If you ask The Falls’ founder and designer, Leong Ong, what The Falls is all about he might reluctantly say something about embroidery, something about beading and something about the magic of one-of-a-kind pieces. However, underneath these vague descriptions is a more detailed story. Leong was born in Seremban Malaysia and moved to England to study in his teens. He completed his foundations and Master’s Degrees at Central Saint Martins and his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts at Kingston University where he studied fashion design. After school, Leong moved to New York City to work as the Design Director at Polo Ralph Lauren. In 2005 he started his own business with a store in High Falls, NY and later in Hudson, NY. The Falls, as we know it today, began as a natural evolution from these two storefronts.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Leong Ong: I’ve always had this insatiable curiosity about the world — how things are created and what makes them beautiful. The thrill of making something unique and expressing my ideas through design is what truly fuels my passion.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
LO: Rescue, rework, repurpose. It’s all about breathing new life into existing things and being responsible in our choices.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
LO: Simple: Don’t panic! I find that staying calm opens up the space for creativity and innovative ideas to flourish.
AJ: What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on, and how did you overcome it?
LO: Building a studio and house from scratch has been a monumental challenge. It’s a work in progress! Patience is key, along with knowing when to stand firm and when to compromise.
AJ: Can you tell us about a design trend you are excited about?
LO: I’m really inspired by the idea that individual style and personal taste are becoming more important than adhering to fleeting trends. Authenticity is what truly resonates.
AJ: What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
LO: I see a move towards embracing individuality over trends. I recently read an intriguing NY Times article about intentional clutter — finding beauty in the curated chaos. I can definitely get behind that!
AJ: What is the most important element in successful interior design?
LO: A space should be an emotional reflection of the client, showcasing their unique story and essence. Listening to the customer, making sure that there are moments in there, however small or large, that spark and reflect their story and bring joy to them.
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