Cover A shophouse home with an open-plan living room
A shophouse home with an open-plan living room
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Driven by her passion for design, Sarah Tham enjoys realising wonderful homes for her clients. She looks back at her creative journey thus far while celebrating her firm’s 25th anniversary
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness,” says American architect Frank Gehry. This notion of timelessness is what Cube Associate Design aims to celebrate while adding modern touches to its projects. It’s a delicate balance that the homegrown firm delights in achieving in all of its projects.
Design director Sarah Tham established Cube Associate Design in 1998, almost fresh out of school, and after a brief stint at a local design firm. “Most interior design firms at that time were more contractors rather than interior design firms. The experience working for others was very restrictive, and I wasn’t able to do what I love: designing,” she shares. “Driven by both my enthusiasm and frustrations about the industry at that point in time, I chose to set up my own firm to continue my growth as a designer and set a personal [standard] as to what an interior designer ought to be doing.”
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Presently, Tham leads a team of seven who work primarily on luxury residences, as well as commercial projects that include a comprehensive makeover of a shophouse office located on Ann Siang Road; she relishes the challenge of working on such history-rich havens.
“The word ‘historical’ itself can give the misconception that the possibility of change is limited. Although this is true to a certain extent, there are endless ways to renovate a shophouse or historical building,” says Tham. “There are changes that can be made to the floors, the walls, the spaces and their usage while accentuating historical features. We can also introduce new design elements within the conservation guidelines, and do it well to really give the space an entirely new and refreshed user experience.”
Here, she tells us what fuels her dynamism at work, while sharing insights into the renovations of historical properties.
Above Sarah Tham, founder of Cube Associate Design
Sarah Tham, founder of Cube Associate Design
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What made you choose to become a designer?
I have always been told that I am an artistic person with endless ideas. But what really inspired me to study design was knowing what I can do and achieve by being a designer, and to push my ideas across by building spaces for others to enjoy and appreciate. This is the sense of satisfaction and joy that I seek through my work.
Read more: A contemporary office inside a historic shophouse with a secret garden
What keeps you inspired as a designer?
My travels, new technologies and new materials are my sources of inspiration. I find it very exciting to try different ways of doing the same thing; most of the time you will be surprised by the outcome.
A shophouse home with an open-plan living room
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What are the biggest challenges of working on historical properties?
Older structures tend to have more restrictions on where the slabs, columns and beams are usually fixed, and the possibility of hacking or coring is not possible. This may cause a huge impact on the design where higher ceilings, changes to toilet location, and the creation of column-free usable spaces are not possible. Alternative approaches need to be explored in order to avoid deviation from the design intent.
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What are some key ways to retain the history of a heritage building?
We aim to recycle, reconfigure and repurpose the interiors while maintaining the historical significance of the structure. By repurposing certain materials or original features of the property, the essence of the original look and feel can be showcased in the new design. Incorporating historical elements into contemporary and modern design can reflect how the style of an interior is evolving with the functions of the space while optimising and enhancing its accessibility, and integrating sustainable technologies.
Above This courtyard is a calming haven enlivened by plant life
Above The use of blue elevates this cosy nook
This courtyard is a calming haven enlivened by plant life
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What would you consider your biggest achievement to date?
I believe my next project will always be my next proudest achievement.
Don’t miss: Home tour: A colourful house with a stylish bar in the attic
What projects are you working on right now?
We are currently involved in the architectural and interior design of a few bungalows, serviced apartments, and the development of a co-living space. We also started doing something very different for a change—we are doing an interior upgrade for a Methodist church, and it’s a really exciting project that I am looking forward to.
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Credits
Images: Cube Associate Design
