Space Makers: Meet award-winning designer Jackie Lai of Jia Studios, whose thoughtful interiors tell personal stories

Tell us more about your firm and the work you do.
Jia Studios was born out of a shared passion for design between my wife, Agnes, and me. We wanted to start a firm that would reflect our design expertise—Agnes’ background in industrial design and mine in interior design. The name Jia holds special significance for us, as it combines our initials (Jackie and Agnes), and symbolises the central role that design plays in our lives.

Starting the firm together allowed us to combine our skills and perspectives, implementing a multidisciplinary approach that informs everything we do. This allows us to approach projects from a holistic perspective, considering both the micro and macro elements of design. My team and I work closely with our clients to ensure each project reflects their unique needs and aspirations, while also pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve.

As we’ve grown, we’ve been fortunate to work on a variety of exciting and challenging projects. Each project has allowed us to expand our expertise, refine our processes, and build a reputation for excellence in the industry. Our shared vision and complementary skills have been the driving force behind our firm’s success.

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How do you define your design philosophy?
I place the user at the centre of my design process. Every space I create is a reflection of the users who will inhabit it. I take the time to understand the users’ needs, lifestyles, and aspirations, translating their vision into a cohesive and personalised design.

Innovation is a driving force in my work. I am constantly exploring new materials, technologies, and design methodologies to push the boundaries of what is possible. Whether it’s integrating smart home systems, experimenting with new spatial configurations, or exploring sustainable practices, I strive to create designs that are not only current but also future-proof, ensuring they remain relevant and adaptable over time.

What inspires you in your designs?
The rapid pace of technological advancement is exciting and inspiring. New materials, smart home technology, and sustainable building practices are constantly emerging, offering new possibilities in design. I’m inspired by the challenge of staying at the forefront of these developments and finding innovative ways to integrate them into my projects.

What’s your personal definition of luxury?
My personal definition of luxury goes beyond the traditional notions of opulence and extravagance. Luxury is about comfort and the sense of well-being that comes from being in a space that feels just right. It’s about thoughtful design, where every element is carefully chosen to enhance the experience of the space.

It’s in the softness of a well-upholstered chair, the serenity of a room bathed in natural light, or the peace that comes from a well-organised, clutter-free environment. Luxury is about creating a space that nurtures and supports you.

How do you go about tailoring your projects to your clients?
Every client brings their own story, and I find immense inspiration in the personal narratives that shape their lives. Understanding their background, values, and lifestyles allows me to create spaces that are deeply personal and uniquely tailored to them. I’m particularly inspired by the challenge of translating a client’s vision into a tangible reality, crafting a space that reflects who they are and how they want to live.

Three of your firm’s key values are “joy, innovation, and aesthetics”—how are these woven into your projects?
Joy is at the heart of our design philosophy. We believe that spaces should evoke positive emotions and enhance the lives of those who inhabit them. To infuse joy into our projects, we focus on creating environments that feel welcoming, comfortable, and uplifting. This can mean designing spaces with natural light, using colours that inspire happiness, or incorporating playful and unexpected elements that bring a sense of delight. We aim to craft spaces people feel genuinely happy to spend time in, whether it’s a cosy home, a vibrant office, or a dynamic public space.

Innovation is a driving force behind our designs. As mentioned above, we are constantly exploring new materials, technologies, and design methodologies to push the boundaries of what’s possible. In our projects, this can manifest in various ways, such as integrating smart home technology, experimenting with sustainable materials, or reimagining traditional spatial layouts. We strive to be at the forefront of design trends while ensuring that our innovative solutions enhance the functionality and experience of the spaces we create. Innovation, for us, is about finding new ways to solve problems and create environments that are both cutting-edge and enduring.

Aesthetics are fundamental to our work. We believe that beauty in design is not just about visual appeal but also about how a space feels and functions. Our approach to aesthetics is rooted in the idea that every element in a space should serve a purpose while contributing to the overall harmony and elegance of the design. We carefully consider colour palettes, textures, forms, and proportions to create spaces that are visually pleasing and balanced. Whether we’re designing a minimalist home or a luxurious commercial space, our focus is on crafting environments that are not only beautiful but also deeply resonant with the people who interact with them.

Can you highlight some of your proudest projects?
Situated at the heart of Changi, we renovated an inter-terrace house that had been home to the client for over a decade, bearing witness to countless memories. The original semi-classical décor, with its intricate details and timeless charm, served the family well, but as the years passed, a desire for change emerged. The client envisioned a transformation—a modern rejuvenation of the space that would reflect their evolving tastes while maintaining the comfort and familiarity they’d grown to love.

The redesign focused on embracing a monochromatic palette, with black and white forming the core of the new aesthetic. This choice is not only a nod to classic elegance but also a bold step toward a sleek, contemporary style that breathes new life into the home. The challenge lay in balancing the old with the new—respecting the history of the space while propelling it into a modern era.

Through its thoughtful design, the project aimed to harmoniously blend past and present, resulting in a home that resonates with the client’s identity and the spirit of the place. I believe that this Changi inter-terrace house will stand as a testament to the power of design in transforming a house into a true reflection of its inhabitants.

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Another project we take pride in is a modern detached house in Holland Grove, reconstructed for multigenerational living. Originally comprised of four separate semi-detached units spanning two storeys each, we combined the four units into a single expansive detached house serving the entire family across four generations. Key to the redesign was a blend of modern aesthetics with functionality to support the family's varying requirements.

The design emphasises geometrical elements and an air of luxury, creating a unified living experience that flows seamlessly across multiple levels. We also prioritised privacy for the family, alongside the integration of resort-style outdoor spaces and cutting-edge entertainment areas.

What have been some of your greatest lessons and takeaways since founding your firm?
The design industry is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires a commitment to continuous learning. Since founding Jia Studios, I’ve realised the importance of staying curious and open to new ideas, technologies, and trends. Whether it’s attending industry conferences, participating in workshops, or simply learning from each project, this ongoing education is vital to growth and innovation.

One of the ongoing challenges in design is finding the right balance between creativity and practicality. While it’s exciting to push the boundaries of design, it’s equally important to ensure that our ideas are feasible, functional, and aligned with the client’s budget. I’ve learned that successful design is not just about being innovative but also about being grounded in reality. Balancing these two aspects ensures that our projects are both imaginative and executable.

One of the most rewarding lessons has been seeing the impact that thoughtful design can have on people’s lives. Creating spaces that bring joy, improve functionality, and contribute to well-being is incredibly fulfilling. This realisation reinforces the importance of our work and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in every project.

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