Cover A bright and welcoming living room at Hazel Park, designed by Bud Studio
A bright and welcoming living room at Hazel Park, designed by Bud Studio
1 / 1
Tatler+
With a vibrant team and a design philosophy revolving around uniquely tailored interiors, Bud Studio founders Justin Mok and Bin Yeo craft deeply personalised residences for every homeowner
Not only do Justin Mok and Bin Yeo bring with them a background in interior architecture, honed at Lasalle College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, but also industry experience refined in prestigious roles across design, construction and architectural practices such as SCDA.
Now the joint founders of Bud Studio, they specialise in residential and commercial interior design, with an ongoing commitment to honing their craft and continuously improving their work. Along with their vibrant team of designers from various backgrounds—including fashion design and engineering—they cultivate a collaborative studio environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and a multidisciplinary approach.
Here’s what Mok and Yeo had to share with us, from their design philosophy to some of their proudest residential projects.
Don’t miss: Space Makers: Meet the designers at Artistroom, transforming houses into homes for the past 16 years
Open-concept common areas at De Royale
1 / 6
How do you define your design philosophy at Bud Studio?
Our design philosophy focuses on creating uniquely tailored experiences by exploring the relationship between form and function. Central to our approach is a deep empathy for our clients, ensuring that our designs truly reflect their needs and lifestyles. We aim to craft spaces that become integral to their lives over time. In an era where many objects are leaning toward a high-tech look, we’re committed to offering low-tech solutions that emphasise thoughtful design and form.
What inspires you in your designs?
We take inspiration from a variety of sources, but lately, we’ve been particularly fascinated by how light interacts with different materials and forms. As light flows through a space, the elements we include—or choose to leave out—create intriguing and dynamic moments within the interior.
What’s your personal definition of luxury?
At our design studio, we view luxury as akin to a perfectly tailored suit—our goal is to create homes that are meticulously designed to fit each client’s unique needs, ensuring that every function is effortlessly accessible through intuitive design. We believe true luxury emerges from a home that remains honest in its use of materials, where the interplay of negative and positive spaces creates a harmonious sense of scale and proportion.
Read more: Space Makers: Meet Victor Gradinaru, the London-based interior designer inspired by curiosity
A bright and welcoming living room at Hazel Park
1 / 7
How do you go about tailoring your projects to your clients?
Our process begins with a series of in-depth interviews. We start by getting to know our clients—learning about who they are, what they do, and their interests beyond their homes. Next, we map out their daily routines to identify any current frustrations and set clear objectives.
From there, we explore their ideal vision for the space, aiming to go beyond their initial requirements and develop broader, aspirational goals for the design.
What does human-centric design thinking mean to you?
Human-centric design is when a space seamlessly integrates with the lives of its occupants. We strive to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional, comfortable, and inspiring. By understanding our clients’ needs, preferences, and behaviours, we can design spaces that truly resonate with them on a personal level.
You mention on your website that you “nurture nature” in your projects—can you tell us a bit more about this?
We believe that there is a deep connection between humans and the natural world and that incorporating natural elements can enhance overall well-being and quality of life. Whether it’s through the use of natural materials, biophilic design elements, or simply creating a connection to the outdoors, we strive to bring the beauty and tranquillity of nature into our projects.
Our commitment to “nurturing nature” extends beyond simply incorporating natural elements into our designs. We also aim to create spaces that foster healthy and sustainable habits among the occupants. By understanding the individual’s unique lifestyle, preferences, and routines, we can design spaces that support their well-being and promote a more mindful way of living.
The sleek and luxurious common areas of the Leonie Hill apartment
1 / 4
Could you tell us about some of your proudest projects?
The first project we’d like to highlight is Hazel Park, a resale condominium apartment completed this year. This project was designed for a young couple with a toddler. Our goal was to craft a space that would provide a serene retreat from their hectic lives, while also featuring a layout that made their daily routines smoother.
The client approached us with a dated interior that required a complete overhaul and minor spatial adjustments. Their primary concern was the inefficient layout, particularly the kitchen’s accessibility from the foyer. We also relocated the entrance to the kids’ room to be adjacent to the master bedroom, making it easier for the parents to tend to their toddler’s needs.
Our second pick, De Royale, another resale condominium unit, was actually designed for co-founder Yeo and his parents. The site is their long-time family home, and Yeo’s parents were seeking a transformation of the space as they prepare for their retirement. The objective of the project was to create a timeless home with a minimalist, clean, and clutter-free design.
The kitchen island, fully clad in sandalwood marble and adjoining the concrete-finished dining table, serves as the focal point upon entering the space. In the extended living area, the lightweight blocks along the TV wall add depth and visual interest through texture and pattern.
In case you missed it: Space Makers: Get to know Summerhaus D’zign, the husband-and-wife duo with an eye for luxury
The sleek bedroom and open-concept bathroom design
1 / 6
Lastly, we’d like to share a bit about Leonie Hill. This project involved a thoughtful redesign of a two-bedroom resale condominium apartment, transforming the compact living area to include a dining space. The client requested a calm and tranquil atmosphere, as well as several features, which presented a unique challenge due to the limited size. In response, we embraced a harmonious design approach, incorporating intersecting elements to create a cohesive and functional layout.
Intersecting the bar with the kitchen counter serves as the new dining space, efficiently combining two functions within a limited area. A concealed pivot door, finished in limewash to blend with the walls, extends the visual length of the living area, enhancing the sense of openness.
What have been some of your greatest lessons and takeaways since founding your firm?
Since founding Bud Studio, we’ve learned that the most rewarding aspect of our work is the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals and create truly unique and meaningful spaces. We’ve also come to appreciate the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the design process, as client needs and preferences can evolve over time. Additionally, we’ve learned the value of building strong relationships with our clients based on trust, transparency, and open communication.
Above Bud Studio founders Justin Mok and Bin Yeo
Bud Studio founders Justin Mok and Bin Yeo
1 / 1
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Bud Studio
