Cover Next to the staircase, the team at LA Design Studio elegantly incorporated a settee, designed for home dinners and intimate gatherings
Next to the staircase, the team at LA Design Studio elegantly incorporated a settee, designed for home dinners and intimate gatherings
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Tatler+
Driven by innovative thinking, the creation of meaningful spaces and an appreciation of timeless design, LA Design Studio’s founder Lim Thong is setting new standards for Singapore’s interior design landscape
A second-generation designer, Lim Thong frequently followed his father to project sites as a child, a pastime that piqued an early interest in interior design and the intricacies of the construction industry.
He continued along this path, later on refining his skills and his understanding of design principles and methodologies through his education, laying a solid foundation that shaped his current approach to interior design.
Driven by innovative thinking, the creation of meaningful spaces, and an appreciation of timeless design beyond trends, he is now the founder of LA Design Studio, a luxury interior design firm with a series of stunning, award-winning projects in its portfolio.
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Above Lim Thong, founder of interior design firm LA Design Studio
Lim Thong, founder of interior design firm LA Design Studio
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Tell us more about your firm and the work you do.
With the founding of LA Design Studio, we strive to redefine the standards of interior design in Singapore. We believe in personalisation and experiential design, ensuring that every space we create tells a story and resonates with its occupants.
Designing homes with individual lifestyles in mind is an intentional process that focuses on creating a functional and aesthetic space that aligns with the way the inhabitants live, work, and play to enhance their quality of life.
Tell us a bit about the rest of your team.
Our team is our pride. We have a full-fledged lineup of interior designers, drafters, carpenters, tilers and more, all under our in-house team to ensure that we deliver nothing but excellence across every project we undertake. We are also accredited by RCMA, HDB, and BCA.
Above A lush counter in Lim’s home, made for intimate gatherings
Above Another view of the living space
A lush counter in Lim’s home, made for intimate gatherings
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You favour darker aesthetics. What draws you to it?
I have a proclivity for dark aesthetics which, contrary to common perception, are not about dimming the light but rather about emphasising the profound elegance and richness found in the shadows.
How do you define your design philosophy?
I see my clients as not just clients; they are my partners in design. They bring with them their life stories, their ambitions, and their dreams for me to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also enhance the quality of their lives.
I prioritise the emotional experience within a space over mere aesthetics. Focusing on how the space feels rather than what merely pleases the eye, I firmly believe in designing spaces that enhance human living habits and simplify daily tasks, ultimately improving their usability.
The open-concept bathroom is separated from the bedroom by an elegant glass enclosure
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What inspires you in your designs?
My focus lies in understanding how humans feel and live within a space. Two key areas dominate my work: ambience and lighting.
When it comes to ambience, I find inspiration in VIP spaces like airport lounges and private dining settings. In these environments, privacy and comfort are paramount. I’ve observed the intricate details and design elements that evoke these feelings, and I incorporate similar features into my own designs. For instance, I introduce gentle curves in seating areas to create a cosy ‘hugging’ sensation.
As for lighting design, it’s a passion of mine. I guide my clients through its significance; it’s not just about illumination but shapes the overall experience. For instance, while standard practice favours ceiling downlights in the bedroom, I find that indirect lighting does more to enhance it, evoking a soft, soothing ambience.
Above The walk-in wardrobe located at the side of the open-space master suite
Above A dry pantry that combines soulful design and convenience, facilitating water runs at night without navigating through the entire home
The walk-in wardrobe located at the side of the open-space master suite
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What’s your personal definition of luxury?
In the realm of interior design, the concept of luxury extends beyond expensive materials. In today’s hyperconnected society, achieving safety, privacy and tranquillity is increasingly challenging.
True luxury lies in spaces that provide a sense of security, freedom from distractions, and minimal disruptions. To achieve this, I specialise in designing and crafting sacred spaces where people can unwind and feel that sense of security.
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The lobby of Pan Pacific Singapore, designed to go beyond mere aesthetics, weaving Singapore’s heritage into every element
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How do you go about tailoring your projects to your clients?
I create personalised spaces by deeply understanding each client’s lifestyle and daily routines. These spaces not only enhance their individual habits but also prioritise ease of use. I also infuse character into the spaces, adding a personal touch.
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Above Long, sleek lines are accentuated by metallic inlays
Above The allure of the Urban Oasis displays draws in guests from afar without taking away from the lobby’s airy and spacious ambience
Long, sleek lines are accentuated by metallic inlays
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Can you share some of your proudest projects to date?
One project I am particularly proud of is my own home, a four-room flat at Fernvale. In crafting my humble abode, I drew upon a decade of interior design experience, infusing my learnings and lifestyle into every detail. I reconfigured the space with purpose, carving out dedicated areas for every function. I also curated a captivating entrance as my partner and I like to host, ensuring that joy and warmth greet our guests for memorable gatherings.
The Urban Oasis display at Pan Pacific Singapore is another project I’d like to highlight. Set against the backdrop of Singapore’s towering skyscrapers, the Urban Oasis unfolds as a meticulously curated exhibition space within the grand Pan Pacific lobby, showcasing the exceptional talents of local designers. The exhibit is designed to intertwine seamlessly with the architectural splendour of its surroundings while simultaneously commanding attention.
We also designed an extraordinary five-room HDB flat at Choa Chu Kang. Rather than confining spaces within the existing four walls, we sculpted the house’s structure based on the natural flow of the homeowner’s movements and their beloved pets. We created pockets of space throughout the layout, which serve as havens for study, rest, and even impromptu pet photoshoots. The central focal point of the house is a gracefully curved staircase, crowned by an artificial skylight.
Above The Urban Oasis at Pan Pacific Singapore displays embody a celebration of local artists and their remarkable works
Above A close-up view of the Urban Oasis installation
The Urban Oasis at Pan Pacific Singapore displays embody a celebration of local artists and their remarkable works
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You also have a carpentry factory with a research and design arm. Can you share a bit more about this?
By handling our own carpentry, we can experiment with integrating various materials into our fabrication and installation process. This approach accelerates production and minimises the need for multiple vendors to install different materials.
Additionally, we have the capability to create distinctive curved designs using a single piece of wood—a feat that would be challenging through subcontracting. Our in-house carpentry reduces design limitations, allowing us to focus on innovative breakthroughs and delivering unique designs to our clients.
Furthermore, we can test new concepts and prototype mechanisms to provide better advice to our clients, including special touches like customised hidden compartments within our carpentry.
A five-room HDB flat at Choa Chu Kang with interiors crafted by LA Design Studio
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Can you share more about your upcoming furniture collection at Design Orchard?
This collection will involve designing furniture that pushes the boundaries of carpentry by leveraging our extensive woodworking experience. Unveiling a series of pieces with greater curvature, traditionally considered impossible in wood fabrication, the collection will be introduced with a new sustainable weatherproof composite material. Stay tuned!
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The bed is cocooned inside a gentle curve, the silhouette of the room inspired by an intimate cave
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What have been some of your greatest lessons and takeaways since founding your firm?
I’ve learned some invaluable lessons. First and foremost, no single interior designer can excel at everything, be it design coordination, project management or customer service. Instead, we embrace teamwork, recognising that each team member contributes their unique strengths to different aspects of our projects.
During a recent restructuring phase led by our previous director, we encountered communication challenges and information gaps. However, this process ultimately paved the way for a new and improved approach, one that delivers exceptional value to both our interior designers and clients.
Another key takeaway I’ve cultivated is that creativity thrives within limitations. Whether it’s scarcity of materials, tight budgets, or time pressures, we don’t shy away from the challenge. Instead, we focus on mastering essential, readily available materials. Our constant challenge of limitations fuels our team’s creativity, allowing us to contribute unique ideas using common materials to enhance and create innovative designs.
Behind the vanity, a hidden door conceals the walk-in wardrobe, adding an element of mystery and surprise
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of LA Design Studio
