Our Insights at a Glance
A leading architect reflects on two decades in Phuket, where creative freedom, contextual design and minimalist detailing helped reshape the island's luxury villa landscape
From hidden courtyards to passive ventilation, a contemporary designer explains how timeless tropical principles are reimagined for modern living and highlights the importance of legacy
The east coast's quiet charm and overlooked potential come into focus as Stephen Gordon shares why it may be Phuket's next frontier for thoughtful development and sustainable growth
Stephen Gordon is the Director of Original Vision's Phuket studio, where he has played a leading role in shaping some of the island's most iconic residences and resorts. With over a decade based in Thailand and more than 30 years of international experience, Stephen brings a rare combination of design vision,
technical expertise, and on-the-ground insight. His projects - from the award-winning Samsara Estate to the landmark Kata Rocks - reflect a philosophy rooted in environmental responsiveness, timeless form, and a deep understanding of place.
Director at Original Vision
Tropical Architect & Desginer
Trained in the UK and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Stephen's career spans multiple regions. In Phuket, he's recognized for his contemporary take on tropical architecture, close client collaboration, and ability to balance vision with practicality. Under his leadership, Original Vision has built a distinct and lasting presence.
What first brought you to Phuket, and why did you decide to stay?
Originally, I was working throughout Asia - Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia - but it was a project in Phuket that really shifted things. A client approached us with this spectacular piece of land on a headland, surrounded by sea on all sides.
That became the Samsara Estate, and it was unlike anything we'd done before. But more than the project itself, what kept me here was the creative freedom. In the UK, you're often boxed in by layers of regulation.
Here, you can actually explore design in a meaningful, innovative way. I found that incredibly rewarding - and still do.
Samsara is often cited as a benchmark project in Phuket. What was your vision for it?
The site was extraordinary - waterfront on multiple sides with dramatic views - so our approach was to let the architecture emerge from the landscape rather than impose itself on it.
We kept the building forms simple but allowed for complexity within the spaces, like layered circulation routes and framed vistas. At the time, the market was flooded with what I'd call “pseudo-Thai” design.
We wanted to offer something cleaner, more modern - sharper lines, a refined palette, and an honest response to the site. That contrast made Samsara stand out, and I think that's why it still feels fresh almost two decades later.
How do you approach tropical architecture, and what sets your interpretation apart?
For me, tropical architecture isn't a style - it's a response.
It begins with understanding the climate: how to protect people from sun and rain, how to channel airflow, how to work with shade and water.
These principles are timeless. You see them in old colonial buildings that used ponds and passive ventilation long before it became trendy again.
What we do is take those fundamentals and reinterpret them using modern forms, materials, and functions. It's not about nostalgia - it's about designing intelligently for the environment today.
Kata Rocks is one of Phuket's most iconic properties. What made that project unique from a design standpoint?
The site was incredibly challenging - it was essentially a series of granite boulders cascading down to the sea. There wasn't much usable flat land, so we had to get creative.
With the help of some brilliant engineers, we managed to lightly anchor the buildings into the site, almost floating them above the rocks.
Phuket lets you push creative boundaries"
Can you give an example of that kind of personalized design?
It's more intimate. Take Villa Mariah, for example. The client wanted each room to offer a different mood, a different view. He wasn't interested in symmetry or repetition - he wanted a journey through the space. That level of individuality makes residential design incredibly rewarding.
What made Villa Mariah such a distinctive project for you?
The client had a clear and imaginative brief - he wanted the villa to unfold like a journey, with each room offering a distinct view, mood, or unexpected element. That approach is quite rare, as most homes prioritize uniformity. Here, we embraced variation while maintaining a cohesive feel. We added hidden courtyards, shaded nooks, and layered circulation paths that not only enriched the experience but also improved ventilation and the connection to nature. It was a balanced expression of personality, place, and creative freedom.
How central are sustainability and climate responsiveness in your design approach?
It's absolutely essential. In the tropics, you have to design with the elements - sun, rain, airflow. We draw on passive strategies like deep eaves and cross-ventilation, not just for comfort but to reduce energy use. It's about working with the environment, not against it.
You've praised Phuket's east coast before. What do you think makes it special, and why isn't it more popular?
The east coast has a quieter charm. The views over Phang Nga Bay are stunning - ever-changing light, dramatic limestone outcrops, a kind of serene beauty you don't get on the west. But most buyers want sunsets and proximity to beach clubs, so they focus on the west coast. The east isn't as developed or flashy, which to me is part of its appeal. With new roads and easier access, I think its time will come - but for now, it remains a bit of a hidden gem.
Architecture should serve more than just aesthetics. It should improve lives and last..
Architecture should serve more than just aesthetics. It should improve lives and last."
What kind of budget does it take these days to build a luxury villa in Phuket?
It really depends on how high-end you want to go. For a well-built private villa, you're looking at a starting point of around 35,000 Baht per square meter. That gives you solid quality and good detailing. If you're aiming for top-tier - with bespoke materials, advanced systems, and complex engineering - it can easily reach 55,000 to 85,000 or even more. Costs have gone up, especially post-COVID, but project management has also become more sophisticated. Clients today often buy materials directly or bring in consultants to control costs more efficiently.
What gives you hope moving forward?
At the same time, I think we're seeing progress - more clients are open to sustainable solutions, to meaningful design. There's growing interest in the east coast, which has long been overlooked despite its natural beauty and potential.
And beyond luxury homes, I get just as excited about projects that give back - schools, foundations, sanctuaries. Architecture should serve more than just aesthetics; it should improve lives, reflect its place, and last. That's the kind of legacy I hope we continue to build in Phuket.
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