For a retail brand, a phenomenal interior can be a game changer. That is certainly the case at Galleria Luxury Hall West in Seoul, where a bold facelift by Burdifilek proved to be the secret weapon that crushed the competition. In most South Korean malls, the shop-in-shop experience, where each brand occupies its own sovereign turf, still prevails.

Beyond an LED-illuminated facade by Ben van Berkel, Galleria Luxury Hall West has instead collapsed all barriers to tailor an open plan environment akin to a department store, where customers browse various labels all at once. Fashion houses, you might think, would balk at this arrangement. But with sales up by over 33 percent, business is booming – all because of the bright new interior.

With a sharp eye on the details, Burdifilek curated a singular brand identity that unifies 9,926 square metres and four levels, including men’s and women’s departments and a lifestyle shop. Elemental racks in blackened steel showcase frocks by Gareth Pugh and Kenzo, while glass-topped wooden tables display a single Issey Miyake purse, say, or a pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps.

Sculptural feats of micro-architecture, such as the black egg halves that house the women’s change rooms behind mirrored doors, create focal points and break up the sprawling layout. More faceted forms appear on the men’s level, where the shoes are displayed on illuminated shelves carved from two boulder-like blocks. On every surprise-filled floor, minimalist lighting keeps the focus on the carefully selected clothing, accessories and homewares. Retailers, take note: this is how interior design can cloak your brand in major prestige.

About the firm: Burdifilek, an award-winning interior design firm, was founded in Toronto in 1993 by Diego Burdi and Paul Filek. It is best known for its polished retail and hospitality projects, for such brands as Holt Renfrew, Pink Tartan, and the Joe Fresh flagship store in New York. Team: Diego Burdi, Paul Filek and Tom Yip with Daniela Cerchie, Sally Choi, Anna Jurkiewicz, Jacky Kwong, Daisuke Matsuura, Daniel Mei, Jeremy Mendonca, Edwin Reyes, John Seo and -Anthony Tey

What the jury said: “It’s rare to find a retail environment that makes such bold moves without outshining the merchandise. Burdifilek has achieved that balance with perfect elegance.” – Anwar Mekhayech