Cover In a recent project in the CBD, Designworx designed a new, 1,000 sq. ft office for a finance company.
In a recent project in the CBD, Designworx designed a new, 1,000 sq. ft office for a finance company.
1 / 1
Tatler+
Leading interior design firm Designworx shares nifty tips on how to refresh an office space to foster better teamwork.
For the past 25 years, Terri Tan has been amassing invaluable know-how in interior design as Design Director of Designworx. Her expertise now extends to hotels, institutions, mixed developments, offices, private residences, retail spaces and show suites. Terri’s approach to interior design transcends the conventional, weaving bespoke narratives into every space that she touches.
Each project is a canvas, an opportunity to harmonise principles, experiences, and personalities into a tangible, living design. She and her team achieve this by following a philosophy that marries aesthetic allure with practical functionality. Elevating the architectural features of each space, and maximising space utilisation without compromising on comfort, they create environments that resonate with warmth, welcome, and a personalised touch.
Above In the office redesign, all the existing partitions and carpeting were removed to create an open-concept space.
In the office redesign, all the existing partitions and carpeting were removed to create an open-concept space.
1 / 1
In a recent project in the CBD, Designworx was tasked to design a new, 1,000 sq. ft office where their client could hold discussions with her clients in an elegant yet intimate setting. Originally an asset and wealth management firm, the company had since expanded to offer family office services.
“We imagined this new meeting space as a home where she could meet her clients for cosy discussions, host a private dining experience, or simply chill out over drinks,” Terri explained. “Before starting on the design, the team determined how the client and her associates would move through the different zones in the space and paid attention to the smallest details, such as where visitors might want to charge their phones.”
Above A dark wood divider with display shelves and storage units, fitted with a pair of stunning glass wall sconces, greets visitors as they step into the entrance foyer.
A dark wood divider with display shelves and storage units, fitted with a pair of stunning glass wall sconces, greets visitors as they step into the entrance foyer.
1 / 1
The resulting space comes complete with a lounge area, display shelves, dining space, dry kitchen and, of course, conveniently placed charging points. “Office spaces that feel like a home environment enhance the work setting by creating a familial bond among staff and mutual trust with clients,” Terri maintained.
For those looking to give their current workplaces a refresh, or want to make their offices feel more homely, Terri suggests choosing home furnishings instead of system furniture or task chairs. She also recommends using neutral colours and materials with rich textures, such as leather, fabrics and rattan. For extra polish, finish off the look with custom lighting fixtures to enhance the ambiance.
Above In Hotel Mi Rochor, a Ripple Root mural at the entrance is worked into a 3.5m-high back-lit translucent laminated glass panel. The wall art sets the tone as guests enter the lobby.
In Hotel Mi Rochor, a Ripple Root mural at the entrance is worked into a 3.5m-high back-lit translucent laminated glass panel. The wall art sets the tone as guests enter the lobby.
1 / 1
Another recent commercial project was the Rochor outpost of Hotel Mi, a hospitality brand that targets hyper-social, next-generation travellers. To appeal to this demographic, Designworx had to inject each of the hotel’s 530 rooms and public spaces with a youthful vibrancy.
To achieve their design intent, the team relied on vivid colours, bold patterns and statement-making materials. Chrome yellow and teal tones energise the rooms; herringbone floors and colourful, bespoke broadloom carpets uplift the corridors; and a swirling ribbon glass chandelier, green moss wall and Brazilian Quartzite reception counter animate the lobby.
Above In the hotel rooms, Ripple Root murals point to attractions around the hotel that guests can explore during their stay.
Above Accent colours like chrome yellow and teal are used to inject a youthful vibrancy to the rooms.
In the hotel rooms, Ripple Root murals point to attractions around the hotel that guests can explore during their stay.
1 / 2
The star of the show, however, has to be the series of specially-commissioned murals from local artistic duo Liquan Liew and Estella Ng, better known as Ripple Root. Their works deck the lobby as well as the rooms. “The quirky and fun elements in the murals point to the areas of interest around the hotel that guests can visit and explore during their stay,” said Terri.
For those contemplating giving their interiors a boost of energy with splashes of colour, Terri advises using accent colours judiciously, and always ground them with neutral shades. “Creating different types of lighting in the space helps to fill it with energy,” she added. “Having a feature light with spots of focus lighting set against good ambient lighting works wonders for even the most ordinary space.”
Designworx | #09-07, Apex@Henderson, 201 Henderson Road, Singapore 159545 | +65 6479 6838
