PHOTOS: Alvin Loh
Highly fêted designer, Leonard Lee is a picture of suave and charm.
Beyond his quiet, reflective personality, the laurels in his cap include international awards for the best hotel, guestroom and restaurant designs, as well as the much-coveted Wave of the Future Award for up-and-coming young designers of the year (previous winners include famous designers and architects like Philippe Starck and Frank Gehry).
Now, as Executive Design Director at one of the largest hospitality interior design firms in the world, Wilson Associates Inc., Leonard shares his formula for success: “Desire and faith in prayer.”
“Your desire to seek God should not be a duty,” says Lee, who sets aside time daily from his hectic schedule to come before the Lord in prayer. He quotes Mark 11:24, saying, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.”
Looking back on 12 years in the design industry, Lee admits that the road to the top was rocky at times. However, he sees problems as gentle reminders of his need to draw strength from God.
“Success has a lot to do with patience, perseverance and humility,” explains Lee, who has had his fair share of dealing with difficult clients and consultants. “You have to be able to pick yourself up when you fall, and keep trying even when the odds are stacked heavily against you.”
Lee also attests to the power of giving and tithing, attributing his wealth of bonuses, increments and awards to the faithfulness of God’s promise in Malachi 3:10.
His testimony has gone down well with friends and colleagues in the marketplace, who are eager to learn what Lee has gleaned from the Bible and church sermons.
Despite his achievements, Lee is determined not to let success get to his head, saying, “My goal is to constantly improve myself even when others tell me that I’ve done well.”
