Decor inspiration: peek inside the beautiful yacht-inspired office of Starlight Asset Management

Starlight Asset Management raises the bar for modern workspaces with an inviting aesthetic and lush materials that elevate the client experience

Modern offices are increasingly discarding the traditional concept of a cold, business-like environment with cookie-cutter rows of workstations for a more progressive aesthetic. Merging elements of residential and commercial interior design, contemporary workspaces feature materials and lifestyle elements that craft a cosy and calming mood conducive to more relaxed and engaging client meetings as well as the well-being of the firm’s employees.

Starlight Asset Management sought an office space in Singapore that would personify its core corporate values, and act as a welcoming environment for its clients and team. To create this dream venue, the company worked with international hospitality design giant GA Interiors as its principal designer, as well as local firms Architology Interiors and PLD Lighting. The goal was to create a modern and elegant yet practical workspace, incorporating a private lounge, filled with natural light and replete with dark wood, metal, and marble, along with plush soft furnishings and curvaceous forms.

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Above A lounge area in the office of Starlight Asset Management, which features sloping glass panes that draw a cue to the sloping forms of luxurious yachts (All photography: Benny Loh)

A lounge area in the office of Starlight Asset Management, which features sloping glass panes that draw a cue to the sloping forms of luxurious yachts (All photography: Benny Loh)

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“We have entered a new era of uncertainty in financial markets, and investors are feeling this paradigm shift,” says Shirlyn Chew, managing director of Starlight Asset Management. “We created a haven for our clients to feel comfortable and secure in as the world continues to change at an increasingly rapid pace. This space combines our gentle and patient approach with the strength of our leadership and convictions, which is represented via the strong wood colours and the use of real materials that essentially echoes our [the founders’] characters.”

The firm’s corporate ethos is also echoed in its name and its logo, which comprises a circle, a square, and a series of interconnected links. “Starlight serves as a guiding light, a symbol that gives our clients hope and direction,” says Chew. “The circle represents the wholesome and sincere approach we adopt as a firm, while the square serves as an indication of stability and assurance. The links illustrate the long-term relationships we develop with one another.”

Above The entryway of the Starlight Asset Management office

The entryway of the Starlight Asset Management office

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Starlight Asset Management positions itself as the first fund management firm in Singapore located within the Orchard Road and Tanglin district that “unifies the quantitative elements and practicality of fund management and private wealth with the experiential qualities of luxury and fine living for clients”, shares Chew.

The firm, which was founded in 2019 by Chew and CEO Derek Goh, specialises in structuring and managing alternative investments for family offices and high-net-worth investors. “We find, develop and curate products and businesses to invest in that are agnostic to market sentiment and movements,” says Chew, explaining that these include financial technology systems and platform businesses.

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Above The reception area of Starlight Asset Management

The reception area of Starlight Asset Management

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The firm’s empathetic, affable tone is established in its office design right from the start: at the entrance, a bonsai tree is displayed to symbolise growth, and communicate the company’s heritage and nurturing character. Stepping into the deep foyer, guests are greeted by the sight of an impressive hand-brushed, stainless steel reception area.

Underfoot, marble tiles are arranged in a non-directional pattern to soften the overall tableau. Here, as in the rest of the office, curved furnishings temper the look of the spaces and communicate the company’s progressive nature, while the use of materials such as wood veneer and brass lend substance and weight.

Above A rendering by GA Interiors, depicting the proposed lounge areas in the office

A rendering by GA Interiors, depicting the proposed lounge areas in the office

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Moving further into the southeast-facing office brings one to the reception lobby, a bright and inviting space where daylight suffuses the area with a soft glow. A wide expanse of large windows merges the indoors and outdoors seamlessly and brings the Singapore skyline into the office. Here, the use of blue furnishings in the form of the carpet and accent cushions lends a sense of calm, echoes the sky, and complements the neutral-hued seating beautifully.

An elongated walkway runs alongside this zone, capitalising on the view. Throughout, the neutral-toned stone flooring is juxtaposed against rich, warm timber fixtures to convey a forward-looking yet timeless feel.

Photo 1 of 3 An abstract work by a Japanese artist adds visual interest to one of the formal meeting rooms

Photo 2 of 3 Another view of the lounge areas in the office

Photo 3 of 3 Soft furnishings include the Flexform Dragonfly chairs by Roberto Lazzeroni, selected for this cosy lounge

An abstract work by a Japanese artist adds visual interest to one of the formal meeting rooms

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A notable number of the soft furnishings, which include the textural Ferreira de Sá carpets, were made bespoke in keeping with Starlight’s specific requirements. These customised items stand alongside designer pieces such as the Minotti Glover armchairs by Rodolfo Dordoni in a rich taupe tone, blue-hued Flexform Dragonfly chairs by Roberto Lazzeroni, Elysia lounge chairs from De La Espada in soothing off-white upholstery, and lighting fixtures from Holly Hunt and Pulpo.

Other design standouts include smart illumination that changes as the day progresses and statement-making artworks by Japanese artists Satoshi Uchiumi and Masumi Nakaoka that lend colour and creative flair to the space.

Above A rendering by GA Interiors, featuring the office of Shirlyn Chew, managing director of Starlight Asset Management

A rendering by GA Interiors, featuring the office of Shirlyn Chew, managing director of Starlight Asset Management

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The entire planning, development and coordination process took a year, with the four firms collaborating remotely to bring the project to fruition in October 2022. Chew was especially pleased with GA Interiors’ intelligent layout and use of space, Architology Interiors’ keen attention to detail, and PLD Lighting’s innovative lighting solutions.

All in, the beautiful result appears almost like a warm, cosy, and luxurious abode where one would invite treasured friends for a drink and fulfilling conversations.