Global Expansion Strategies for Design Businesses

As Founder and Creative Partner, Clint Nagata’s passion for travel, hospitality and design is the inspiration behind BLINK Design Group’s vision. Born and raised in the Hawaiian island of Oahu in a Japanese American family, he has spent a lifetime imagining concepts, delivering smart and considered spaces, and wowing guests in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.

After 13 years with WATG in Honolulu, Clint relocated to Thailand 19 years ago. BLINK has since expanded its presence in Asia with studios in Singapore, Dubai and London, and in 2017 acquired the Jaya International Design (JID). Clint spearheads a collective of bold thinkers with an open-minded approach that nourishes collaboration and creativity.

Under a guiding philosophy he has dubbed ‘placemaking’, Clint steers projects from conception through to completion based on big ideas rooted in a deep dive into the culture, people, and design vernacular of a place.

Tulsi Grover is a hospitality and lifestyle designer with over 20 years’ experience shaping spaces across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. His diverse portfolio spans hotels, bars & restaurants, airport lounges, retail hubs, and custom homes, united by a single focus: creating places that move people emotionally as well as functionally.

Tulsi found his calling in design, a journey driven more by curiosity than convention. Most recently, he served as Managing Principal at Hassell, leading multidisciplinary teams across Southeast Asia and steering strategy, design direction, and client partnerships.

Known for blending architecture, interiors, landscape, and design strategy, Tulsi’s approach combines evidence-based design with intuitive storytelling and deep cultural insight. He speaks regularly at industry events, sharing perspectives on how psychology, culture, and context shape memorable guest experiences.

Sabine is an experienced and passionate interior designer, originating from Germany with a background in interior architecture. Over the past 15+ years, she has made Southeast Asia her home, bringing her unique blend of European design aesthetics and local cultural influences to each and every project she works on. Her keen eye for detail and ability to create functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces have made her a sought-after designer in the hospitality industry, particularly in the design of high-end and lifestyle hotels and resorts. Her passion for design, combined with dedication to excellence, make her an invaluable asset to any project she works on.

As the founder and creative visionary behind AFW, Andy brings over 30 years of experience working on international projects across Europe and Asia. Since establishing the workshop in 2004, Andy has transformed AFW into a thriving hub of creativity and collaboration, consistently delivering innovative solutions across a wide range of sectors. His leadership has led to the successful completion of projects for prestigious international hotel and resort brands, alongside large-scale mixed-use, residential, commercial, and retail developments.

Andy’s deep commitment to design excellence and sustainability is evident in every project AFW undertakes. His focus on blending environmental considerations with local cultural context has allowed AFW to carve out a niche as a boutique design consultancy known for crafting unique, tailored solutions for diverse, often challenging locations.

Under Andy’s guidance, AFW has grown into a respected design consultancy that not only pushes the boundaries of creativity but also fosters a collaborative approach to problem-solving. His expertise and passion for design, combined with an ability to navigate complex, culturally diverse environments, have established AFW as a leader in delivering world-class projects that resonate with clients and communities alike.

Andy is also a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Society of Interior Designers Singapore.