In 2013, Motion Global—better known under its brand SmartBuy Glasses—established its 15,000 sq ft. headquarters in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong. This milestone project combined a corporate office, packaging and logistics warehouse, production studio, and showroom under one roof. At the time, SmartBuy Glasses was still in its early growth stage, yet it has since evolved into one of the most recognized and successful online eyewear retailers worldwide.

Our design strategy struck a balance between functionality and a strong brand presence, creating an industrial-modern workplace that supported rapid expansion. The warehouse and logistics hub were integrated seamlessly with the corporate office, streamlining workflow efficiency and distribution. Dedicated photography and production studios were designed to support the company’s digital commerce operations, while showroom areas enhanced the brand’s customer-facing identity.

The project became a landmark achievement in our design journey, not only because of its scale but also because it symbolized our role in enabling a young, entrepreneurial team to establish a global e-commerce network. Today, SmartBuy Glasses operates successfully across Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Australia—proving the vision we helped build more than a decade ago.

Project details

Signature materials

Polished concrete flooring
Exposed ceilings with suspended lighting
Frosted glass partitions
Industrial shelving systems

Construction Duration

~3 months

Location

Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Area

15000 sqft.

Year

2013

CONCEPT & DESIGN INTENT

The vision was to create a consolidated headquarters for SmartBuy Glasses that embodied the brand’s entrepreneurial energy and e-commerce identity. The design combined modern industrial aesthetics with functional efficiency, establishing a professional yet youthful environment for a rising online retailer.

SPATIAL STRATEGY / PLANNING LOGIC

The 15,000 sq ft. space was planned to integrate diverse functions into one seamless ecosystem:

Open-plan offices to encourage collaboration and visibility.
Logistics and packaging areas are located adjacent for smooth operational flow.
Photography and production studios are positioned to support the brand’s digital commerce activities directly.
Showroom and reception spaces designed to express brand identity to partners and clients.

GALLERY

MATERIALITY & DETAILING

The material palette emphasized durability and modernity:

polished concrete flooring for heavy use, frosted glass partitions to balance transparency and privacy, and exposed ceilings with suspended lighting for a raw, industrial character. Custom shelving and modular workstations supported flexibility in both office and warehouse areas.

PROJECT GOALS & OUTCOMES

The project successfully created a headquarters that enabled SmartBuy Glasses to scale globally. It streamlined logistics, strengthened internal workflow, and provided a strong physical foundation for an emerging e-commerce brand. This milestone project not only met immediate operational needs but also positioned the company as a global leader in online eyewear retail.

COLLABORATION & CONSTRAINTS

Collaboration with the young entrepreneurial founders was dynamic and forward-looking. The challenge lay in balancing diverse functional zones—office, warehouse, production studio—within one space. Through clear zoning and design discipline, the project overcame operational complexity while reinforcing brand culture.