Designing a business

"DON'T call me towkay," were some of the first words uttered by Joseph Lau, managing director of LAUD Architects, during The SME Magazine's interviewwith him. Unassuming and mildmannered, Mr Lau does not fit the usual stereotype of the flamboyant creative. He was also distinctly uncomfortable wearing the towkay label, viewing it as an anti-thesis of his leadership style.

"We are quite different from other companies because I put a lot of emphasis on teamwork. I don't dictate or make unilateral decisions. If the towkay makes every decision, you just go into meetings and take notes. There's no incentive or sense of participation."

It is this sense of inclusivity that makes LAUD Architects stand out. Starting out with just four directors including Mr Lau in 2004, the management team has since increased to six people. Everyone has a say, and resolutions are reached together. The company has also expanded rapidly; it is 35-stro…