Cover Founders of 6IX Design Office, Suhayl Annuar, Wani Khairi,Suffian Shahabuddin
Founders of 6IX Design Office, Suhayl Annuar, Wani Khairi,Suffian Shahabuddin
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6IX Design Office studio in Sentul is a creative hub fuelled by collaboration and coffee
Headquartered in the heart of Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, the studio of 6IX Design Office in D7 Sentul East is a hub of innovation where creativity meets collaboration.
Founded in 2013 by Suffian Shahabuddin, Suhayl Annuar, and Wani Khairi, this multidisciplinary studio has been working on local and international design and architecture projects that go beyond the traditional act of building.
“Our journey began in Melbourne, where our paths crossed through studies and shared passions,” says Suhayl Annuar, director and co-founder of 6IX Design Office.
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Down under
Above The “nerve centre” of the studio with its multiple terminals
The “nerve centre” of the studio with its multiple terminals
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“After years of honing our craft and exploring diverse practices, we felt a calling to return to Malaysia and establish our own studio,” he continues. Their first office space was a humble Sentul apartment undergoing renovation, setting the stage for their transformative journey.
But what drew them back to this eclectic locale? “We’re passionate about coffee,” Suhayl explains with a smile. “Sentul offered the perfect blend of affordability and character, with Three Little Birds café nearby providing both inspiration and caffeine-fueled brainstorming sessions.
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Moving in up
Above Founders of 6IX Design Office, Suhayl Annuar, Wani Khairi,Suffian Shahabuddin
Founders of 6IX Design Office, Suhayl Annuar, Wani Khairi,Suffian Shahabuddin
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With Sentul’s rich tapestry of old and new, 6IX Design Office found fertile ground to cultivate its unique vision. Despite the space’s initial dilapidation, the team saw potential. “The previous tenants left it in a sorry state, But we saw an opportunity
to refurbish and reimagine the workspace,” recalls Suhayl.
Their redesign reflects a commitment to flexibility and functionality, catering to evolving work patterns post-pandemic. “We incorporated concepts like ‘huddle spaces’ and ‘activity-based workspaces,’ fostering collaboration and adaptability,” he continues.
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Open source
Above A cosy break out area for conversations and coffee
Above The studio is made up of flexible work stations
A cosy break out area for conversations and coffee
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The flexible workspace is essentially a large open-plan office with different configurations. Most tables are for hot desking, with flexible spaces for when the team are in the office. “We want to encourage coincidental exchanges, which is important for informal learning and team cohesion. We’ve also brought a lot of plants in as natural purifiers, with the hope of improving internal air quality.” muses Suhayl.
“Because of the visual nature of our work, we now have multiple screens, projectors, and virtual spaces for us to view and discuss our work. You would have screens hanging from our walls, ceilings, and sitting on top of desks. And sometimes, we will even need to 3D print our work to have better engagement.”
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All change
Above The founders’ love for coffee is evident in this pantry
The founders’ love for coffee is evident in this pantry
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The transformation took approximately two months, with the designers working with a contractor who was familiar with their working style. As for their aesthetic evolution, Annuar emphasises their process-driven approach.
“We focus on problem-solving and innovation, rather than adhering to a specific style,” he explains. “Good design transcends aesthetics, embodying a visual intelligence that resolves spatial complexities.”
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Credits
Photography: David Yeow
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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.
