William Zuo - Work Portfolio

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Design Portfolio

Coming from an architectural background, stepping into the field of interior design was both refreshing and unexpected. However, it was never a complete departure — architecture and interiors are inherently interconnected. The form of a building and the atmosphere within should exist in harmony.

During my studies, architectural design often focused on large-scale spatial planning, where interior details and soft furnishings were easily overlooked. Through professional experience,

I have learned to see buildings from the inside out — understanding how materials, colours, and furniture details shape the overall character of space.

This intersection of architecture and interior design has profoundly influenced my approach. It has strengthened my belief that thoughtful design must bridge both structure and experience, creating spaces where people can truly live, feel, and belong.

Workflow.

Understanding Space and People

Prior to meeting new clients, it is essential to gather comprehensive information about the site and existing architecture. This stage often involves preparing or redrawing floor plans and conducting on-site measurements when required.

Understanding the client’s needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences is equally important, allowing for the development of preliminary discussions on colour palettes, materials, and spatial atmosphere. Once a clear concept is established, the project progresses into the detailed design phase, where ideas are refined into cohesive and functional outcomes that align with both aesthetic and practical considerations.

Moodboards.

Crafting the Atmosphere

In comparison to hard finishes, soft furnishing projects account for a significant part of the design process. Colour coordination and material presentation play a crucial role, and the moodboard becomes an essential tool to communicate these ideas.

Based on the client’s requirements, each zone is carefully developed with preliminary combinations of furniture, fabrics, and finishes. This allows the overall concept to be clearly visualised and ensures the design direction is both cohesive and tailored to the client’s expectations.

Collection

As every client requires a tailored moodboard, the process has gradually become an essential part of my workflow. Over time, I have developed my own moodboard database, consisting of hundreds of curated combinations of colours, materials, and furniture styles.

This growing collection not only helps streamline the design process but also serves as a valuable visual library that inspires new ideas and ensures each project begins with a clear and cohesive direction.

When clients find it difficult to visualise the space through moodboards alone, realistic renderings become essential.

3D visualisation allows materials, lighting, and spatial composition to be presented with clarity and precision, providing a more immersive understanding of how the design will come to life.

Through these renderings, clients can better experience the atmosphere of their future home before it is filled.

Further Presentation.

Visualization Process

Projects.

From Classical to Modern

After a design is approved on screen, the real magic unfolds — spaces take shape, materials come to life, and imagination becomes tangible.

The following projects present a variety of completed works, from timeless classical elegance to refined modern simplicity, each shaped by the individuality of its client.

Winmalee Rd Project

Transitional Elegance

This residence embodies a refined transitional style, gracefully balancing timeless classical detailing with modern sensibility. The architectural shell retains traditional features—such as coffered ceilings, wainscoting, and ornate cornices—yet each element has been simplified and refined to achieve a contemporary sense of proportion and lightness.

The furnishings echo this philosophy of quiet sophistication. Plush tufted sofas, soft velvet armchairs, and structured dining chairs with nailhead trims recall classical craftsmanship, while clean-lined coffee tables, minimalist light fixtures, and geometric accents bring in modern clarity. The palette stays calm and neutral— warm whites, taupes, and muted greys—allowing subtle contrasts in texture and form to take precedence. Occasional pops of colour, such as mustard cushions or deep blue armchairs, infuse the rooms with vitality without overpowering the serenity of the space.

Natural light and material play a key role: chevron-patterned timber floors add depth and movement, while large windows frame lush greenery outside, blending the interior atmosphere with nature. The result is a series of spaces that feel at once elegant and comfortable, classical yet current—a perfect marriage between tradition and modern living.

Osullivan Rd Project

Light, Line, and Legacy

This project reinterprets transitional design with a sense of luminosity and celebration. While it retains the architectural depth of classical detailing—such as coffered ceilings, decorative cornices, and panelled walls—it embraces modern brightness through open layouts, light-filled interiors, and restrained yet luxurious styling.

Upholstered furniture in gentle neutrals and soft blues creates a calm rhythm, subtly balanced by brass accents and curated artwork.

The dining ensemble features a solid timber table surrounded by upholstered chairs with nailhead detailing, balancing formality with comfort. In the bedroom, plush textiles and muted jewel tones lend intimacy, while in the study, minimalist furniture with sculptural lines introduces a modern edge to the classical shell.

Throughout the home, every furnishing choice feels deliberate yet effortless—an interpretation of timeless beauty through material harmony, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern restraint.

Wellman St Project

Timeless Harmony

This interior embraces the warmth of camel leather and soft neutral tones, blending seamlessly with the home’s architectural character. The choice of camel — a shade between tan and caramel — bridges the gap between classic elegance and modern restraint, evoking a subtle vintage charm while keeping the space light and contemporary.

The tactile mix of leather, velvet, and glass adds depth and comfort, while sunlight accentuates the richness of the materials throughout the day.

Mountleigh Project

Modern Resonance

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This residence represents a confident expression of modern interior design, defined by clarity, contrast, and movement. The open-plan layout flows around a sculptural staircase, where floating treads, glass balustrades, and a cascading ring chandelier create a striking architectural centerpiece.

Colour plays a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere: deep ocean blues and warm amber tones bring energy and personality to the living area, while soft greys and charcoals introduce grounding calmness.

Furniture selections are sculptural yet comfortable— modular sofas with clean lines, tactile boucle armchairs, and circular coffee tables that soften the linearity of the space. Dark timber joinery and stone textures contrast against natural light, framing each vignette with modern precision.

Illawarra Rd Project

Modernity Meets Grace

Modern sophistication here takes a softer form. The interior unfolds through a palette of warm neutrals, stone greys, and earthy accents, creating a calm rhythm that connects each space. The living area embraces minimal lines and generous proportions, while the bedrooms and lounge introduce plush textures, artworks, and subtle colour notes that bring intimacy and warmth.

Furniture pieces are thoughtfully composed—curved sofas, tactile fabrics, and sculptural lighting establishing balance between comfort and clarity. Throughout, natural light reveals quiet tonal shifts, highlighting the material harmony of timber, fabric, and metal.

The result is a refined yet inviting home, where modern aesthetics are elevated through softness, proportion, and an enduring sense of calm.

This project celebrates the essence of modern minimalism—where simplicity, texture, and proportion come together to create calm, livable beauty.

Furniture selections follow a restrained and tactile aesthetic: linen sofas, timber accents, and sculptural occasional pieces offer comfort without excess. The artwork is deliberately simple—bold yet minimal compositions that echo the geometry and tones of the architecture, adding quiet personality without overwhelming the space.

Nelson St Project

Modern Minimalism in Nature

Galahad Project

Vertical Calm

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It explores modern simplicity through volume, light, and tone. The double-height dining area becomes the visual heart of the home—its expansive glazing invites daylight to flood the interior, creating a sense of openness and tranquility.

The interior palette is harmonious and understated, blending shades of cream, grey, and taupe with gentle timber undertones. Each material—marble, linen, brushed metal—contributes to a tactile calmness that defines the atmosphere.

Other

Works

Technnical drawing / Render / Graphic design

Technical Drawings

After graduation, I worked at an architectural firm where I was responsible for technical drafting. Unlike design work at university, every line, annotation, and regulation in professional practice must follow strict standards and precision. During this period, I gained valuable experience in preparing detailed architectural drawings — from plans and sections to elevations and town planning documents. This experience deepened my understanding of construction components, codes, and documentation processes that are rarely explored in academic projects.

Freelance 3d Render

During spare time, various freelance 3D rendering tasks were undertaken, primarily for small-scale commercial projects. Each project offered an opportunity to explore atmosphere, lighting, and composition — turning simple models into visual narratives.

The process of seeing a scene gradually take shape through rendering remains a rewarding way to deepen understanding of spatial storytelling and visual communication.

Graphic Design

With an architectural background, proficiency in graphic editing and layout software provides a strong foundation for visual communication. During periods of volunteering and career transition, various graphic design techniques were explored and applied.

Design, in all its forms, shares a common language — and these experiences continue to enhance spatial awareness and visual storytelling across future design work.

Journey continues...

Thank you for viewing my portfolio. I sincerely appreciate your time and interest. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss potential opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

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