5 Southeast Asian Lighting Designers and Studios To Know

Get to know these regional talents who are incorporating Asian influences into stunning lighting pieces and interiors

Great lighting has the ability to create depth and height, transforming a space with a unique and distinctive touch. A statement lighting fixture can also serve as the focal point of the room.

Besides world-famous names, several regional designers and studios have been making waves in the realm of lighting design. Here, we highlight a few noteworthy talents in Southeast Asia to keep on your radar who are making an impact through their beautiful lamps and brilliant designs.

1. Light Collab

The fitting room of Love Bonito in Funan Mall (Image: Courtesy of Light Collab)

In Light of Orchidea, the light show at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, whose lighting features is designed by Light Collab (Image: Courtesy of Light Collab)

The Singapore Buddhist Lodge (Image: Courtesy of Light Collab)

Photo 1 of 3 The fitting room of Love Bonito in Funan Mall (Image: Courtesy of Light Collab)

Photo 2 of 3 In Light of Orchidea, the light show at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, whose lighting features is designed by Light Collab (Image: Courtesy of Light Collab)

Photo 3 of 3 The Singapore Buddhist Lodge (Image: Courtesy of Light Collab)

Singapore lighting design practice Light Collab is well-known for their luminous concepts, having designed the lighting of many stunning spaces in various hospitality and retail sectors. Their latest projects include designing illumination and lighting installations for the Love Bonito retail outlet at Funan Mall, Singapore Buddhist Lodge, and luxury hotel Parkroyal Collection at Marina Bay; the latter of which includes a two-and-a-half-minute light show held at the garden atrium of the hotel every evening.

The award-winning lighting firm is helmed by founder and design principal Toh Yah Li. The talented designer, who serves as a professional member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), is also one of the first five in the world to be recognized with Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) certification. The trailblazer, recognised for using her lighting designs to create unique visual experiences, is also a Gen.T 2019 honouree.

2. Aureole Design

The Dǒugǒng collection, which consists of lighting pieces, as well as a bench, a side table, and standing mirrors (Image: Courtesy of Aureole Design)

Photo 1 of 2 The Dǒugǒng collection, which consists of lighting pieces, as well as a bench, a side table, and standing mirrors (Image: Courtesy of Aureole Design)

Photo 2 of 2 Tan Wei Ming, founder of Aureole Design (Image: Courtesy of Aureole Design)

Established in 2013, Malaysian lighting design studio Aureole Design produces elegant designs that incorporate the richness of Asian culture. Led by designer Tan Wei Ming, the Kuala Lumpur-based studio is dedicated to creating functional lighting pieces through collaborations with artisanal craftsmen whilst exploring traditional techniques and materials.

Materials play a huge role in Tan’s design process, the designer also draws onto her background as a graphic designer when it comes to working with geometric forms and proportions. Latest highlights from the studio include the Dǒugǒng collection, which exudes a minimalist chic flair with interlocking wooden brackets of traditional Chinese architecture.

3. Mario Widagdo

The interiors of The Bridge House, an award-winning private residence with lighting designed by MAW Design (Image: Courtesy of MAW Design)

Photo 1 of 2 The interiors of The Bridge House, an award-winning private residence with lighting designed by MAW Design (Image: Courtesy of MAW Design)

Photo 2 of 2 The exterior facade of The Bridge House (Image: Courtesy of MAW Design)

The creative director of Jakarta-based architectural lighting firm MAW design, Mario Widagdo is an accomplished lighting designer with a deft ability to breathe life into spaces with his breathtaking lighting designs.

Designing across the hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors, Widagdo has also led MAW design to clinch several awards for their lighting projects. Notable projects by the studio include the lighting features for Singapore’s Imperial Harvest, which won silver in the Muse Design Award for retail lighting design, and The Bridge House, an abode in Indonesia with a rustic charm that was crowned the winner in Residential Lighting for LIT’s Lighting Design Awards.

4. Christine Sicangco

Above An intricate lighting piece hanging at Yu Lei restaurant in Okada Manila, designed by CSLDI (Image: Courtesy of CSLDI/@csldi)

Above A Barrisol ceiling designed by CSLDI (Image: Courtesy of CSLDI/@csldi)

Christine Sicangco, principal and co-founder of Philippines-based design firm CSLDI, crafts immersive spaces through contemporary lighting designs. Having graduated from the Parsons School of Design with a Master of Fine Arts in Architectural Lighting Design, Sicangco holds a wealth of experience in lighting; prior to forming her own practice, she also designed for international design firm Horton Lees Brogden Lighting as well as America-based lighting practice Schwinghammer.

No project is too daunting for Sicangco; the studio’s extensive portfolio ranges between a plethora of industries, including high-end residential complexes, corporate clients, landscapes and streetscapes, as well as museums.

5. ASA Studios

The Tree House restaurant at the Hyatt Unbound Nam Nghi Resort, whose lighting was designed by ASA Studios (Image: Courtesy of Hyatt)

A suite at the Hyatt Unbound Nam Nghi Resort (Image: Courtesy of Hyatt)

The Dragon Bridge over the River Hàn at Da Nang, Vietnam (Image: Courtesy of WSP)

Photo 1 of 3 The Tree House restaurant at the Hyatt Unbound Nam Nghi Resort, whose lighting was designed by ASA Studios (Image: Courtesy of Hyatt)

Photo 2 of 3 A suite at the Hyatt Unbound Nam Nghi Resort (Image: Courtesy of Hyatt)

Photo 3 of 3 The Dragon Bridge over the River Hàn at Da Nang, Vietnam (Image: Courtesy of WSP)

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with a branch in Bangkok, Thailand, lighting design practice ASA Studio forte lies in innovative lighting designs for luxury and boutique hospitality brands such as Banyan Tree, Hyatt, and Marriott.

The studio’s founder, Dr. Thanh Tran, is an award-winning lighting designer with a Doctorate degree in Lighting and Built Environment from London Metropolitan University. He is the lighting mastermind behind Vietnam’s iconic Dragon Bridge, which was also awarded the prestigious IALD Lighting Design Award.

Topics

lighting design lighting southeast asia lighting designers