AEDAS Medal & Prize in Achitectural Design Thesis
Board of Architects Prize and Medal
Singapore Institute of Architects medal for M.Arch
Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal for Best Performing Graduate
2021 Tatler Design Award
Simon Chiang, Creative Director Kuhlmann International
Sonia Anya Tay, Project Director Kuhlmann International
June 22, 2021
Jason Ong, Design Associate, Kuhlmann International
January 18, 2022Simon Chiang is one young man in a hurry. He has chalked up numerous achievements in a short space of time since topping his Masters of Architecture in 2013 at the National University of Singapore.
Simon has honed his skills under some of the biggest names in the architecture scene working alongside SCDA Architects and Surbana Jurong.
My two-month stint in the USA with renowned architect Moshe Safidie working on the Design Competition for Changi Airport Terminal 5 was a highlight of my career.”
Though firmly grounded in architecture, Chiang has always had a passion for interior design and landscape architecture. His love for combining the various design disciplines is evident in the works of Archetype Studio, which he co-founded in 2018 to deliver holistic concepts and projects for residential, hospitality and commercial projects. His works are featured in top design media titles.
We can expect more of his avant garde ideas in his new role as Creative Director, Kuhlmann International.
Picture: Simon Chiang
Picture: Simon Chiang – Recent House completed under Archetype Studio
Simon Chiang, Creative Director, Kuhlmann International shares his thoughts on interior design.
What’s the most important consideration when designing a house?
Listening and understanding your client’s need before putting pen to paper. It starts with the designer paying attention to the client’s lifestyle. After which, the designer gets creative in piecing these requirements together and ultimately bring the client’s dream to life.
How important is lighting and the right furniture curation for interior design?
Not being designers and not being familiar with mood creation, clients are more focused on the practicality and functionality of a space. Light and shadow are every designer’s tool in crafting the nuances of ambience and depth. Together with natural light, the lighting rig and intensity are important in elevating something that is merely functional to something that is pleasing.
How do you integrate lighting in interior design?
Light should enhance the special features of the home. Personally, natural daylight and shadows are my guides in how one navigates through their home. Artificial lighting should be planned to work in tandem with natural light. This also applies to the exterior and façade of a building. While daylight and shadows animate the façade, special LEDS at night bring a subtle glow to the façade, resulting in a totally different effect as night falls.
Picture: Simon Chiang – Loose Furniture from Kuhlmann International
Picture: Simon Chiang
Describe your creative style and design process
I enjoy exploring proportions by playing with geometric volumes and spaces, and creating a light and airy ambience with tall double volumes. I also utilise light and shadows, and try to blend the exterior, interior and landscape into one collective experience. I don’t necessarily follow trends but instead, aim to design spaces that are timeless. I imagine that these spaces I create for my clients will grow with them over the years.
What is the difference between designing for residential and commercial spaces?
Residential spaces are usually a physical, spatial reflection of the lifestyle , personality and temperament of the client. It needs to be a sanctuary and a private retreat for the client where they can totally chill out. Commercial projects are about the brand story and philosophy; and how the space can be used purposefully for business.
How or where do you get inspiration for your work?
The client’s location or site is my main source of inspiration. Spaces should reflect their personality and lifestyle so this serves as a guide for me. Example, if a client loves greenery, I would incorporate more nature based elements in the home.
What’s a common interior design trend requested lately by your clients?
Clients are more conscious of environmental sustainability like using less air-conditioning in favour of more natural ventilation in the home. I have also been receiving more requests for WFH design options in line with the recent call. Home gyms as well.
