AB CONCEPT PRESENTS THE ‘AMI’ COLLECTION A SERIES OF RUGS DESIGNED FOR TAI PING

The international architecture and interior design studio AB Concept unveils the Ami Collection, an elegant series of rugs created in collaboration with the prestigious Hong Kong-based custom handmade and woven carpet manufacturer Tai Ping.

The project stems from a personal reflection by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, co-founders of the studio, on the importance of comfort, emotional memory, and connection with nature. The concept took shape in their residence, Itsu Sho Sha, located in the Karuizawa forest in the Japanese Alps, where the designers sought to create a soft, enveloping, and textural rug that would harmonise with the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape.

This first exemplar — a generously sized (4 x 5.5 metres), cable-knit beige-cream rug was specifically designed by the AB Concept co-founders for their country home in Japan and inspired the entire Ami Collection. The collection includes six designs in oval, round, and rectangular forms, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic cable-knit, characterised by clean geometries and a colour palette drawn from autumn: burnt orange, mustard yellow, and sage green. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

“We were so excited when we saw the result of the first rug,” says Ed Ng, co-founder of AB Concept. “The patterns are very simple and elegant yet quite complex, and the juxtaposition of geometric shapes creates a fresh, contemporary feel. It felt right for a living room where the panoramic view of nature is the main attraction. I was fascinated by how we could achieve a very different look with one material – wool – using different patterns and heights.” 

Crafted in natural wool using hand-tufting techniques, the rugs stand out for their artisanal finishes, including hand embroidery, crochet, carving, shaping with cut-and-loop effects, and varying pile heights that enhance their sculptural and three-dimensional nature

“I have always been fascinated with craft, and knitting in particular. Ever since I was a child, knitting has been associated with a genuine expression of warmth and caring. My memories of watching my grandmother knit jumpers for us mean there is a timeless emotional connection through a handmade object. We liked the idea of creating a sense of down-to-earth, relaxed luxury that also embraces values of sustainability,” — says Ed Ng.

The name of the collection, Ami, pays homage to the art of weaving: in Japanese, “ami” means “weave”, derived from the word Amimono (編み物), which evokes a patient and meditative gesture imbued with care, time, and dedication. A profound and personal reference that brings together tradition, memory, and craftsmanship—core themes that informed the entire creative process.

With the Ami Collection, AB Concept and Tai Ping celebrate memory, material, and design in a visual and tactile narrative that transforms the rug into a unique and contemporary design piece.

AMI COLLECTION

An 安 - Presented in a deep burnt orange, An recalls the aesthetic of knitted jumpers through a sophisticated hand-embroidery technique. Its rectangular shape and minimal detailing result in a rug that conveys a sense of calm.

Ikoi 憩 - Ikoi embodies a profound sense of tranquillity and harmony, reinterpreting knitting geometries through refined hand-tufting, carving, and shaping techniques. The result is a sculptural rug that brings warmth to any setting.

Kara 空  - Kara, in a soft beige tone and rectangular shape, echoes the gentle weave of handmade jumpers. The cut-and-loop technique, combined with varying pile heights, creates a fully hand-crafted three-dimensional surface.

Wa 和 - Hand-made runner in a grey tone, Wa is inspired by the interwoven patterns of knitting. Thanks to the cut-and-loop technique and pile height variations, it appears as a textured, contemporary rug that integrates seamlessly into any space.

Sei 静 - Sei evokes a sense of inner calm, transforming the rug into a space of respite for the soul. Every detail expresses a profound and genuine sense of comfort.

Iyashi 療 - Presented in a sophisticated shade of sage green, Iyashi enhances the natural beauty of hand-embroidered wool.

NOTES TO EDITORS

ABOUT AB CONCEPT
​AB Concept is an architectural and interior design studio founded in 1999 by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan. The studio's unique design approach draws similarities to how a chef develops a recipe, exploring local culture and experimenting with tastes and skills. This approach results in bespoke experiences through narrative-driven interiors with meticulous attention to detail, creating moments that matter in luxury environments across the hospitality, commercial, and residential sectors. AB Concept works on a global scale with offices in Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, London, and Milan, serving clients in 16 countries and over 30 cities, from holiday destinations such as the Algarve and Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat to gateway cities like London, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo. The studio collaborates closely with internationally-renowned hospitality, restaurant, and luxury brands, including Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Rosewood, Waldorf Astoria, and W Hotels. Recent projects include the acclaimed Paper Moon Giardino restaurant in Milan, Lalique's flagship store in Shanghai, the bar Argo at the Hong Kong Four Seasons, named one of the world's top 50 bars and the Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. Ultimately, design is about being. In addition to spatial design, the studio continues to develop a portfolio of design products. To date, the studio has worked with Tai Ping on a capsule collection of couture rugs, the Viola Chair for Poltrona Frau and hand-blown Bohemian glass lighting for Lasvit. Furthermore, AB Concept worked with legendary Japanese tableware brand Noritake Design Collection designing the Bangle Collection, a sculptural and highly crafted tableware series. With a reputation for exceptional design projects and a commitment to innovation, AB Concept continues to explore what design can do, not what it looks like. ​
​abconcept.net | @ab_concept

ABOUT TAI PING
​Tai Ping, a House of Tai Ping brand, is a custom handmade and woven carpet manufacturer that has won international acclaim for its innovative design, superior quality, and unparalleled concierge service. Recognised for over six decades as the designer and manufacturer of choice for a discerning global clientele, Tai Ping graces the floors of the most prestigious residences, boutiques, hotels, private jets and yachts around the world. ​
​taipingcarpets.com | @taiping

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​ABConcept@Camronglobal.com