Uniquely Singaporean: Colin Seah, Founder and Design Director of Ministry of Design

It might be hard to pinpoint the Singaporean design identity beyond the fact that it is an amalgamation of influences, a mixed bag of design styles that find a convergence point in our young, fresh canvas of a city.

Part of the new generation that’s making a mark on this canvas and actively shaping the design history of Singapore is Colin Seah, founder and design director of Ministry of Design. His work can be spotted around the island – New Majestic Hotel, Ashley Isham Fullerton Hotel, The Club Hotel, and The Orchard Residences are but a portion of his Singaporean oeuvre. Soon to be unveiled later this year is the revamped Tangs Orchard.

His is a design sensibility shaped by early stints with architects Daniel Libeskind and Rem Koolhaas, and a survey of his various projects reveals a decidedly modern aesthetic that retains respect for the context of the spaces they occupy.

Indeed, less is more, and the two-time winner of the President’s Design Award in Singapore compacts his thoughts on design in Singapore in our interview below. 

Asia Tatler: In your opinion, what is the Singaporean design identity?
Colin Seah: It is about constant evolution!

AT: How would you describe your own design style?
CS: It is a search for relevance.

AT: What are your top design and/or architectural highlights in Singapore?
CS: I love how our city is a blend of the ultra contemporary married together with our rich past. You can find this in and around the Boat Quay area!

AT: What traits or habits do you have that make you uniquely Singaporean?
CS: The ease by which I traverse both East and West, both intellectually and culturally

AT: What makes you proud to be a Singaporean?
CS: To see how far we've come in the last 50 years.

AT: What impact do you hope to have on the design scene?
CS: To question, disturb and redefine the urban experience.

AT: If you could wish for one thing for Singapore, what would it be?
CS: My birthday wish would be for Singaporeans to remember our roots as immigrants, and to accept and embrace the next wave of immigrants

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