All Together Now

Whenever we speak to local entrepreneurs and creative practitioners about what “Singapore design” means to them, we get a wide variety of responses. Some of them allude to distinctive architectural icons such as our ubiquitous shophouses and public housing blocks, while others would cite modern designs and unique solutions attuned to our tropical context. This diversity of views is what we take heart in, as we continue to champion the work of local designers and architects across our various platforms. This sense of homegrown pride also serves as the overarching theme for this month’s issue.

Widely recognised as the top design accolade in Singapore, the President*s Design Award has recently recognised husband-and-wife duo Khoo Peng Beng and Belinda Huang of Arc Studio Architecture + Urbanism as joint Designer of the Year 2020. The architects discuss the social causes and projects they hold dear on page 52. We also speak to the principals of local firm Evocateurs, who tell us more about their recent rebranding and future goals (page 57).

While the past year may have created tremendous challenges for the design and construction industries, local companies quickly adapted and made innovative leaps in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis. From Hafary’s experiential new showroom, designed by Park + Associates, to digital retail offerings by Grafunkt and Ode to Art, we tell you more about these firms’ achievements and upcoming plans (page 91).

Elsewhere in the magazine, discover decor tips for children’s bedrooms (page 46), as well as insights into the growing demand for branded residences around the world (page 62). Our report section highlights the top upholstery trends and popular paint colours to note—all of which are bright, energising ideas for your next renovation (page 82) . Finally, explore some stunning homes in Singapore: an elegant apartment that Architology Interiors crafted for a stylish couple (page 132), a house by Miaja Design Group that fuses art deco and tropical elements (page 148), as well as the travelinspired abode by Prestige Global Designs featured on this page and on our cover (cover story on page 156).

We’re truly heartened by the ambition and optimism of our Singaporean talents, and hope you’ll feel as inspired by their dedication to making the world, and especially our homes, a better place through good design.

Hong Xinying, Managing Editor