Cover Emcee Bobby Tonelli, pictured with Kissa Castañeda, the Tatler Asia Homes and Travel editorial director and Hong Xinying, managing editor of Tatler Homes SIngapore

Held at Straits Clan, Tatler Design Awards 2021 honoured the achievements of homegrown designers and their innovative projects

Our homes are havens that we enjoy returning to—and in the past year, the significance of our abodes have certainly been imbued with deeper meaning, as we seek safe sanctuaries in these unprecedented times.

While the Covid-19 pandemic may have brought upon upheaval and change, but it also presented an opportunity for firms to experiment, innovate and adapt to these circumstances. With that in mind, the Tatler Design Awards 2021 lauded the impressive achievements of the local design scene and the firms that brought to fruition a variety of residential and commercial projects despite the challenges of the past year.

This year, the 11 award categories were sponsored by ArovaAureo GalleryBoxx EuroGaggenauHafaryMM GalleriOkamuraRoche Bobois and Spin.

(Related: Tatler Design Awards 2021: The Winners)

Tatler Asia
Above Left to right: Bobby Tonelli, Kissa Castañeda, Hong Xinying, pictured with Tatler Design Awards 2021 jury members Teo Su Seam, Mark Wee and Erwin Viray

Local Flavours

Broadcasted live from The Snug, a cosy members-only lounge area within Straits Clan, the fifth edition of the annual awards ceremony was held as a livestream event.

Dubbed “Local Roots”, the awards’ theme also paid tribute to homegrown talents and their innovative projects. Guests were treated to decadent canapés created by Chef Tim Meijers from Tim’s Fine Catering, which presented a modern twist on familiar local flavours. Accompanying the savoury appetisers were drinks prepared with Melati, Asia's first non-alcoholic aperitif from the Singapore brand.

Tatler Asia
Above Taking inspiration from the theme "local roots", the canapés set created by Chef Tim Meijers from Tim’s Fine Catering features delectable snacks that feature flavours inspired by Singapore cuisine

This year, the jury panel featured the following design leaders: Steve Leung, founder of Steve Leung Design Group; Clint Nagata, founder and partner of Blink Design group; British interior designer Katharine Pooley who helms her eponymous design studio; Teo Su Seam, partner of LTW Designworks; Erwin Viray, head of architecture and sustainable design at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD); Sabrina Long, dean of the School of Art and Design at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, as well as executive director of the DesignSingapore Council Mark Wee.

(Related: Tatler Design Awards 2021: Introducing The Jury Panel)

In a keynote speech conducted on behalf of the jury panel, Wee shared his thoughts on the future of design, as well as the next generation of architects and designers in Singapore. 

“In my role as the head of the DesignSingapore Council, I often get asked: What is Singapore design? I could rationalise that it is an evolving one that finds expression from our multicultural and multi-racial society, where there is no one language due to our diversity, but a rojak of expression with an Asian tropical sensibility,” says Wee. “This year’s award theme of 'local roots' is so apt, in its season to invest in nurturing new ideas that could yield a harvest later.”

Tatler Asia
Above The Tatler Design Awards 2021 trophies were designed by David Tham of StudioNorm and produced by Indonesian marble purveyor MM Galleri
Tatler Asia
Above Bottles from homegrown brand Melati were sent to guests ahead of the livestream for them to each enjoy the botanical non-alcoholic aperitif

Notable achievements of the night include the Best Innovation accolade, awarded to the New State Courts Complex, designed in collaboration by Serie + Multiply Consultants alongside principal consultant and architect CPG Consultants. Design Intervention clinched the Best Penthouse award for a stunning apartment crafted in Bangkok, while Designworx Interior Consultant impressed both the jury panel and the readers to win the Best Show Unit (Reader’s Choice). 

This year, the awards event also unveiled a new category, entitled Designers on the Rise. Sponsored by local laminate brand Arova, the Designers on the Rise category recognises the achievements of young design firms, led by Singapore-based talents with years of experience. The firms nominated for this category are: ArchLuxe, Quod Architects and Sujonohun.

(Related: Tatler Design Awards 2021: The Winners)

“This award cements us to be the next player in the industry, and I hope this also inspires a lot of young designers and firms out there to be bolder and more daring in achieving your dreams and aspirations,” says Sujono Lim, co-founder of Sujonohun, one of the three nominees for the new Designers on the Rise category. “We hope that the local (designers) industries are going to get even better, we hope that the next generation will be able to rise up to the challenges (the future will bring). Thank you Tatler Homes.” 

(Related: Tatler Design Awards 2021: 3 Emerging Singapore Design Firms to Watch)

Tatler Asia
Above Emcee Bobby Tonelli holds up one of the trophies crafted specially for the Tatler Design Awards 2021
Tatler Asia
Above Left to right: Teo Su Seam, partner of LTW Designworks, executive director of the DesignSingapore Council Mark Wee and Erwin Viray, head of architecture and sustainable design at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

Looking Ahead

Before the final categories were presented, the evening also featured a virtual panel discussion that was conducted with jury members based in Singapore and abroad. Moderated by Tatler Asia Homes and Travel editorial director Kissa Castañeda and Hong Xinying, the managing editor of Tatler Homes Singapore, the topic of discussion was focused on the importance of sustainable design. 

“We’ve always encouraged sustainable design for the last 40 years in our design practice. All our projects are global, so we have to research and source for local materials to try to see how to construct them,” says Teo Su Seam, partner of LTW Designworks.  “Recently, we’ve also noticed that a lot of the five-star luxury brands have embraced sustainability and understand that it’s not necessary to use exotic or expensive materials. I think what’s more important is showing a timeless and well-detailed design, while also knowing how to use local materials to create beautiful designs.” 

British interior designer Katharine Pooley concurs. “I think this time more than ever, it’s critical to be sustainable,” says Pooley. The notable British interior designer lists several eco-friendly materials and considerations to turn to when designing: faux leather, faux shagreen, organic fabrics, veneers, graphene stone paint, pineapple leather, natural fibers like wool, and even carpets made from recyclable bottles.

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 The overseas jury panellists who joined the livestream virtually (clockwise from top right): Steve Leung, founder of Steve Leung Design Group, Clint Nagata of Blink Design Group and British designer Katharine Pooley
Photo 2 of 2 The virtual talk segment of Tatler Design Awards 2021, held in Singapore at Straits Clan

The growing popularity of biophilic designs was also a topic of conversation. A design philosophy that embraces greenery and elements of nature, elements of biophilic design are increasingly spotted in projects around the world. 

“I think biophilic design is getting very welcomed and popular,” says Steve Leung, the eponymous founder of the Hong Kong-headquartered firm. “With no (chances of) traveling overseas, a lot of people in Hong Kong (are) visiting and falling in love with the countryside; they now know they need to live with nature. That’s why a lot of people are thinking about having more natural lighting and ventilation—they don’t turn on the air-conditioning as much as they did in the past. They have indoor plants, outdoor plants, (plants) on the balcony, in the garden; I think people now realise that it’s important to live together with nature.” 

Often including elements of biophilic design in their work, Blink Design Group doesn’t view the nature-based ethos as just a trend but a phenomenon set to stay. “For us, the idea of biophilic design has really existed as long as our practice has been around,” says Clint Nagata, founder and creative partner of Blink Design Group. “We try to embrace the idea of nature in all aspects of our projects, whether it’s through the materiality, or through the feeling of the space we create. Whether the projects are here in Asia, or located in the Middle East or the US, it’s something that I think is almost natural as humans. We desire to go outside to nature, I think even more so during the pandemic.”

Tatler Asia
Above Tatler Homes Singapore managing editor Hong Xinying, in conversation with Teo Su Seam, partner of LTW Designworks
Tatler Asia
Above DesignSingapore Council executive director Mark Wee and head of architecture and sustainable design at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

“Design can really solve real-world challenges and can be used to solve unmet needs in society,” says Wee. “Designers are really in the best position to do that. They are perfect candidates to be able to create solutions for the future. There’s been a growing awareness in the design community for more inclusive design, and designers are actually increasingly designing for the less-abled and disadvantaged local community.”

Viray agrees, revealing that students at SUTD are also spearheading social projects for the community. “There is this part that we call social architecture, where we work with communities in Singapore to improve the public spaces in Singapore using data. Overseas, we also have a project sponsored by CapitaLand, (where the) students work with young children in Vietnam to build a kindergarten together. I think these are opportunities to expose the students to what’s happening in Singapore and around the world, as well as (show them) how we can contribute to making a better world.” 

Above Ahead of the Tatler Design Awards livestream on April 8 2021, The Tatler Homes Singapore team surprised the winners with a visit. Watch their reactions to their wins here.

Delightful Surprises

While crafting a curated experience true to its locally-influenced theme, the Tatler Homes Singapore editorial team also surprised the winners with visits to their offices to record their acceptance speech.

“For each project, we always strive to create a design that is functional, aesthetically timeless and well-executed within the clients’ given budget,” says Terri Tan, the design director at Designworx Interior Consultant, commenting on the firm’s win in the Best Show Unit category. “Because to us, the end users’ experience is what defines good design.” 

“Good design needs to create an experience,” adds Jeremy Tay, director and co-founder of Prestige Global Designs, who won the Best Living Room (Reader’s Choice) award for their richly layered design. “In today’s context, experiential design is more important than ever. It helps people to connect emotionally with the space.” 

Tatler Asia
Above Jeremy Tay and Michael Ong of Prestige Global Designs, which received the accolade for the Best Living Room (Readers' Choice) category at the Tatler Design Awards 2021
Tatler Asia
Above Terence Tan and Tan Chun Hao of Foma Architects, which received the Best Tropical Concept accolade at the Tatler Design Awards 2021
Tatler Asia
Above Terrence Quah and Bu Shu Kun of Architology Interiors, the winner of the Best Bespoke Concept
Tatler Asia
Above Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant, the winner of the Best Show Unit (Readers' Choice) category

“Thank you for recognising that we put our heart and soul into the design work that we do,” says co-founder of Foma Architects Tan Chun Hao, whose firm received the Best Tropical Concept accolade. 

For Architology Interiors, the firm that clinched the award for Best Bespoke Concept, the honour was an acknowledgment of their dedication to their craft. “For us, every project is a challenge, so our day-to-day work is about taking on different challenges. We’re just glad that the hard work is being recognised,” says co-founder Bu Shu Kun.

Watch the 2021 edition of the Tatler Design Awards in the video below.

You can also view segments of the awards livestream in this playlist on our YouTube channel.

Above Held at the Straits Clan on April 8, 2021, the Tatler Design Awards 2021 livestream honoured the achievements of homegrown designers and the innovative projects they had completed in the past year.

Key Segments

02.39-07.06 Opening speech by the Tatler Homes Singapore editorial team

07.07-12.41 Keynote speech by Mark Wee, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council and jury member of the Tatler Design Awards 2021

12.42-20.43 Awards announcement segment one:

  • Best Architectural Concept sponsored by Hafary
  • Best Bespoke Concept sponsored by MM Galleri
  • Best Penthouse sponsored by Gaggenau
  • Best Tropical Concept sponsored by Spin
  • Best Use of Art sponsored by Aureo Gallery
  • Best Innovation sponsored by Okamura


20.44-52.30 Virtual Talk: Designing for Tomorrow

52.31-58.55 Awards announcement segment two:

  • Designers on the Rise
  • Best Use of Colour (Readers’ Choice) sponsored by Roche Bobois 
  • Best Living Room (Readers’ Choice) sponsored by Boxx Euro
  • Best Luxury Concept (Readers’ Choice) sponsored by Gaggenau
  • Best Show Unit (Readers’ Choice) sponsored by Hafary

Credits

Photography  

Benny Loh

Videography  

Ebenex

Video Editor  

Nicola Ng

Hair  

Dollei Seah and Zhou Aiyi of The Makeup Entourage

Make-Up  

Dollei Seah and Zhou Aiyi of The Makeup Entourage

Topics