Why You Should Invest In a Good Chair for Your Home Office

Architology Interiors co-founder Terrence Quah discusses the importance of ergonomics when crafting a conducive workspace

“Designers must constantly imagine the future—having a passion for design means being able to be constantly drawn towards an endless future of possibilities that can make life better and more exciting,” says Terrence Quah, co-founder of design firm Architology Interiors.

Quah and fellow co-founder Bu Shu Kun lead the local design firm with a creative philosophy that celebrates “boldness, purity, elegance, and liveability”; the practice works on hospitality and other commercial projects as well as luxurious private homes.

Architology Interiors is currently working on several projects, including a house with a lighting concept influenced by the work of American artist James Turrell. Here, Quah shares more about how to improve your home office.

Don't miss: Home Office Ideas: How to Design a Stylish Workspace

Above Terrence Quah, co-founder of Architology Interiors, at the Okamura showroom

What are some of the essential elements in designing a workspace?

Make sure you have access to natural ventilation at home. Try to have a good sound system to play music that can boost your mood and improve your concentration between work calls. If your air-conditioned home office is not carpeted, a soft, comfortable rug will help to keep your feet warm.

Good lighting is important—natural sunlight helps maintain your body’s circadian rhythm. Being able to shut out unwanted sound when working is definitely another priority, so a door that can be acoustically sealed will be useful. A good desk lamp is also highly recommended, because modern lighting pieces are designed with high-quality LED chips to ensure adequate illumination for reading and typing.

In case you missed it: Home Office Design: Why An Ergonomic Chair Is So Important

The Okamura Finora task chair features a flexible frame and mesh upholstery that can be customised in over a dozen colours, including purple

Above The Okamura Finora task chair features a flexible frame and mesh upholstery that can be customised in over a dozen colours, including purple

Why is it important to invest in a good task chair?

Not all chairs are made equal. We typically spend most of our workday sitting in a chair, so it is worth investing in a good design that will prevent long-term injuries associated with long hours of sitting. A good ergonomic chair will ensure productive hours by reducing fatigue and ensuring comfort.

I often emphasise to clients that a good chair will easily last more than 10 years, but a cheap chair will last less than half of that. The long lifespan of a good chair also means you will be contributing less to global waste.

Don't miss: Tatler Talks: What Will the Future of Office Design Be Like?

A good ergonomic chair will ensure productive hours by reducing fatigue and ensuring comfort.

- Terrence Quah, co-founder of Architology Interiors -

What are the qualities of a good task chair?

All quality task chairs have a weighted base; the chair will feel grounded and balanced even when you’re reclining as far back as it allows. Well-constructed chairs also come with a solid hydraulic lift which will support a good amount of weight. Fully adjustable armrests ensure good ergonomics for your wrists and fingers; having the arms able to pivot inwards at the right angle is essential to reduce repetitive injuries that may arise with typing.

I personally feel that Japanese manufacturer Okamura’s chairs are very well made and engineered. The Finora chair caught my eye with its full mesh back and seat, and well-proportioned design; the chair feels very modern and looks almost futuristic. It’s also interesting to note that Okamura has a history in automobile manufacturing—you can see some of the racing car lines in its designs.

NOW READ

7 Japanese Furniture Brands to Know in Singapore

Home Office Designs: 5 Office Chairs that are Stylish and Ergonomic

From Tiffany & Co to Casa Loewe: Get Decor Inspiration From These Boutiques in Singapore

Credits

Photography

JASPER YU AT JYU STUDIO

Photographer's Assistant

EVAN KONG

Art Direction

CHARLENE LEE

Stylist's Assistant