior Design”, held as part of the Vietnam Interior & Building Exhibition 2025 (VIBE), Architect Le Huy Truc shared profound insights on the theme “Interior Design with Vietnamese DNA” — a lifelong pursuit that reflects his deep dedication to creating spaces that embody the spirit of Vietnam.

Architect Le Huy Truc believes that interior design is a form of “lifestyle translation” — a way of expressing the everyday habits and rhythms of Vietnamese life through spaces that feel natural and authentic. The true value of interior design, he says, lies in its practicality and how often it’s used, not merely in its outward beauty.

“The Vietnamese DNA in interior design first comes from the very blood that runs through the veins of Vietnamese designers,” he shared. This is an advantage that foreign designers rarely possess when working in Vietnam. That blood reflects the character, soul, habits, and sensibilities of the Vietnamese people, allowing designers to create spaces that are rich in cultural identity and genuinely aligned with the homeowner’s way of living.

Vietnam’s local culture is rich in identity and diversity. Photo: Archives.

According to the architect, Vietnamese identity in interior design isn’t simply about colors, shapes, or traditional patterns — it can also reflect the lifestyle, habits, physique, and aesthetic sensibility of Vietnamese people in the modern era. He especially values designs that pay attention to the homeowner’s living habits, interpreting traditional elements with subtlety and harmony in contemporary spaces.He shared, “There are many aspects of Vietnamese life that, at first glance, may seem similar to those of other East or Southeast Asian countries. But when we look more closely, we’ll discover a wealth of inspiration and a distinct sense of difference.”

The lotus motif crafted with lacquer techniques in a luxurious resort space. Photo: Sea Stars Cruise Ha Long, designed by TTT Architects.

Traditional Vietnamese cultural symbols such as dragons, Đong Son bronze drums, the đàn bầu (monochord), the nghê guardian creature, Nguyễn Dynasty royal motifs, or the áo dài all carry distinctive marks of Vietnamese creativity. While similar forms may exist elsewhere, Vietnamese interpretations and inspirations remain unique in their expression.Modern Vietnam is equally rich and colorful — from the slow drip of phin-brewed coffee and the vibrant street food culture, to the familiar image of low stools at sidewalk cafés, the tangled web of traffic and power lines, and the optimism and warmth of its young generation.

Vietnamese cuisine, in particular, introduces its own set of requirements for interior design. Vietnamese families often host traditional gatherings at home — anniversaries, celebrations, or reunions. From large pots for cooking, intense aromas, and diverse dipping sauces to ventilation needs, waterproof materials, and dining proportions — every detail reflects the lifestyle and culinary habits that designers must consider when creating kitchens and dining spaces.“These are just a few among countless examples of what makes Vietnamese elements so fascinating to explore in interior design,” he remarked.

“Vietnamizing” design through proportions, functionality, and textures that suit the Vietnamese way of living. Photo: Archives.