Studio Zung is an integrated architecture and interior design studio led by Tommy Zung. Architecture and interiors are conceived as a singular expression, forming a seamless narrative from structural foundation to final art curation.
Studio Zung expresses a layered meditation on design, architecture, and the quiet power of restraint. We embrace the balance between precision and softness, tradition and modernity. Our spaces prioritize feeling over perfection, revealing a design philosophy rooted in emotional resonance and timelessness.
We transform spaces into timeless investments, weaving a holistic story through every considered detail. From grand architectural concepts and design-and-build homes to curated collectible furniture and thoughtfully sourced elements for daily rituals, each choice contributes to a connected, sensorial, and fully realized environment.
We believe that every project begins with a smart, visionary idea and ends with a beautiful, sustainable, and memorable human environment.
Let’s create something inspiring together.
SERVICES
Architecture
Interiors
Hospitality
Commercial
Design & Build
Handcrafted Furniture
Bespoke Kitchens
Fine Cabinetry
Lifestyle Products
Scenography
Strategic Partnerships
Collaborations
Store Design
RECOGNITION
Architectural Digest
Architectural Digest Pro
Architizer
ArchDaily
Archinect
Architectural Record
The Architect’s Newspaper
Curbed
Cottages & Gardens
Design Milk
Dezeen
Dwell Magazine
Hamptons Cottages & Gardens
Imagicasa
Interior Design Magazine
The New York Times
Rue Magazine
The Purist
Vanity Fair
WSJ
Wallpaper Magazine
AFFILIATES
Shop Zung
shopzung.com
Atelier by Studio Zung
atelierbystudiozung.com
Z Builders
zbuildersny.com
Buckminster Fuller Foundation
buckminsterfullerpartnersfoundation.org
If our mind was a room
Tommy Zung
Founder and Principal
Tommy Zung is an architectural designer and curator with over 30 years of experience, whose career has traversed architecture, fashion, and more recently, his own eponymous architecture and design studio. His practice embodies a seamless integration of professional expertise and a holistic, mindful approach to design. This ethos is deeply rooted in his life experiences, from growing up among renowned architects to his passion for surfing, negotiating the oceans unpredictable and formidable nature, which has influenced his understanding of nature's raw power and unpredictability.
Tommy’s father, Thomas T.K. Zung, was a partner of the visionary R. Buckminster Fuller and worked alongside architectural giants like Eero Saarinen and Edward Durell Stone. This unique upbringing provided Tommy with a diverse cultural and philosophical perspective, shaping his approach to architecture as a balance between Eastern and Western influences.
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Since founding Studio Zung in 2013, Zung has continued the tradition of environmental integrity championed by his godfather, Bucky Fuller. His studio's work has earned recognition from various corners, with Architectural Digest naming it one of the "Top 10 Firms to Watch" in 2015.
Studio Zung is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in architecture, interiors, design & build, furniture design, curation, and product design. The studio's design philosophy revolves around mindful and holistic principles, focusing on sensorial experiences and sustainability. With a commitment to creating meaningful spaces, Tommy’s team brings an elevated approach to every project, whether it's architecture, interiors, or lifestyle design. Through his unique blend of skills and life experiences, Tommy continues to redefine what it means to be a designer in the modern world
Thomas T.K. Zung
FAIA | Co-Principal
Thomas T.K. Zung, president and senior partner at Buckminster Fuller, Sadao and Zung Architects, was a student of the visionary Buckminster Fuller. He is a distinguished Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), an honor recognizing architects who have made significant contributions to the profession through design excellence, architectural education, or professional advancement. Additionally, Zung serves as a Senior Fellow at Stanford University.
Before joining Bucky Fuller, Zung worked for many years as principal designer and project architect under the internationally renowned architect Edward Durell Stone. During his time with Stone, Zung contributed to notable projects such as the New Orleans International Trade Mart, the Master Plan for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, General Motors' headquarters in New York, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
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Zung established Thomas T.K. Zung Architects, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio and the following year, 1968, designed the first elongated geodesic dome in association with Buckminster Fuller Synergetics organization. Thomas T.K. Zung Architects and R. Buckminster Fuller merged to form Buckminster Fuller, Sadao and Zung Architects where they designed numerous Geodesic domes, tensegrity structures, vector equilibriums, museum exhibitions, publications, and Fuller’s last invention, ‘Hang It All’. A founding member of Buckminster Fuller Institute and SNEC, he is a Distinguished Senior Fellow to the Stanford University Libraries, and author/editor of Fuller’s Anthology for a New Millennium published under St. Martin’s Press.
Buckminster Fuller, Sadao and Zung Architects are members of The American Institute of Architects. In celebration of Zung's notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture, he has been named a Fellow of The American Institute of Architects, which only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction.
Kupal Fontaine
Senior Architectural Professional
Kupal Fontaine brings a unique blend of early passion and seasoned expertise to the architectural profession. His journey began at 15 when he first discovered his calling for design, ultimately leading him to earn his Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology in 2010.
Over the past 15 years at Studio Zung, Kupal has established himself as a key leader in high-stakes architectural projects. His portfolio at Studio Zung encompasses developments with construction budgets exceeding $70 million and combined property valuations surpassing $500 million.
As a senior team member, Kupal specializes in comprehensive design-build project management, shepherding developments through their complete lifecycle—from conceptual vision to finished construction. His integrated approach ensures seamless coordination between design innovation and practical execution, delivering exceptional results for clients and communities alike.
Wendel Yeou-Uei Chai
Junior Architectural Professional
Wendel Yeou-Uei Chai is an emerging architectural professional with international experience spanning Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. He holds a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Tamkang University in Taiwan.
As a registered architect in Taiwan, Wendel gained valuable experience working with the renowned firm Kengo Kuma and Associates in Tokyo, where he contributed to projects that harmonize traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design innovation. His expertise in materiality, spatial design, and environmental integration reflects the firm's distinctive approach to architecture.
Wendel's design excellence has been recognized through multiple competition awards across Taiwan and China, demonstrating his ability to create compelling architectural solutions that balance cultural context with modern functionality. His cross-cultural perspective and multilingual capabilities make him a valuable contributor to international architectural projects..
Margaret Milewski
Interior Designer
Maggie Milewski brings a rich architectural foundation to her interior design practice, having earned her Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida. Her education was enhanced by an immersive semester in Vicenza, Italy.
As a dedicated member of Studio Zung for more than six years, Maggie specializes in weaving thoughtful, cohesive interior elements throughout each project. Her exceptional work at Studio Zung recently earned her recognition in Interior Design Magazine's prestigious 30/30 2025 list, which celebrates the industry's most promising designers under 30 for their outstanding professional achievements.
Maggie's distinctive approach lies in her ability to seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality, creating intimate and meaningful details that elevate the client experience. Her work ensures that Studio Zung's projects not only meet practical needs but also resonate on an emotional level, transforming spaces into environments that truly enhance how people live and work.
Emily Chao
Project Manager
Emily Chao completed her postgraduate studies in Interior Design at the University of the Arts London, where she developed expertise in spatial design, creative strategy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Shaped by a multicultural and nomadic upbringing across the United States, Taiwan, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Emily brings a global perspective, adaptability, and multilingual communication skills that strengthen her ability to collaborate across diverse teams and client environments.
In her professional career, Emily has managed and supported projects for global clients including Google, Meta, Qualcomm, Dell, and TSMC. Her portfolio spans large-scale corporate, hospitality, and residential projects, including several LEED-certified projects. She specializes in guiding projects from design development through execution, coordinating stakeholders, managing schedules, and ensuring that design intent is successfully delivered. With combined experience in design and project management, Emily bridges design innovation with practical execution.
Mark Narvasa
Procurement & Logistics Coordinator
Mark Narvasa brings a distinctive blend of financial acumen and operational expertise to his role as Procurement & Logistics Coordinator at Studio Zung. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology from the University of Mindanao
His experience encompasses comprehensive design and construction documentation within the design-build industry, alongside hands-on bookkeeping expertise gained at a CPA firm in New York City. This multifaceted background enables Mark to navigate complex project administration challenges while maintaining the financial precision essential to procurement and logistics operations.
Mark's analytical mindset, combined with his keen attention to detail and cross-industry experience, positions him as a valuable contributor to Studio Zung's continued success in delivering exceptional design solutions.
Hazel Arnaiz
Accounting Manager
Hazel Arnaiz brings a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology from the University of Mindanao to her position as Accounting Manager at Studio Zung. With her comprehensive educational foundation in financial systems and accounting principles, she oversees the studio's financial operations with the firms bookkeepers and CPA.
Her role extends beyond traditional accounting responsibilities, encompassing project administration where her systematic approach ensure seamless coordination between financial planning and project execution. Ms. Arnaiz's meticulous attention to detail serves as a cornerstone for maintaining accurate financial records.
This unique combination of financial expertise and project management capabilities, paired with her commitment to operational excellence, makes her a crucial asset to the Studio Zung team.
Kristine Lomogbad
Administrative Manager
Kristine Lomogbad serves as the Administrative Manager at Studio Zung, where she ensures the seamless day-to-day operations of the studio. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for organization, she provides essential support across administrative, financial, and project management functions, allowing the creative team to focus on delivering inspired work.
Kristine is instrumental in creating structure behind the scenes, ensuring efficiency while nurturing the positive and collaborative culture that defines the firm.
Sheila Muthoni
Executive Assistant
Sheila Muthoni serves as Executive Assistant to our founder, bringing exceptional organizational expertise and strategic support to the Studio Zung team. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Management Science and Business Administration from Strathmore University and is a Certified Public Accountant, Section 3.
Sheila's comprehensive skill set combines financial acumen with executive administration expertise, making her an invaluable asset to our leadership team and the broader Studio Zung organization.
Isabel Liang
Visual Designer
Isabel Liang is a Visual Designer at Studio Zung, bringing a refined sensibility and rigorous design thinking to the studio’s multidisciplinary work. A distinguished graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Summa Cum Laude, grounding her practice in both conceptual depth and technical excellence.
With a strong background in developing and executing visual design systems, Isabel contributes across brand, digital, and spatial projects. Her work is characterized by a thoughtful balance of clarity, experimentation, and precision, playing a key role in shaping and evolving Studio Zung’s visual language.
Talley Carlston
Art Director
Talley Carlston has been working with Studio Zung since 2013 and has spent the last decade in New York working for top-tier advertising agencies such as Chandelier, Baron & Baron, Laird+Partners, and Watson NY as well as other notable advertising agencies building his expertise as a multi-disciplinary designer in branding and design.
Mr. Carlston’s work as an art director for Studio Zung has been instrumental in visual storytelling and graphic language.
Howard Collinge
Branding Director
Howard Collinge was born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mother and a British father. He was raised in Australia but has spent most of his career between London, Asia, and New York City.
His advertising and branding work has garnered numerous international awards, including thirteen Gold Lions at the Cannes Festival, as well as numerous Clio’s and One Show awards. He has created campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands, including Marriott, Conrad, Uniqlo, Levi’s, MTV, Jetblue, and Heineken. His attention-grabbing ideas have led to a “most watched” viral video as well as an award-winning branded content series for MTV.
Mindful Holistic Design
Architecture
Interiors
Hospitality
Commercial
Design and Build
Bespoke Kitchens
Fine Cabinetry
Handcrafted Furniture
Lifestyle Products
Sceneography
Collaborations
Store Design
Projects Around the World
Maison Barrow, West Village, NY. Residential
Maison Attorney, East Village, NY. Residential
Atelier 54. Amagansett, NY. Residential
Maison Cranberry. Amagansett, NY. Residential
Maison 5th. Flatiron, NY. Residential
The Surfrider Hotel. Montauk, NY. Hospitality
Maison Madison. NoMad, NY. Residential
Chateau Wildrye. Big Sky, MT. Residential
Maison Wooster. Soho, NY. Residential
Maison Leonard. Tribeca, NY. Residential
Bureau 19. Chelsea, NY. Commercial
Maison Dubois. Montauk, NY. Residential
Maison Ferndale. Montauk, NY. Residential
Atelier 96. Amagansett, NY. Residential
Chateau Dumont. Aspen, CO. Residential
Atelier 211. Amagansett, NY. Residential
Maison Kent. Brooklyn, NY. Residential
Maison Imlay. Red Hook, NY. Residential
Maison Duane. Tribeca, NY. Residential
Highgate Hotels. Beverly Hills, CA. Hospitality
Atelier 22. Amagansett, NY. Residential
Maison Surfside. Montauk, NY. Residential
Maison Crosby. Soho, NY. Residential
Atelier 216. Amagansett, NY. Residential
Arrive Wellness. Chelsea, NY. Residential
Hotel Ahipara. Ahipara, NZ. Hospitality
RVCA HQ. Costa Mesa, CA. Residential
Maison 7. East Village, NY. Residential
Mtk Beach House No.2. Montauk, NY. Residential
Crows Nest Hotel. Montauk, NY. Hospitality
Maison Meadowlark. Bridgehampton, NY. Residential
Brizo. Collaborations
Maison Koloko. Big Island, HI. Residential
V Bar at Venetian Hotel. Las Vegas, NV. Hospitality
Forthcoming
Forthcoming
Forthcoming
Forthcoming
2025
2025
2025
2025
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2023
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2022
2022
2022
2020
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2020
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2016
2016
2015
2013
2012
2012-14
2011
2012-23
2010
2008