Cover A collaborative workspace featuring arched windows flooding the room with natural light
A collaborative workspace featuring arched windows flooding the room with natural light
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Kort Studio’s innovative renovation brings light and life to their workspace in Subang Jaya, Selangor
In the bustling district of SS15 Subang Jaya, where modern bubble tea shops dot the landscape and creative enterprises flourish, Kort Studio has carved out an inspiring workspace that gives new life to a decades-old commercial building.
Founded in 2017 by Syahir Ali, Diyana Raffik, and Wani Wagiman, the studio occupies two floors of a 1970s building, transforming what was once a modest property company office into a dynamic 3,000-square-foot creative hub. “The building’s character drew us in,” says Wagiman, one of the co-founders.
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Above Kort Studio founders Wani Wagiman, Diyana Raffik, Syahir Ali
Kort Studio founders Wani Wagiman, Diyana Raffik, Syahir Ali
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The renovation process, led by the founders themselves, reveals their philosophy of thoughtful adaptation. Rather than completely renovating the space, they chose to work with the existing structure while introducing contemporary elements.
The most dramatic change came from their solution to the building’s limited natural light—a common challenge in intermediate buildings. “We knocked out some walls and installed skylights,” Wagiman explains, “which transformed the entire atmosphere.”
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Above The studio signage showcases Kort Studio branding with minimalist typography and dotted pattern details
Above DIY elements showcase the team’s hands-on approach to design, including custom pieces crafted by the designers themselves
The studio signage showcases Kort Studio branding with minimalist typography and dotted pattern details
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What began as a small operation with four designers has evolved into a team of ten, necessitating a thoughtful approach to workspace design.
The studio now features several collaborative areas, including an oval meeting table and a materials library that serve as informal brainstorming spots. Perhaps most striking is the newly added amphitheatre on the second floor, where designers present their work to colleagues—a space designed to nurture both creativity and professional development.
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The space includes a round meeting table with modern swivel chairs
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The studio’s growth mirrors the evolution of its practice. While residential projects formed the cornerstone of its early work, Kort Studio has gradually expanded into commercial spaces without abandoning its residential roots, like a recently completed spa in Cyberjaya, which is ample proof of the team’s versatility.
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Above The studio’s amphitheater-style seating area beneath a skylight functions as an informal gathering spot
Above A dramatic green marble backsplash with an integrated coffee station
The studio’s amphitheater-style seating area beneath a skylight functions as an informal gathering spot
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The location in SS15, known locally as “darul boba” (the land of bubble tea), has proved strategic.
“We’re surrounded by pop-up coffee shops and retail spaces with interesting interior concepts,” Wagiman notes. “It’s like having a living gallery of design details right outside our door.”
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The materials library where designers often gather to discuss ongoing projects
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The studio’s DIY spirit is evident in the details—many elements were crafted by the team themselves, while others resulted from collaborations with local carpenters and suppliers.
This hands-on approach has transformed their workspace into a working portfolio, allowing clients to experience their design capabilities firsthand.
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Above A framed view through a wooden portal showing a meeting area
Above A cosy seating area highlighting the studio’s warm material palette
A framed view through a wooden portal showing a meeting area
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As Kort Studio continues to grow, adding sister companies in construction, carpentry, and photography, their space adapts and evolves with them.
The studio’s design process, which begins with traditional sketch work and progresses to 3D visualisations, benefits from the variety of work areas available to the team.
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The oval meeting table where the team of ten designers gather for informal brainstorming sessions
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Looking ahead, Wagiman envisions Kort Studio maintaining its trajectory of thoughtful growth while pushing the boundaries of innovative design.
“We draw inspiration from designers worldwide,” she says, “but we’re focused on developing our own standards and approaches.”
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Above The studio’s pantry, where neutral tones and natural materials create a calm respite
Above Skylights above bring in natural illumination
The studio’s pantry, where neutral tones and natural materials create a calm respite
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In a city rapidly embracing modern development, Kort Studio’s space demonstrates how creative vision can transform ordinary commercial spaces into dynamic design studios.
It’s a physical manifestation of their design philosophy: creating something fresh while working intelligently with what exists.
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Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
