Interview with Stan Tham from Singapore

Interior design is the only profession in which you can help people engage and interact with the spaces they are in at any moment, and I enjoy being that person who makes it happen.

We are a Singapore-based interior design studio with a focus on residential projects. I have been a partner since the studio was set up in 2004.

Design is the result of the natural progression of the human mind and shows us what is possible today, when it was still inconceivable yesterday.

Personally, I love designs which explores juxtaposition. By contrasting concepts or materials which don’t typically belong together in the human mind, it has the potential to create some spectacular results if done right.

A good design should be able to conjure an uncontrollable sense of happiness, enthusiasm and/ or curiosity when you are interacting with it, whether visually or physically.

I don’t intentionally develop a certain ‘style’ per se, because a designer should keep learning and trying different ways of doing things in his life - for better or worse. I don’t like clients coming to me for a certain style.

However, my preference for ‘seeking simplicity within complexity’ usually shows in the end product and it is probably due to my ‘prim and proper’ personality. I try to make a statement in my work without trying too hard, and I do that by taking elements away until I feel there is simply nothing that needs to be taken away.

I usually kickstart the process by understanding a client’s profile and requirements in depth. And I think also think of the project’s surroundings and its context. Once some basic ideas begin to form in my head, I put it aside for a few days and then come back to it. Usually, the design miraculously shapes up clearly at that point.

Being exposed to various cultural practices, (including external Western influences during the country’s development to a Third World country), I believe it has an indirect, yet profound effect on my design methodology and thinking in the tackling of a project.

This win makes us love our job even more, and makes us think we might be doing something right after all!

The client, having worked with us for his last 2 residences, approached us to design this residence for the third time. In sharp contrast to my other projects, I don’t design in this ‘style’ too often. The living spaces present a certain Art Deco vibe to it, in order for the inside to gel with the exterior facade design. I consider that a personal challenge and wanted to see how people perceive my vision here.

We were given 2.5 months (3 months to plan ahead) to execute and complete the on-site work for 9 bathrooms and 7 bedrooms. These are on top of the works at the communal living spaces on the ground level and restoration works on parts of the exterior.

It makes us strive to produce work that showcase our best efforts every single time, because we know people can see it.

Meeting people from all walks of life, seeing your visions come to life & dealing with beautiful objects every single day!

Our country is a melting pot of many cultural influences and that provides us a view that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Smart technology and sustainability issues WILL be a huge consideration in every single project.

If you put your heart into your work, people can see it. Just hit that submit button!

The world of social media is your oyster. You just need to know where to look.

I come up with pretty good ideas in the shower!

My grandma. She taught me the art of giving, and to always think for others.

Be nice to everyone you meet and wait for great things to happen! :)