Architect Nguyễn Hoàng Mạnh was born in 1970 in Kỳ Lừa, Lạng Sơn, but spent his formative years in the fishing village of Thanh Hải, Phan Thiết City, Bình Thuận Province. He graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture in 1997 and completed his master's degree in architecture at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium in 2001. In 2003, he co-founded MIA Design Studio, where he serves as the CEO and Principal Architect. With a design philosophy that emphasizes contemporary tropical architecture, environmental sustainability, and local identity, he and his team have delivered numerous high-value projects. Throughout his career, he has received numerous national and international architectural awards. Notably, in 2016, he was honored as "Architect of the Year" at the Ashui Awards. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the "Architects of the Decade," alongside Võ Trọng Nghĩa and Đàm Huỳnh Quốc Vũ. One of his most notable works is the Sky House, his private residence in Saigon, which embodies the principle of "Less is More" in design, emphasizing minimalism and harmony with nature.

David Leschinski Ivanov is an accomplished Architecture Design Manager with over 14 years of experience in hospitality, residential, and master planning projects. He has led multidisciplinary teams in architecture, landscape, and interior design, delivering large-scale hotels, resorts, and luxury villas across Spain, Vietnam, and Cambodia. As Design Manager at Kume Design Asia, he ensures that the projects balances functionality, sustainability, and cultural identity while meeting the highest design standards. Under Kume’s leadership, the firm has been recognized with three International Awards (2021, 2022, 2023). David specializes in managing design operations and optimizing workflows, fostering collaboration between architects, other consultants and operators. He has been involved in the development of numerous high-end hospitality projects, including themed hotels that create immersive guest experiences. Passionate about integrating heritage into contemporary spaces, he continuously seeks innovative, user- focused solutions that enhance both design quality and operational efficiency.

Pedro Pedalino is a globally recognized design leader with a score of excellence in creating projects of environment and public impact. Born in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), his relationship with landscape architecture started at a very early stage, learning through his father Claudio Pedalino, who is also a landscape architect. While getting his Master degree in Architecture, he worked with Paulo Mendes da Rocha (Pritzker Prize 2006). He also studied contemporary arts in the School of Visual Arts of Parque Lage, having won awards in all fields of design. He arrived in Vietnam for the first time in 2012 with the vision to create a leading landscape design company. In November 2015, he officially founded LJ-Group, now a multi-award winning design studio network counting with more than 35 landscape architects, three offices and a worldwide range of projects from medium to large scale. Pedro’s influence, design and thinking has been decisive to guide and forge the strategic direction and portfolio of LJ-Group.

Born on the African island of Mauritius, Jonathan began his architectural journey at a very early age in his uncle’s architecture studio before moving to Australia for further studies, where he helped deliver some incredible projects for over a decade. For the past five years, he has been based in Vietnam, bringing a vibrant, multicultural perspective to his design work through his design studio, NU. Drawing on his experiences across Africa, Australia, and Vietnam, Jonathan’s creations showcase a unique blend of diverse cultural influences and sustainability techniques, resulting in thoughtful, client-centric spaces that truly reflect his global heritage.

Peter Cường is a Vietnamese-American chef who was born and raised in Dalat in central Vietnam and trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu and world-famous restaurants including Caprice in Hong Kong, Alinea in Chicago and Nahm in Bangkok. A pioneer in modern Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, he is one of the most recognizable faces on the country's dynamic gastronomic scene. His true culinary inspiration is his mother, who cooks in a small noodle shop in Dalat in central Vietnam and famed for her Nem Nướng grilled pork sausage and Mì Quảng prawn & pork turmeric noodle soup. Chef Peter's "Cuisine Mói" or "New Vietnamese Cuisine" reflects his vision of a modern Vietnam that is deeply respectful of its history and traditions yet progressive and international in outlook. He takes inspiration from the country's vibrant street food culture and uses fresh ingredients often sourced from local markets while incorporating French culinary techniques honed during his training at Le Cordon Bleu. Chef Peter also helms Pot Au Phở noodle bar and Nhau Nhau cocktail bar, with all his restaurants – including Anan Saigon - located in Cho Cû, the oldest wet market in Ho Chi Minh's city center.

The journey of architect Nguyễn Đức Phương is one of inspiring passion and creativity in architecture and interior design. To him, every project is more than just a living space—it is a source of artistic inspiration, a harmonious blend of aesthetics, humanity, and sustainability. His aspiration to craft refined spaces led him to establish BSA Design & Build Firm, where he brings to life unique projects that celebrate local culture and contribute to elevating Vietnam’s architectural identity. Nguyễn Đức Phương believes that an architect is not merely a creator of ideas but a visionary who transforms them into reality, making creativity an ever-flowing force. It is the seamless fusion of art and real-world experience that breathes life into inspiring spaces—spaces that evoke emotions, create meaningful connections, and elevate value for clients.

A Japanese landscape producer born in 1984, Kenta Watanabe has been involved in creating gardens for restaurants, hotels, and private residences in Japan. In 2023, Kenta Watanabe founded YUI GARDEN ART in Hanoi, Vietnam. The company specializes in the design and construction of Japanese gardens, offering unique designs that blend authentic Japanese garden elements and traditional aesthetics with Vietnamese culture. With a focus not only on visual beauty but also on functionality and comfort, the company is dedicated to creating landscapes infused with the spirit of "Omotenashi" (hospitality).

Katia is an architect, who graduated at Politecnico di Torino and got Bachelor degree in 2007 then Master in 2010. With her main interest in environmental and green architecture she started her career in an experimental site of architecture in France. During her professional experiences, she has worked in both architecture and interior design, with a portfolio of project that spaces from different scales and typology and includes mixed-use development, residential, hospitality , F&B, commercial & hospital.

Born in 1991 and raised in a small town in Vietnam, Bianca Nguyen discovered her passion for design at an early age. Driven by creativity and a deep appreciation for artistic expression, she moved to Sydney to pursue her dream

Trinh Lai, founder of many innovative F&B concepts , is a pioneer in the F&B and entertainment industry, constantly innovating and affirming new developments through his projects in Vietnam. “It is not easy to create new concepts, but retaining guests once they have become accustomed is even harder. Services have been our differentiation to entice guests over the past decade.”