For example, auction house Sotheby's only began work on its new office space in Hong Kong last year after a feng shui master chose an auspicious date.

CNN: Asia mixes making money with ancient beliefs

He says there is "soft data" in the form of surveys and interviews that suggests buildings that adhere to feng shui principles make their occupants happier -- be it a shopping mall, office block or a hospital.

CNN: Asia mixes making money with ancient beliefs