Real Estate
Celebrated designer Steve Leung on the rise of modernist design in China
Set among a bucolic backdrop of serene lakes and mountains, Tang Island combines Oriental elegance and modernism in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta Since launching his first firm in 1997, Hong Kong-born architect and interior designer Steve Leung has emerged as one of the region’s leading pioneers of contemporary modernism. Over the past 16 years he has been involved in a wide spectrum of projects throughout Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, and recently teamed up with John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck’s renowned international design firm yoo. Completed in October 2012, Tang Island is a prime example of Leung’s contemporary sensibilities and passion for chic sophistication. The private residence, located in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, features a number of elements, such as the maple wood veneer walls and textured fabrics, that bring the natural surroundings inside, as well as bespoke furnishings that maintain Leung’s trademark commitment to cultural identity. Here, Leung discusses the Tang Island residence, the rise of the modernist movement in China and his latest collaboration with yoo.How has your approach to both architecture and interior design changed since the firm started operations in China, and to what extent do you expect it to change in the future? I’m a very practical and business-oriented designer. When we start a new project we never start with inspiration, but research and analysis. Before we work on the design of a space, we first study the environment, and pay attention to client’s interest or target customer group. I think, like all kinds of design, both architecture and interior design should be blended with aesthetics and functionality perfectly. We have to understand and enhance the function of the space and then perfect it with aesthetic touch. I do not really stick to a particular kind of design style or approach that restricts creativity, but I am an advocate of contemporary styles. I prefer minimal, elegant and functional designs with unique cultural and artistic elements that are relevant to each particular project.In terms of themes and styles, how do your China-based projects differ to the firm’s overseas ventures? Certainly, styles should be adaptive from time to time; a designer cannot just stick to one style and then adapt it to every project. Although modern design is my favourite style and what I am good at, it doesn’t mean that my design is necessarily the same all the time. I take into account the key features of each project and make changes accordingly and the geographical factor is surely one of those considerations. When working in China, we may take cue from the rich traditions—such as Siheyuan and Hui style architecture—and transform them with a modern approach to reflect the unique features of the region. Such projects are mainly for Chinese users who are willing to see an interior design to reflect their own culture. I usually get inspirations from everyday life, whether it’s travelling or merely making a cup of tea. Tell us about your latest venture with John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck’s yoo In 2013 I was invited to join yoo as the first Chinese creative director, and we launched the ‘Steve Leung & yoo’ brand. In our first collaboration, yoo Residence in Hong Kong, we complemented yoo’s dramatic and playful design approach with the Steve Leung Designers’ ethos of delivering chic, stylish and refined interiors. The collaboration heralds a vibrant new direction in interiors and offers residents a fresh approach to living. What are the standout features at the Tang Island project? Tang Island is located in Suzhou, a God-gifted place renowned for green mountains and scenic lakes that surround it. The house embraces a beige palette, with extensive use of refined silver travertine and maple wood veneer that responds instinctively to the natural setting and creates a simple yet elegant living environment. The target end-users are discerning in their taste on design and were looking for a high-quality living style. Moreover, they wanted the property to represent their style and taste. Several brand name design products, including Giorgetti furniture and Flos floor lamp, were selected to provide the owners with a tasteful space.The entertainment facilities are also a key component of the property. From where did you draw inspiration to design these unique spaces? I usually get inspirations from everyday life, whether it’s travelling or merely making a cup of tea. Observation is one way to accumulate daily experience and stimulate inspiration. Seeing that people usually prefer to have different kinds of entertainments and enjoy an all-round entertaining experience in one space, the basement is created to provide a number of facilities. We included a snooker table and an outdoor swimming pool for physical activities, while we also created a bar lounge and home theatre for leisure enjoyment. There is also a party space that is flexibly formed with the adoption of sliding veneer doors. To echo the overall design of the villa, this area is toned in cream and brown with a selection of wood and leather materials, as well as stylish decorations. All these settings are aimed at fulfilling the sophisticated needs of each family member.What other residential projects are you currently working on? I have just finished the Eden Residences Capitol in Singapore and a villa for St. Regis in Lijiang. The Lijiang project was designed in the style of Siheyuan architecture to convey the refined, classic local culture, but with a modern approach. We are also working on a range of residential and hospitality projects in China, which unfortunately cannot be announced at this stage.
Set among a bucolic backdrop of serene lakes and mountains, Tang Island combines Oriental elegance and modernism in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta 
Since launching his first firm in 1997, Hong Kong-born architect and interior designer Steve Leung has emerged as one of the region’s leading pioneers of contemporary modernism. Over the past 16 years he has been involved in a wide spectrum of projects throughout Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, and recently teamed up with John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck’s renowned international design firm yoo.
Completed in October 2012, Tang Island is a prime example of Leung’s contemporary sensibilities and passion for chic sophistication. The private residence, located in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, features a number of elements, such as the maple wood veneer walls and textured fabrics, that bring the natural surroundings inside, as well as bespoke furnishings that maintain Leung’s trademark commitment to cultural identity.
Here, Leung discusses the Tang Island residence, the rise of the modernist movement in China and his latest collaboration with yoo.
How has your approach to both architecture and interior design changed since the firm started operations in China, and to what extent do you expect it to change in the future?
I’m a very practical and business-oriented designer. When we start a new project we never start with inspiration, but research and analysis. Before we work on the design of a space, we first study the environment, and pay attention to client’s interest or target customer group. I think, like all kinds of design, both architecture and interior design should be blended with aesthetics and functionality perfectly. We have to understand and enhance the function of the space and then perfect it with aesthetic touch.
I do not really stick to a particular kind of design style or approach that restricts creativity, but I am an advocate of contemporary styles. I prefer minimal, elegant and functional designs with unique cultural and artistic elements that are relevant to each particular project.
In terms of themes and styles, how do your China-based projects differ to the firm’s overseas ventures?
Certainly, styles should be adaptive from time to time; a designer cannot just stick to one style and then adapt it to every project. Although modern design is my favourite style and what I am good at, it doesn’t mean that my design is necessarily the same all the time. I take into account the key features of each project and make changes accordingly and the geographical factor is surely one of those considerations.
When working in China, we may take cue from the rich traditions—such as Siheyuan and Hui style architecture—and transform them with a modern approach to reflect the unique features of the region. Such projects are mainly for Chinese users who are willing to see an interior design to reflect their own culture.
I usually get inspirations from everyday life, whether it’s travelling or merely making a cup of tea.
Tell us about your latest venture with John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck’s yoo
In 2013 I was invited to join yoo as the first Chinese creative director, and we launched the ‘Steve Leung & yoo’ brand. In our first collaboration, yoo Residence in Hong Kong, we complemented yoo’s dramatic and playful design approach with the Steve Leung Designers’ ethos of delivering chic, stylish and refined interiors. The collaboration heralds a vibrant new direction in interiors and offers residents a fresh approach to living.
What are the standout features at the Tang Island project?
Tang Island is located in Suzhou, a God-gifted place renowned for green mountains and scenic lakes that surround it. The house embraces a beige palette, with extensive use of refined silver travertine and maple wood veneer that responds instinctively to the natural setting and creates a simple yet elegant living environment.
The target end-users are discerning in their taste on design and were looking for a high-quality living style. Moreover, they wanted the property to represent their style and taste. Several brand name design products, including Giorgetti furniture and Flos floor lamp, were selected to provide the owners with a tasteful space.
The entertainment facilities are also a key component of the property. From where did you draw inspiration to design these unique spaces?
I usually get inspirations from everyday life, whether it’s travelling or merely making a cup of tea. Observation is one way to accumulate daily experience and stimulate inspiration.
Seeing that people usually prefer to have different kinds of entertainments and enjoy an all-round entertaining experience in one space, the basement is created to provide a number of facilities. We included a snooker table and an outdoor swimming pool for physical activities, while we also created a bar lounge and home theatre for leisure enjoyment. There is also a party space that is flexibly formed with the adoption of sliding veneer doors. To echo the overall design of the villa, this area is toned in cream and brown with a selection of wood and leather materials, as well as stylish decorations. All these settings are aimed at fulfilling the sophisticated needs of each family member.
What other residential projects are you currently working on?
I have just finished the Eden Residences Capitol in Singapore and a villa for St. Regis in Lijiang. The Lijiang project was designed in the style of Siheyuan architecture to convey the refined, classic local culture, but with a modern approach. We are also working on a range of residential and hospitality projects in China, which unfortunately cannot be announced at this stage.
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Celebrated designer Steve Leung on the rise of modernist design in China
Real Estate
Miami – A Great Place to Buy Real Estate
Miami has evolved into a cosmopolitan wonder city under the sun. Famous for its great beaches, this city has also earned a reputation of being a sexy, marvelous and trendy place to live. From amazing golf courses like the one at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne to the Miami Metro Zoo, this beautiful city has something to offer to everyone. Owning a piece of paradise is a dream within reach of locals and foreigners as well. People from all parts of the world have already taken advantage of the great opportunities available today in the marketplace.
Miami has some of the most amazing real estate developments like the astonishing Santa Maria located in Brickell, or the unbelievable towers of Icon Brickell. Some other exclusive and impressive Miami condos include, the Jade at Brickell, the 900 Biscayne in downtown Miami, the fabulous Trump Palace in Sunny Isles Beach and the astonishing Icon South Beach just to name a few. These modern Miami luxury condos have all the comforts and amenities only found in five star hotels.
The city of Miami has it all, great golf, amazing beaches, a turquoise beautiful ocean, a warm weather, excellent shopping, an electrifying night life, lots concerts, entertainment and sports events at the famous America Airlines Arena in downtown Miami.
Miami real estate buyers are as diverse as the city culture and population itself. Buyers come from all over the globe, Europeans, Latin Americans, and Asians and of course buyers from all around the United States. Some have chosen this beautiful city to have a second home and some have fallen in love so much that they now call Miami their home making it an exciting melting pot to live in.
Real Estate
Real Estate Investor's Secret Weapon
Real Estate Investors have a unique tool in their arsenal that other types of investors do not. One of the oldest tax code sections is 1031. This secret weapon is called a 1031 exchange. It is one of the few areas of the tax code where the US Government allows taxpayers to sell an asset and not immediately pay the taxes. Even State taxes are deferred. The way a 1031 Exchange works is simple. If you sell piece (s) of investment property, and you are want to buy of another piece (s) of investment real estate of equal value, you can defer indefinitely all taxes (capital gains (15%), recapture tax (25% ) and state income tax). This is the benefit: by not having to pay those taxes, you can keep your money (instead of giving it to Uncle Sam) and smartly reinvest it for yourself to grow your real estate portfolio. 1031 is a free financial tool that let you keep 15-30% of taxes you would have had to pay. In the world of increasing taxes, 1031 is a viable alternative.
There are some guidelines that need to be followed, and I will break them down. First, what is investment real estate? Investment real estate is defined as property used in a trade or business. It could be used to run your office or it could be rental property. One of the nice flexible features of 1031 is that all real estate is exchangeable. This means that a home can be exchanged for a condo or a piece of land can be exchanged for a commercial property. I use the rule of thumb that any property with a deed can be exchanged for another property with a deed. The other nice feature is that you can sell one property and purchase more than one replacement property or vice versa.
There are three main rules that investors need to know about 1031 exchanges. First of all, you must use a Qualified Intermediary (an Independent Middleman) to help facilitate your 1031 exchange. The QI, as they are called will do many things including prepare the Exchange Agreement, Escrow your 1031 proceeds, and most importantly make the exchange go smoothly. The QI must be hired prior to the closing of the relinquished property. Secondly, the Exchangor (the person doing the exchange) has 45 days from the closing date of the relinquished property to identify the replacement property. Identification means to list (not go under contract) up to 3 properties of any value and send them to the QI. Finally, the Exchangor has 180 days (from the date closing on the relinquished property), to close on one of those three identified replacement properties.
I don't want to over simplify 1031. Please consult your tax advisor in addition to your Qualified Intermediary to analyze your exchange and to be sure you are making the best tax decision. I do believe the rule of thumb should be if you want to keep your money invested in real estate, then 1031 is a tool you must consider.
1031 can be a potent weapon for the smart real estate investor. There is nothing worse than having a client not consider 1031 or not have their real estate professional tell them about it and the relinquished real estate closes and the client changes their mind. After the relinquished property closes, it is too late to do an exchange. 1031 is an efficient tool for an investor to build their portfolio. Plan your transactions and watch your real estate fortune grow.
Dave Owens, CPA, CES is the managing Member of Entrust 1031 Exchange. Dave and his staff have successfully performed over 10,000 exchanges since 1997. Entrust has an arsenal of tax free strategies. Feel free to contact Dave for more information or questions at 239-333-1031 or owens66@entrustfreedom.com .
Source by Dave Owens
Real Estate
How to Become a Successful Real Estate Developer
Real estate investment and development has never been a more popular pastime or career changing challenge; if you would like to learn seven secrets for consistently successful real estate investing through development or you would like to know how you can continue to profit from property even if the market takes a downward turn just read on …
1) Do Your Location Homework – did you know that through successful and sustained location research professional property investors actually continue to profit during a market down turn? It's true – whatever the market conditions you can apply their location research approach to your real estate investments and also make consistent profits from property.
Take the necessary time to learn all about a town or city you're considering for your next property development purchase and discover where the up and coming areas of that town are likely to be. If there are inner-city redevelopment projects planned examine the real estate market in the immediate vicinity, if there are areas that are booming right now examine the immediate neighboring areas for their potential for future prices arises for example.
Do not follow the crowd – have the confidence to buck the trend and get ahead of the curve by positioning yourself in a market that is about to boom rather than one in that has already blossomed.
2) Know What You Can Afford – While it can pay to sometimes speculate never be tempted to jeopardize your own home. Work out your finances and be ruthlessly strict about what you can and can not afford as a down payment, for mortgage costs and for the renovation and redevelopment of your next real estate investment. Only proceed within the confines of your tightly allocated budget and do not be tempted to over extend yourself specifically if competition in the property market is tough and the market is slow or stagnant.
3) Identify Your Target Market – Having identified your next location for property investment identify the types of people who buy into renovated assets in that location. Know who your target market are going to be and what they are likely to look for in a property in that location. If for example you're examining inner-city spaces you might identify that your buyers will be young single professionals and that the ideal property type for these people will be luxury low maintenance apartments – seek out suitable properties with the potential for redevelopment into luxury low maintenance apartments and you will fulfill your target market's brief … seek out large homes with substantive gardens in the area and you will have totally missed the market and potentially created a property that will not sell!
4) Renovation Not Rebuild – Know your budget limits and your personal skill restrictions. Do not consider taking on a property that is in need of a complete structural overhaul when your budget is tight or you do not personally have the time, skills or inclining to do the structural work yourself. Be realistic about what you and your budget can achieve and seek properties that fulfil that brief. Pay to have an independent and complete survey done on any property you are seriously considering buying before making a down payment to ensure that there are no hidden surprises waiting for you benefit the floorboards to eat up your budget in its entity.
5) Manage Your Budget – With your survey in hand you can approach builders for statements and seek out prices for fixtures, fittings, finishes and furnishings. Take the prices quoted and sourced and build your budget. Factor in overwriting mortgage and service costs and labor costs as well as your findings and structure and allocate your money accordingly. Watch every single spend and be ruthlessly strict with yourself and your builder. If at all possible have your builder commit to a contract with fixed finish dates and fees and stay on top of every single penny or cent every single day. At the end of each week tally up your outgoings and expenditure and ensure you're not exceeding your budget. If you're overspending rein it in or you will have to shave it off other areas of the development. Remember never to scrimp and save on finishing touches and always give yourself a realistic fall back fund in case of emergencies.
6) Appeal To The Widest Market – Forget putting your personal stamp on any property you develop – you are not going to be living in the property! You should already have identified your target market which will give you a good idea of the level and quality of finish expected, now meet those expectations without adding your own personal taste into the equation. By appealing to the widest market or the lowest common denominator your property will be attractive to the majority of buyers making it faster and easier to sell on and profit from.
7) Make Friends With A Real Estate Agent – Your greatest ally when developing property will be your real estate agent. Make friends with these guys and you will build a beautiful and successful symbiotic relationship in which you both profit to the maximum! Real estate agents are a fountain of untapped knowledge about the local market, who is looking for what property in which area, which additional features cost little to add but which push up the asking price and what a buyer expects from your particular property type. Get the facts from your real estate agent and then apply their advice. You will create a property they can market for top dollar and to the widest market – you will make more profit and they will make a larger commission including a beautiful and lasting friendship!
Finally, remember that when you've bought, renovated and sold on you'll be looking for that next property opportunity and any real estate agent who you've worked with well will be on the hunt for suitable real estate for your next investment making any identical purchases that much easier to source.
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