“The spaces I sculpt are more than just aesthetic marvels—they are sanctuaries, retreats that offer a haven from the cacophony of the outside world,” proclaims LA Design Studio co-founder and design principal Lim Thong (pictured right). “It’s not just about the tangible, but the intangible essence of a space. As an introvert, I have always sought solace in the corners of rooms, the embrace of walls, and the whispers of spaces.”

These heartfelt words are indeed borne out by the creative output of Lim’s interior design firm, which he launched with fellow co-founder and business director Keenon Lee (pictured left) in March 2022. LA Design Studio is famed for interiors that often flaunt a moody aesthetic; the result is modern, stylish homes that make a striking design statement with a dramatic scheme. “I have a proclivity for dark aesthetics which, contrary to common perception, is not about dimming the light but rather about emphasising the profound elegance and richness found in darker palettes,” Lim says.

A second-generation designer who would often accompany his father to work sites as a child, Lim soon discovered a love for the intricacies of construction and interior design. After his secondary school education, he studied design at Nanyang Polytechnic to hone his understanding of design principles, concepts and methodologies. Lim soon landed a job at Image Creative Design, and also acquired a Specialist Diploma in Spatial Design to further hone his skills. Certification as an Interior Designer from Singapore’s RCMA (Renovation Contractors and Material Suppliers Association) followed, and his lifelong dream culminated in the founding of his own firm, which aims to “pioneer a holistic approach to interior design”, in which “vision, execution, and collaboration coalesce seamlessly”.

Today, LA Design Studio comprises two specialist drafters and 23 designers, as well as a tiling division with 26 dedicated wet-work specialists, a demolition and haulage team with 22 workers, a partition and painting arm, and a door manufacturing unit. It also owns a 7,700 sq ft carpentry factory with over 25 artisans, which Lim calls an “incubator for innovation” that engages in constant R&D and experimentation with materials, techniques and forms to offer unparalleled designs to clients.