Arche

Founded in August 2019, award-winning interior design firm Arche is run by a tight-knit team of highly skilled designers, with founder and principal Edward Seet at the forefront. The firm’s creative philosophy begins at “the origin”, defined by Seet as the genesis of form, function and feeling. “Design to us is a form of living, not as a trend but as a way of life,” Seet shares. “We believe design is not just about shaping spaces but about shaping the way we live and grow within them.” Through this lens, the team aims to create spaces that speak to their clients’ most authentic selves.

Seet always felt drawn to the creative industries, innately imaginative, with a preference for visuals and intuition over rigid structures and numbers. Design was his calling, embodying the meeting points of creativity and problem-solving. “It’s where ideas can be brought to life in ways that are both beautiful and meaningful,” he says. This particular blend of expression and intention continues to inspire and shape his approach to design today, paired with a strong foundation in user-centric thinking and spatial awareness, gained from his education in product design. Stints working in advertising and event management further expanded his creative eye, deepening his understanding of branding, audience engagement, and the nuanced role of spatial detail. Combined, these facets now bring adaptability and a layered perspective to every project he takes on.

As for the team’s collective journey, it started with a meeting of like-minded creatives, each sharing a passion for design but bringing different personalities, perspectives, and strengths to the table. Seet shares that this diversity sparked something special. “We realised that, by coming together, we could create a studio that not only values unique design but also the process behind it, with a shared desire to make spaces more thoughtful and human.” Looking back now, the journey hasn’t been just about doing the work, but about doing the work his way, “with heart”.

“One personal milestone has been leading the redesign of our studio, situated within a conservation shophouse,” he tells us. “It was both an exciting opportunity and a complex design challenge. The project required us to honour and preserve the architectural heritage of the space, retaining original structural elements and façade details while reimagining the interior to reflect a functional and inspiring workspace.” Having to work within structural constraints, the team found creative ways to integrate modernity, enhance the flow of natural light through narrow layouts, and introduce new materials cohesive with the building’s history. “Balancing the old with the new pushed me to think more critically and design more sensitively; it was a lesson in restraint, adaptability, and intentional design, where every intervention had to be thoughtful, deliberate, and respectful of the story the space carries.”

Beyond the design of their own studio, Arche’s work is just as honest, humble, and human-centric, with an emphasis on how the spaces we inhabit shape our experiences and influence our emotions and aspirations. “Our approach is collaborative and grounded—we listen intently, design thoughtfully, and always strive to balance aesthetic with purpose,” he states. “What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built within the studio. We’re a close-knit and dynamic team that values openness, mutual respect, and good humour. We push boundaries together while also offering strong support.” The team’s chemistry flows directly into their work, each project characterised by a personal touch and the palpable love and joy that were poured into the design.