We sought to find a common icon that would represent Southeast Asia's diverse yet distinctive culture. Architecture seemed the most amenable source -- the region has many interesting roof styles -- thus the asymmetrical roof with the "dot" signifying ornamentation and complexity.

Many houses in Southeast Asia are built on stilts. The uneven length of the "stilts" alludes to vertical progress, urbanization, modernization and the mix of old and new.

Water -- it's all over Southeast Asia and is a very crucial part of our cultures.

The house -- it has connotations of hominess and warmth, which are also significant aspects of Southeast Asian culture.

The simple brushstrokes -- to capture the essence of what we want to convey in a few elegant strokes; to say it simply and stylishly, with understatement.