Interview
Stan Tham
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
I am a self-taught designer who did not go through any formal design training as most designers did. I learnt the craft of design step by step, by studying what the best of the industry are doing, and eventually set up my own design studio with my partner Kusnin Tan.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
Interior design is the only profession in which you can help people engage and interact with the spaces they are in at any moment, and I enjoy being that person who makes it happen.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
We are a Singapore-based interior design studio with a focus on residential projects. I have been a partner since the studio was set up in 2004.
4 What does “design” mean to you?
Design is the result of the natural progression of the human mind and shows us what is possible today, when it was still inconceivable yesterday.
5 What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
Personally, I love design which explores juxtaposition. By contrasting concepts or materials which don
6 To you, what makes a “good” design?
A good design should be able to conjur an uncontrollable sense of happiness, enthusiasm and/ or curiosity when you are interacting with it, whether visually or physically.
7 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
I don
8 Tell us about your design process.
I usually kickstart the process by understanding a client
9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Being exposed to various cultural practices, (including external Western influences during the country
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
This win makes us love our job even more, and makes us think we might be doing something right afterall!
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The client, having worked with us for his last 2 homes, approached us to design this house for the third time. In sharp contrast to my other projects, I don
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
We were given 2.5 months (3 months to plan ahead) to execute and complete the on-site works for 9 bathrooms and 7 bedrooms. These are on top of the works at the communal living spaces on the ground level and restoration works on parts of the exterior.
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
It makes us strive to produce work that showcases our best efforts every single time, because we know people can see it.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Meeting people from all walks of life, seeing your visions come to life & dealing with beautiful objects every single day!
15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
Our country is a melting pot of many cultural influences, and that provides us a world view that is truly one-of-a-kind.
16 Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
Smart technology and sustainability issues WILL be main considerations in every single project.
17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
If you put your heart into your work, people can see it. Just hit that submit button!
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
The world of social media is your oyster. You just need to know where to look.
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I come up with pretty good ideas in the shower!
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My grandma. She taught me the art of giving, and to always think for others.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Be nice to everyone you meet, and wait for great things to happen! :)
