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In the world of interior design, creating spaces that blend aesthetics with functionality is an art. Melvin Ong, the Design Principal of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers/chapter-13-interior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chapter 13 Interior Design</a>, has mastered this art through his dedication, creativity, and passion. With a career that began from a personal project of revamping his own home, Melvin has grown to become a respected name in the industry. In this exclusive interview, Melvin shares his journey and invaluable insights that inspire both aspiring designers and homeowners alike.&nbsp;What Inspired You To Become An Interior Designer/Architect, And What Continues To Inspire You In Your Work Today?My journey into interior design started when I decided to revamp my own room and house. The process of transforming these spaces and the satisfaction that followed was incredibly fulfilling. This personal experience sparked my passion for design and <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/6-facts-about-renovating-in-Singapore">renovation</a>. What continues to inspire me today is the opportunity to help others create their dream homes. The most rewarding moment for me is when I hand over a renovated home to its owners and see their genuine smiles and happiness. It&#39;s this emotional connection and the ability to positively impact people&#39;s lives that keeps me motivated and inspired.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1723446964935-Bukit+Batok_+4+Room+HDB_DOTM_Chapter+13_02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> How Do You Approach The Design Process, From Ideation To Execution, And What Steps Do You Take To Ensure Your Designs Meet The Unique Needs Of Each Client?My design process begins with understanding the client&#39;s lifestyle, habits, and preferences. This initial step is crucial as it forms the foundation of a design that truly reflects their needs. I then propose a layout that accommodates their lifestyle and suggest themes that might resonate with their personal taste. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with the clients, ensuring their feedback is incorporated at every stage. This collaborative approach not only aligns the design with their expectations but also ensures that the final outcome is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1723447055417-Anchorvale+Road_DOTM_Chapter+13_06.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> What Is Your Philosophy When It Comes To Designing Interior Spaces, And How Do You Balance Aesthetic Appeal With Practical Functionality? My core philosophy is to treat every client&#39;s home as if it were my own. This mindset allows me to deeply understand their individual needs and preferences. In balancing aesthetics with functionality, I always prioritize form&nbsp;follows function. A home is a space where we spend most of our time, so it must be comfortable and functional. Once the practical aspects are well-established, I then focus on incorporating aesthetic elements that enhance the beauty of the space. This approach ensures that the home is not only visually appealing but also serves the daily needs of its occupants effectively.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1723447418268-Anchorvale+Road_DOTM_Chapter+13_04.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> How Do You Stay Up To Date With The Latest Design Trends And Techniques, And How Do You Incorporate These Into Your Work While Maintaining Your Own Unique Style? Staying current with design trends and techniques is essential in this ever-evolving field. I achieve this by actively listening to client feedback, which provides valuable insights into what homeowners are looking for. Additionally, I keep a close eye on the latest trends online and through industry publications. Incorporating these trends into my work involves adapting them to fit the unique needs and preferences of each client. While I embrace new ideas, I also ensure that my designs retain a distinctive style that sets them apart. This balance between innovation and personal style helps create spaces that are both contemporary and uniquely tailored to each homeowner.&nbsp;What Is Your Favourite Project That You&#39;ve Worked On, And What Made It So Special To You?One of my favourite projects is the very first one I completed when I started in this industry. I still vividly remember the excitement and satisfaction I felt when I handed over the newly renovated home to the clients. Their joy and appreciation were incredibly motivating. This project was special because it was my first real test in applying my skills and creativity to transform a space. The positive outcome reinforced my passion for interior design and set the stage for my future endeavours. It reminded me why I chose this path and continues to inspire me to deliver exceptional results for my clients. <img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1723447427099-Anchorvale+Road_DOTM_Chapter+13_05.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> How Do You Collaborate With Other Professionals, Such As Consultants Or Contractors, To Ensure A Seamless Design And Construction Process?&nbsp; Effective collaboration with consultants and <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/best-renovation-contractor-in-singapore">contractors</a> is key to a successful project. I prioritize clear and consistent communication, which includes regular site meetings and detailed discussions about the design and space planning. By ensuring that everyone involved understands the vision and specifics of the project, we can work together more efficiently and address any potential issues proactively. This collaborative approach not only streamlines the construction process but also ensures that the final outcome aligns with the design intent and meets the client&#39;s expectations.&nbsp;Does Your Work Allow You To Practice Sustainability, And If So, How Do You Incorporate Sustainability And Eco-Friendliness Into Your Designs, And Why Is This Important To You And/Or Your Firm?Sustainability is an important aspect of my work. I prefer to collaborate with suppliers who provide eco-friendly materials, which helps reduce the environmental impact of our projects. Incorporating sustainable practices can range from selecting energy-efficient lighting and appliances to using recycled or sustainable building materials. Even small efforts can make a significant difference in promoting sustainability. This approach aligns with my personal values and the commitment of my firm to contribute positively to the environment.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/sixides/uploads%2F1723447478665-WhatsApp+Image+2024-07-05+at+6.01.50+PM+%282%29.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> How Do You Handle Challenges That Arise During The Design Process, Such As Unexpected Setbacks Or Client Requests That May Conflict With Your Vision? Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of any design process. When faced with such situations, I focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problems. Staying composed and proactive is important. I discuss the issues with the homeowners, presenting them with viable alternatives that align with their needs while also addressing any constraints. This problem-solving approach ensures that we can overcome obstacles and still achieve a satisfactory outcome that meets the client&#39;s vision and requirements.&nbsp;What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Interior Designers/Architects, And How Can They Develop Their Own Unique Style And Approach To The Field?For aspiring <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-choosing-an-interior-designer-in-singapore">interior designers</a>, my advice is to cultivate a genuine passion for design. Engage in continuous learning and stay curious about new trends and techniques. Conducting your own research and gaining practical experience is vital in developing a unique style. Embrace your individuality and let it reflect in your work. Building a portfolio that showcases your distinct approach and creativity will help you stand out in the field. Remember, your unique style is what will set you apart and attract clients who resonate with your vision.&nbsp;Any Inspiring Words You Have For Other Designers Or Homeowners?To fellow designers:I encourage you to share your passion and knowledge. By inspiring and mentoring others, we can build a supportive community of like-minded professionals. This collective effort will enhance the quality of service we provide to homeowners.&nbsp;For homeowners:Trust in the process and communicate openly with your designer. A well-designed home can significantly improve your quality of life, and your input is invaluable in creating a space that truly feels like home. Together, we can create beautiful and functional environments that bring joy and comfort. Melvin&#39;s dedication to understanding his clients and creating personalized, functional spaces sets him apart. His commitment to staying current with trends and practicing sustainability inspires both designers and homeowners. For young designers looking to carve their niche and homeowners seeking to create their dream spaces, Melvin&rsquo;s advice and experiences offer a wealth of inspiration. As he continues to inspire and mentor, Melvin is not just building beautiful homes but also a community of passionate designers dedicated to excellence.

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Discover how Melvin Ong, Design Principal at Chapter 13 Interior Design, combines creativity and functionality to craft personalized dream homes. In this interview, he shares his design process, the importance of client collaboration, and the value of sustainability, offering inspiration and advice for both aspiring designers and homeowners.

Interview With Melvin Ong: Vision At Building Dream Homes

SIXiDES is an interior design tech and renovation platform that uses tech to change the way people renovate their homes. Conceived as a means to safeguard aspiring homeowners in realizing their space with ease and peace of mind. SIXiDES unique features provide an integrated solution that guides the users right from the very beginning till the end of the renovation journey.

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After earning his degree in architecture at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Leon Yap began his career as an Architectural Associate. In that time, he was part of a prestigious architectural firm that won several awards including the World Architecture Festival Award 2019 for their work on Oasis Terrace. In his nine years in the architectural field, his work was often integrated with interior design work, where he developed his passion for it. Now Head of Creative at Sixides, we catch up with him about what got him here to his inspirations behind his designs. <h2>Every Artist Has Their Humble Beginnings. What Was Yours? What Got You Into Interior Design?</h2>Well, I was just really into arts and crafts and building stuff. Something about how they looked on the outside that genuinely captivated me. Probably got it from traveling around in and out of Singapore(pre covid days of course).&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1643350330960-1643350330960.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"><h2> </h2><h2>Oh? What Was Your Favourite Place You Visited Before?</h2>There wasn&rsquo;t actually a single favourite one. However, the most recent one was in Spain. The architecture there was rich in culture and simply amazing, so different from modern Singapore. It was like traveling to scenes you can only find in the movies!<h2> </h2><h2>So You Mentioned How You Liked The Look Of How Buildings Looked Which Buildings Are Your Favourites?</h2>The one that stands out for me is the Burj Khalifa.<h2> </h2><h2>Boy, Does That Ever! That&rsquo;s The Tallest Building In The World, Second To None.</h2>It is! And it&rsquo;s not just how the building looks, which in itself is pretty awesome, but also how they built it. I loved how the tower cranes rose up with the building, how they brought it down. Things like these which we do not think about normally when a building is being constructed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1643350330983-1643350330983.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"><h2> </h2><h2>You&rsquo;re Not Just Into Building Design And Interior Design, You&rsquo;re Kind Of Secretly An Engineering Geek Too! So How Did You Turn Out To Be An Interior Designer?</h2>Well, I DID say I started out with traveling, sketching and doing artsy stuff. But buildings are my jam. Naturally, I started out with architecture, got my degree in it, and started working on all things to do with buildings. I guess, as a natural course of my work, I got exposure to <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-choosing-an-interior-designer-in-singapore">interior design</a> as well.&nbsp; <h2>What Would You Say Is The Biggest Difference Between The Two Disciplines, Architecture And Interior Design?</h2>I see architecture more as the large-scale, macro-level of things, while interior design is like the cherry on top, focusing on the finer and intimate details that is the individual spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1643350331020-1643350331020.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"><h2> </h2><h2>What Would You Say Was Your First Real Foray Into Interior Design? Any Particular Job To Mark The Occasion?</h2>It was a job in a part of Singapore with a whole lot of conserved historical buildings in Amoy Street. It was super challenging to work with because, as with all conserved buildings, there was a massive list of things we couldn&rsquo;t do to the building. Things like the fa&ccedil;ade and supporting structure. That said, that project holds a special place in my heart: despite all the restrictions, we didn&rsquo;t just work around them, we worked with them.<h2> </h2><h2>Every Artist Has Their Proudest Work. What Would You Say Is Yours Is?</h2>I&rsquo;ve got to unabashedly say my own home. I completed it last year and it&rsquo;s the culmination of all the work and experience I have put into my own personal project. There&rsquo;s something to be said about working on jobs versus making something for yourself. I give my 100% to my projects for sure, but when it&rsquo;s something personal, and you know you&rsquo;re going to live with for the next 20 to 30 years, there&rsquo;s real heart in it. It&rsquo;s given me a greater appreciation for the work I do, particularly with homes.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1643350331047-1643350331047.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"><h2> </h2><h2>What&rsquo;s The Theme Of Your Home? And What Would You Say Is Its Pi&egrave;ce De R&eacute;sistance?</h2>I went with the <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/minimalist-masterclass">minimalist</a> look, with plenty of whites and neutral colours. As for its feature piece, definitely the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/bomb-shelters-to-dress-or-not-to-dress">bomb-shelter feature wall</a>. The standard ones were just ugly; there&rsquo;s no polite way to put it. So what I did was to turn it into a hidden door. You know those hidden doors in mystery movies, the kind you pull on the candle holder, and it opens? That&rsquo;s what it&rsquo;s like.&nbsp; <h2>What Guides Your Work? What Would You Say Your Design Philosophy Is?&nbsp;</h2>To me, design is a powerful tool to drive positive changes to cultivate the surroundings, environment, and community. If it doesn&rsquo;t do any one of those things, it just feels wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1643350331065-1643350331065.jpeg" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"><h2> </h2><h2>It Is Said That No Idea Ever Comes From A Vacuum. What Inspires Your Work? Where Do Your Ideas Come From?</h2>Everywhere! To be more specific, it&rsquo;s travelling around the world. Singapore is a relatively young country and doesn&rsquo;t have quite as rich a history as a lot of other places. Places in Europe, Japan, and Korea, to name a few, have centuries and centuries of stories and culture built into their architecture and design. I like bringing elements of these into my design because it has character based on history we can&rsquo;t find anywhere else.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s Been A Real Pleasure Having This Time With You. Before We Go, What Is One Advice You&rsquo;d Like To Give Up And Coming Interior Designers?Don&rsquo;t be afraid to be bold. Try new designs; do things out of the norm. You&rsquo;ll never know what your client will be impressed by.

After earning his degree in architecture at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Leon Yap began his career as an Architectural Associate...

Interview With Leon Yap: From Architecture To Interior Design

If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered what a self-made man looks like, just look at that portrait up there. That&rsquo;s self-made, right there. That&rsquo;s Ethan Goh. Ethan is what they call a technical interior designer: one with no formal industry education, but loaded with real life work exposure. Passion got him there but it wasn&rsquo;t easy. He had to start in IT marketing but sheer tenacity was what landed him where he is today. Armed with a truck-load of experience, practical knowledge, and, most importantly, a sterling reputation for amazing work, he became the founder and lead designer of Ethan Interiors. Honestly, all that is just the tip of the iceberg. We caught up with Ethan to wrangle the rest of his humble beginnings out of him. Now that we&rsquo;ve got you seated down, tell us about your beginnings. Every artist has one. What got you into interior design?(Laughs) My dad is to blame. He used to drive past Yio Chu Kang after school and I admired the buildings as we went by. I didn&rsquo;t have the words to describe it then, but I guess I loved the clean lines back then. &ldquo;Why so different?&rdquo; I used to ask. I&rsquo;ve since fallen down that rabbit hole. However, it took a long time to get there. Why? What Happened?Grades. I wasn&rsquo;t doing great at school and didn&rsquo;t get enough to enter into polytechnics to study interior design. So I ended up with an IT diploma instead.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1645772509317-1645772509317.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Mr Chow(left) and Jolin(right) were my colleagues who helped me a lot back then. Hang On&hellip; Really? That&rsquo;s Got Nothing To Do With Interior Design. Or Art.Tell me about it. &nbsp;My career started with IT marketing for some multinational companies. Which wasn&rsquo;t too bad, really. I got good enough that I tried my hand running my own marketing gig. Several times. After one too many false starts, I asked myself, &ldquo;Why not try interior design again?&rdquo;&nbsp; That&rsquo;s When You Got Into Interior Design?Not immediately. But I did get a marketing role at one of the local interior design firms. A year later, I put in a request for an internal transfer to the interior design team. My boss at the time graciously approved. I&rsquo;d be transferred in six months. Six months of hell as I juggled between marketing and visits to the national library learning everything from lighting, ID culture, and the differences between <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/pick-right-pros">contractors and ID</a> (there&rsquo;s a lot!).&nbsp; It Almost Hurts Just To Listen To That. Did You Ever Regret The Journey?No. Never. If I hadn&rsquo;t slogged through all that, I wouldn&rsquo;t have picked up what I know now. I don&rsquo;t just have the ID know-how, I&rsquo;ve also got marketing experience.&nbsp; Which, I Understand, You Put To Great Use.Yes, but not quite in the way most see it.&nbsp; <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1645772555521-1645772555521.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Mr Salleh(far left) and Ms. Aini(second from left) helped me along when I first started EI. How So?My success wasn&rsquo;t just me. It was due to the goodwill of homeowners I once worked with. When I was out of work due to the pandemic, homeowners I had worked with suggested I start my own <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/spilling-the-beans-4-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-id-industry-in-sg">ID firm</a>. It started with one; they offered their own home as a showcase for my work. I don&rsquo;t really know how, they became the first of many others who would eventually help me get on my feet. Through their satisfaction and faith in me, I started Ethan Interiors at a time when most businesses were closing shop. Within a year, we had so many inquiries that my pioneer team of eight couldn&rsquo;t keep up, and we had to expand. You&rsquo;ve Got Killer People Skills. Should&rsquo;ve Gone Into PR!I think I like where I am now. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1645772663224-1645772663224.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Karin Bohn&rsquo;s YouTube Channel printscreen&nbsp; Nonetheless, That&rsquo;s A Super Inspiring Story. Speaking Of Inspiration, Who Is Or Was Your Inspiration For Interior Design?I&rsquo;d have to say a YouTuber from Vancouver, Karin Bohn. She pretty much formed the foundation of my design philosophy. I think why she resonates so much with me is her beginnings: passionate about interior design but had to struggle to get where she is today. She stood out from the rest with how adaptable she was, easily putting together amazing designs with whatever&rsquo;s at hand. Really good at recycling materials and keeping homes sustainable.&nbsp; <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iAd2gnmeLu8?autoplay=1&mute=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" style="width: 100%; height: 50vw;"></iframe>&nbsp;Check out the video of Ethan&#39;s Segar Road project! What&rsquo;s Your Proudest Work? Every Artist Has One.474 Segar Road.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1645761575200-1645761575200.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 100%;"> Yeah? Why&rsquo;s That? Give Us The Deets!Personally, I love black with gold accents. This was pretty much an excellent excuse to indulge in that with this home, simple as that. The dark theme worked really well with the blend of modern elegance and classic European look. Let&rsquo;s just say the owner was completely floored by the results.&nbsp;The other thing that I really love about this one, is how everything came together so neatly. No other project met the time frame as perfectly as this one did. There were so few unexpected surprises we were starting to get a little worried; we thought we missed something. I&rsquo;d say only 5% of the work had unexpected challenges (Editor: 10% is typical for most interior design projects. At 5%, this was far better than average.). Everything was on the dot. This project essentially became the benchmark for all future projects.&nbsp; What Guides Your Work? What Would You Say Your Design Philosophy Is?&nbsp;Steve Jobs once said &ldquo;Design isn&rsquo;t just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works.&rdquo; I firmly believe that. Art of interior design is all about how we experience spaces. I have always loved design with clean and crisp lines, where textures and accents speak the designs, but it has to be functional too. With that in mind, I really want Ethan Interiors to be trendsetters, always applying <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/modern-luxury-interior-design-singapore">modern</a> approaches to familiar challenges. <img width="602" src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1646382994868-1646382994868.png" class="fr-dib">Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels It Is Said That No Idea Ever Comes From A Vacuum. What Inspires Your Work? Where Do Your Ideas Come From?Nature, really. Organic stuff. At present, dark gray rocks with gold linings appeal to me the most; akin to veins of gold found in the earth. The Japanese art of kintsugi (the art of mending broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold or other precious metals) comes to mind. Come to think about it, I guess you could say that both nature and art work together to inspire me. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1646382942935-1646382942935.png" class="fr-fil fr-dib" style="width: 100%;">Day to day work Ethan and team And You Are Very Inspiring! Before We Part Ways, What Is One Sdvice You&rsquo;d Like To Give Up And Coming Interior Designers?Be passionate, and never let your circumstances stop you from exploring new ideas. It&rsquo;ll never be a bed of roses. And there will be thorns. The interior design industry is really tough where only the most resilient thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered what a self-made man looks like, just look at that portrait up there. That’s self-made, right there. That’s Ethan Goh.

Interview With Ethan Goh: Self-Made Designer

A design graduate from Parsons School of Design, New York, and founder of Home Philosophy, Rashi turns everything into gold with a bit of clever spending and zero compromise. So much so that homes she’s touched...

Interview With Rashi Tulshyan: The Midas Touch

Mark Teo is an Assistant Professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology. He obtained his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Melbourne and, later, attained a Master of Science in Environmental Management at the National University of Singapore. 

Interview With Melvin Ong: Vision At Building Dream Homes

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