Daniel Wu Launches Furniture Brand With First Sofa Inspired by His Love of Design

Hong Kong actor Daniel Wu has ventured into the furniture industry, launching his own design brand and unveiling its first product.

Wu announced on Sept 17 that he had founded AROX, short for Architectural Resonance Original Experience, and collaborated with Chinese manufacturer Moyu to create the brand’s debut piece, The Ancor sofa.

The move brings Wu’s long-standing interest in architecture and furniture design into a new chapter. Although he is best known for his acting career, Wu studied architecture at university and has maintained a passion for design over the years.

In an Instagram video announcing AROX, Wu recalled that his first job after university involved helping his tutor turn a design concept into a real piece of furniture.

He said the experience of seeing the design become a finished product was deeply satisfying and encouraged his interest in making furniture.

While still at university, Wu also designed and built pieces for his own apartment, including a bookshelf, bed, tea set and table.

Wu said he had always wanted to explore architecture and furniture more seriously but began acting immediately after graduation, leaving little opportunity to pursue a career as an architect.

Now, he believes the timing is right to combine his design interests with the experience and manufacturing resources available to him.

The Ancor sofa was designed around Wu’s desire to create a piece that balances appearance and comfort while remaining relatively affordable.

The sofa is expected to become available in China soon, marking the first step for AROX as Wu expands beyond his existing business ventures, which include a design consultancy, English academy and cafe.

Wu, who turns 52 later this month, made his acting debut in the 1998 Hong Kong film Bishonen. He went on to appear in films including Young and Dangerous: The Prequel, Gen-X Cops and Love Undercover.

His latest venture reflects an interest in design that has remained with him since his university years, giving him an opportunity to pursue a creative field outside the entertainment industry.