Designers Ngoc Nguyen and Huy Anh are the co-founders of interior design studio Module K. What began as a friendship between two contrasting creative forces has evolved into a lasting partnership.
From what once appeared to be irreconcilable differences, Ngoc Nguyen and Huy Anh have found harmony, jointly steering Module K Vietnam through over a decade of creative evolution. Ngoc Nguyen is known for her methodical nature and deep respect for process, while Huy Anh brings a sharp, strategic vision and a liberated approach to creativity. This interplay of personalities not only defines Module K’s distinctive voice but also underpins a professional relationship that they describe as one of the great blessings of their careers. With a disciplined, unwavering design philosophy and an increasingly focused direction, the duo has shaped Module K into a platform for enduring growth.
Above Ngoc Nguyen and Huy Anh, co-founders of Module K Vietnam
Module K was founded in 2012, but it wasn’t until 2017 that it truly matured into a professional platform. Our own sharing house office project attracted significant attention and recognition. That moment made me realise that volume alone doesn’t define success; creating meaningful, well-received work rooted in purpose and narrative matters far more. That shift in perspective reshaped how I thought about our direction and what was needed to evolve into a designer who could make a lasting mark in the industry.
Above Ngoc Nguyen, Co-founder of Module K Vietnam
Affection must be mutual; you and the client must choose each other. I prefer working with those who are patient, respectful, and open to building a genuine connection. When you’re clear about your strengths and the path you’re pursuing, it becomes essential that the client is willing to invest time in the process alongside you.
Huy and I are like two interlocking pieces of a puzzle. I tend to prefer careful preparation from the outset, something that echoes a more traditional mindset. Huy, by contrast, takes a step back from the details, which allows him to maintain a broader, more incisive view. When I become too absorbed in the work, I sometimes grow too familiar with it and overlook things that need refinement. That’s when Huy steps in, spotting what I might have missed. We rarely operate in the same stage of a project, but our collaboration is anchored by an intuitive rhythm, balancing and adjusting each other’s contributions at crucial moments.
Above Ngoc Nguyen, Co-founder of Module K Vietnam
For me, our greatest asset is our customer base. Most of our clients are companies and corporations with long-term vision. Each project becomes more than a design assignment; it’s also a chance to accompany them on their journey of growth. I’ve always believed in “standing on the shoulders of giants”, because every step our clients take forward is also progress for us. The opportunity to listen to and learn from their startup stories and successes is something not every design firm gets to experience, and that, for me, is our most valuable reward.
In truth, I’ve never felt I’ve done anything grand. I wouldn’t claim to have transformed Vietnam’s design scene or reached a scale significant enough to make a bold statement to the world. For me, and for Kim Ngoc, co-founder of Module K, the most important thing has always been to do what is right and kind for each project. Before something is beautiful, it needs to be right. And before it becomes “interesting”, it must be approached with seriousness, thoroughness, and creativity. That’s the mindset both Module K and I personally hold at the core of our work.
If I had to name a milestone, it would be the Beta Cinema project. It was a period of upheaval, right in the middle of the pandemic. Everything was difficult, so bringing that project to completion took immense effort from our entire team. When it was finished and later featured in major international design magazines, particularly in the US, and covered by more than three or four dozen other publications, it felt like a moment of genuine joy; a deeply meaningful recognition.
Above Huy Anh, Co-founder of Module K Vietnam
Having a partner who truly understands and walks alongside you is a rare gift. Not everyone has that chance. A long-lasting partnership calls not only for understanding and harmony, but also for difference. Two people don’t need to be alike: in fact, sometimes it’s the contrast in personality, mindset or strengths that allows each to complement and complete the other.
In the past, Ngoc and I had quite different working styles. Ngoc was very adaptable when it came to teamwork and had strong skills in managing people. I, meanwhile, tended to work independently, especially when I needed to focus, structure my thoughts, or make directional decisions for a project. At such moments, I would often turn to Ngoc. We had a shared understanding that made it easier to speak directly and effectively, compared to involving the whole team.
Above Huy Anh, Co-founder of Module K Vietnam
This is something I’ve reflected on often, after 15 years of building Module K and more than two decades in the profession. For those just entering the design world, the most important thing is to have patience, a genuine love for the craft, and deep passion. This career is not easy; it’s more demanding than most expect. Each client and every project is a new lesson. There’s no set formula for success. Even now, with experience, I continue to learn from every project—because each one is a fresh start. There’s only one path to longevity in this field: stay true to your chosen journey, work with heart, and embrace lifelong learning.
