Cover Emilia Tjongkono believes that the best designs are not only pleasing to the eye, but also able to create lasting emotional connections.
Emilia Tjongkono believes that the best designs are not only pleasing to the eye, but also able to create lasting emotional connections.
1 / 1
Amid the rise of artificial intelligence, often seen as a threat to creative professions, Balinese event designer Emilia Tjongkono sees it as a partner that helps expand possibilities. Through Designmill Co, she demonstrates how technology can amplify creativity without eliminating the human touch that is at the heart of any experience.
There is one thing that Emilia Tjongkono always believes in when designing an event: people may forget the details or the order of the event, but they will always remember how an experience made them feel.
That perspective has been the foundation of Emilia's creative journey for nearly a decade. Starting from her passion for visual aesthetics, spatial planning, and decoration, she has built Designmill Co into one of the most recognized event design studios in Bali. From destination weddings to brand experiences and large-scale corporate events, each project is designed with an approach that stems from human stories.
Now, as the creative industry buzzes with artificial intelligence (AI), Emilia chooses to view technology from a different perspective. Rather than viewing it as a substitute for creativity, she uses it as a tool that helps accelerate and scalable the process of exploring ideas.
Above Hundreds of weddings in Bali have been part of the Designmill Co. portfolio built by Emilia Tjongkono.
Above Each project is designed to reflect the unique character and story of each couple.
Hundreds of weddings in Bali have been part of the Designmill Co. portfolio built by Emilia Tjongkono.
1 / 2
"Technology and AI allow us to accelerate research, concept development, visual exploration, and creative presentation. This gives the team more time to focus on what really matters: creating authentic and meaningful experiences for each client," said the graduate of a Bachelor of Visual Communication in Australia and a Harvard Business School.
Above Emilia started to learn flower arranging autodidactically and offered her services to her friends until she finally formed Designmill Co.
Emilia started to learn flower arranging autodidactically and offered her services to her friends until she finally formed Designmill Co.
1 / 1
At Designmill Co, technology is used at various stages of the creative process, from trend analysis and moodboarding to developing initial visuals and assisting with project coordination. But for Emilia, creative decisions remain human-centered. Technology simply accelerates the journey to a more mature idea.
This philosophy is also evident in its business development. While Designmill Co. was initially known for its destination wedding designs in Bali, the studio has now expanded its services to include various areas, from product launches and brand activations to gala dinners, conferences, incentive programs, and even MICE projects involving audiences from various countries.
This expansion is not simply a business strategy, but rather a response to evolving market needs. Many brands now need creative partners capable of translating business objectives into relevant and memorable visual experiences.
Throughout her career, Emilia and her team have handled hundreds of projects for both domestic and international clients. One experience that has cemented the studio's reputation is its involvement in various events related to the G20 Summit in Bali. This experience further solidified her ability to manage design and visual experiences at various scales.
Above Involvement in various international forums such as the G20 Summit in Bali is one of the important moments in Designmill Co's journey.
Above From intimate celebrations to global forums, Emilia Tjongkono believes that every space has a story worth bringing to life.
Involvement in various international forums such as the G20 Summit in Bali is one of the important moments in Designmill Co's journey.
1 / 2
Beyond these achievements, Emilia also advocates for more responsible practices in the events industry. She advocates the use of reusable materials, more careful production planning, and collaboration with local artisans and suppliers. For her, good design should not only be visually appealing but also consider its long-term impact.
Looking ahead, Emilia believes the future of the events industry will be determined by a balance between creativity, technology, and empathy. Technology will continue to advance, but the ability to understand people remains an irreplaceable value.
Today, people are no longer just looking for beautiful decor. They want experiences that tell a story, create emotional connections, and leave a lasting impression.
"Today, people are no longer just looking for beautiful decorations. They want experiences that tell stories, create emotional connections, and leave lasting impressions. Technology helps us work smarter and more efficiently, but creativity, empathy, and the ability to understand people will always be at the heart of good design," said Emilia.
