Sonia Anya Tay, Project Director Kuhlmann International

A busy businesswoman and a mother of three children below the age of 10, Sonia Anya Tay’s days are fully occupied. Having started working life at a young age of 14 to help with the family expenses, Sonia knows what it is like to be out there drumming up business. She and her husband own a portfolio of hospitality properties and residential units in Singapore and New York. They are the proud owners of Cube Boutique Capsule Hotels, a luxury capsule hotel group located in heritage conservation shophouses in Singapore.

The dynamic businesswoman has recently undertaken another role as that of the Project Director of Kuhlmann International in Singapore. Her shrewd sense, savvy business acumen and down to earth warmth complement a brand founded on precision engineering, quality manufacturing, trust and reliability.

She shares,

Q. What are your top 5 requirements for planning interior design of a new home?

1. The top consideration for me is the budget. We need to set aside a fixed amount and work firmly within it. We all love to have beautiful, elegant interiors but we also need to be realistic.

2. Selecting an interior designer who understands my needs and lifestyle is equally important. I like to get a feel of their portfolio and see their strengths and areas of expertise. It’s no point hiring someone who is skilled at industrial or commercial projects. An architect or interior designer who has their own family would be advantageous as they would understand the challenges and practicalities of family life.

With set budgets, we must be practical with our choices. I personally prefer to go with timeless, classy designs that are functional and sturdy.

4. As we love to cook – bringing up a young family means they are always hungry and I make sure they are fed well – the kitchen has become a central communal point for our family. For quick meals, we sometimes dine on the kitchen counter. The kids like pottering around the kitchen with me so having a space counter allows them to ‘help’ out.

5. Natural light helps to create mood and boost vitamin D. Besides energy savings, research has proven that natural lighting helps in productivity and mental health. We are fortunate to be exposed to long daylight in Singapore. Hence, I would like my interior design to incorporate as much as natural light as possible.

Q. What are you looking for in an interior designer? How do you build rapport with your interior designer to realize your dream home?

First, I would research an interior designer’s portfolio before meeting him or her. If his work appeals to my taste and needs, I would then meet him or her. The interior designer needs to listen and understand my lifestyle habits. At the same time, he/she has to probe and ask questions that would make me rethink. I do not need a ‘yes’ person. I appreciate a thorough exchange of ideas with the interior designer. It’s important that we both express our thoughts clearly and honestly. What I would like may not work and it’s up to the interior designer to articulate his rationale and propose new ideas.

He or she has to take my budget into account and not deviate.

In short, the interior designer has to spend time with me over a series of get-togethers business wise or informally; and get to know my family and me well. If he or she ends up as my BFF, that’s an added bonus!

Q. How important is aesthetics vs functionality to you?

Like anyone else, I delight in fine art form but I am also practical. With three boisterous kids, functionality takes precedence over anything else. I adore beautifully crafted art and elegant pieces that elevate a home interior. It’s a delicate balance to achieve functional efficiency and pleasing aesthetics and I would be absolutely grateful for an interior designer to deliver this.

Q. Which is the most important area of your home? Why?

It has to be my wardrobe, my innermost sanctuary. It’s where I start my day. Being a business woman, I need to look my best for meetings with associates and clients. My wardrobe is neatly compartmentalised with shelving and hanging space for easy access to my clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. It has to be well lit with full-sized mirrors and a make-up area. And it has to be properly ventilated to avoid mould formation.

Q. What is a successful renovation or remodelling to you?

When all my (and family’s) needs are satisfied and fulfilled in the stipulated time frame. When and how my interior designer deals with sudden issues and finds a solution. When he/she communicates openly with me in a manner of trust.

When my confidence is assured and I do not need to redo in the next 10 years, that’s when I know the renovation is a success.