Cover Give Warakorn Termwattanapakdee, Co-founder and Design Director of Gratitude Design.
Give Warakorn Termwattanapakdee, Co-founder and Design Director of Gratitude Design.
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Tatler Homes opens a conversation with Give Warakorn Termwattanapakdee, Co-founder and Design Director of Gratitude Design, a young designer who deciphers the desires of homeowners and translates them into tangible designs.
A home is built from far more than stone, timber, or concrete; it is woven from the emotions and authentic identity of its inhabitants. Tatler Homes sits down with Give Warakorn Termwattana-phakdee, Co-founder and Design Director of Gratitude Design—a contemporary designer who views himself as a spatial interpreter, translating a client's deepest aspirations into tangible architecture guided by the philosophy "Co-creation Space for Life." Raised amidst construction sites and musical influences, and now an internationally awarded designer with IDA Awards and German Design Award honors, Give redefines luxury not through ostentatious decor, but through "Tailor Luxury"—interiors tailored to the individual human frame and living rituals like a bespoke suit.
Given your reputation as an emotional designer, how does the philosophy of "Co-creation Space for Life" shape your creative process?
Design is a dialogue—not merely between an interior architect and a physical site, but between a space and human daily life. Emotional design should communicate quietly upon entry. It doesn't require lavish ornamentation; instead, it relies on selecting elements that resonate with the occupant's true personality. Co-creation is an authentic process of uncovering client insights and translating them into meaningful spatial narratives.
The name Gratitude Design evokes emotional resonance over simple aesthetics. How does gratitude shape your day-to-day work?
I established the practice fifteen years ago, drawing inspiration from my nickname, Give, and a shared initial 'G'. Gratitude reflects daily appreciation for the opportunity to design spaces that shape lives. During initial consultations, I listen deeply—acting as an interpreter when clients struggle to articulate their visual needs. Every residence addresses unique requirements, prioritizing sustainable, inclusive design that accommodates every age group safely. For instance, stair treads must feature safe proportions, sharp coffee table corners are softened for young children, and wide corridors ensure effortless wheelchair accessibility alongside ergonomic bathroom fixtures.
Above For Give, design is a dialogue—not just between an interior designer or architect and a space, but about shaping life for those within it.
For Give, design is a dialogue—not just between an interior designer or architect and a space, but about shaping life for those within it.
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Where do you find your creative inspiration?
My childhood immersed me in creative and technical environments. My father ran a construction firm, so I grew up around drafting tables, coloured pencils, stone, and sand. Music is an equally vital inspiration—listening to varied genres shapes shifting moods and design rhythms. At times, inspiration comes from ambient environmental sounds—the rhythmic crash of ocean waves or flowing water.
Travel plays a major role too; visiting Milan annually for the Salone del Mobile updates my understanding of global trends. For me, design education is an ongoing process of observing, reading, and listening.
Your portfolio celebrates "Tailor Luxury." How do you balance grandeur, minimalism, and warmth to reflect each homeowner's identity?
Designing a residence mirrors tailoring a fine bespoke suit—success rests in precise cutting, attention to detail, and balanced proportions. Tailor Luxury avoids excessive expenditure, focusing instead on placing authentic materials in their ideal setting to mirror the occupant's lifestyle. That harmony defines true design balance.
Above Kilik Social Club, winner of the German Design Award, LIV Hospitality Design Awards, and Golden Pin Design Award.
Kilik Social Club, winner of the German Design Award, LIV Hospitality Design Awards, and Golden Pin Design Award.
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How do you balance aesthetic elegance with functional utility?
Aesthetics and functionality must remain in perfect equilibrium, grounded in ergonomic human scale. A subtle two-centimetre shift in table or chair height completely alters user comfort. These nuanced details form the foundation of successful interior architecture.
How do you combine colour, texture, and light to craft distinct moods?
It comes down to a harmonious material combination. Overly harsh lighting instantly destroys domestic warmth. I prioritize natural daylight in every scheme—it is the primary light source people encounter, and it sets a welcoming spatial atmosphere. Layouts respond directly to daily rituals; for instance, positioning a quiet coffee nook near a master bedroom garden eliminates the need to trek down to the ground-floor lawn every morning.
Above Give aims for Gratitude Design to represent Thai creative talent, translating human experiences into globally recognized interior architecture
Give aims for Gratitude Design to represent Thai creative talent, translating human experiences into globally recognized interior architecture
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Which residential project best embodies your signature approach?
The Molteni Residence serves as a key example. While its functional requirements appeared standard on the surface, the spatial layout required careful choreography from the private elevator lobby—incorporating a discreet shoe storage gallery built for 200 pairs alongside a full-length mirror. The open-plan culinary kitchen allows a mother to prepare meals while children relax at the island counter and the father works nearby, fostering family togetherness.
I furnished the residence with freestanding pieces from Molteni&C, an Italian brand celebrated for its heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. Every upholstered piece reflects handcrafted care that elevates the interior environment.
What essential advice would you share with contemporary homeowners?
Return to foundational principles—specifically human scale and ergonomic proportions. True luxury resides in simple details, such as the tailored height of a reading armchair. Tailoring furniture heights to varied family members is critical; at the Molteni Residence, we lowered the island counter by three centimetres and adjusted upper cabinetry heights to ensure effortless accessibility for the homeowner.
Professional experience teaches me that a great home is never an abstraction—it is a lived daily emotion. My role is to help owners see themselves clearly within their space.
How do you view the future of Gratitude Design and Thai designers on the global stage?
Earning international accolades—including two consecutive years among the Top 100 Interior Designers, the Luxury Lifestyle Award, an IDA Award in Sustainable Hospitality, and multiple awards for Kilik Social Club at the German Design Award, LIV Hospitality Design Awards, and Golden Pin Design Award—validates our direction. I envision Gratitude Design representing Thai creative excellence globally, translating human emotions and cultural nuances into world-class interior architecture.
Above The Molteni Residence, featuring freestanding furniture by Italian brand Molteni&C.
The Molteni Residence, featuring freestanding furniture by Italian brand Molteni&C.
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What is the first step for anyone embarking on building their dream home?
Building a first home begins with self-discovery. I conduct detailed client interviews to uncover authentic personal tastes. When clients struggle to describe their visual preferences, I ask them to share memorable travel destinations that felt relaxing or peaceful. My role is to translate those intuitive feelings into concrete architectural forms, delivering a warm, joyful sanctuary where they feel at home every single day.
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Natthawut Saengchuwong, the Bangkok-based Editor-in-Chief for Tatler Thailand and Tatler GMT, previously shaped GQ Thailand. Beyond the editorial world, he meticulously curates an enviable lifestyle, marked by his exquisite record collection, refined home decor, and tranquil garden pursuits.
