Design Talks

Two renowned interior design mavens share their journeys and what it takes to express spatial sophistication through masterful design.

- Amos Chin

Good spatial design, where every inch is thoughtfully considered and curated to harmonise functionality with the tastes and needs of its inhabitants, has the power to orchestrate a universe of experiences. Two of Singapore’s leading design luminaries—Darren Yio, who helms Archetype Studio, and Jeremy Tay, the co-founder of Prestige Global Designs—know all too well the importance of striking a balance between beauty, functionality and the desires of their clients.

Yio, who founded Archetype Studio in 2018, champions a holistic philosophy to ensure that the spaces he designs have a timeless quality. Tay, who established Prestige Global Designs with his business partner, Michael Ong, in 2008, believes in being creatively agile and adaptable. Here, both men recall what shaped their respective design ethos, give insights on the current state of interior design and look ahead at the changes that will impact the future of industry.

Darren Yio

Founder, director and designer, Archetype Studio

Can you describe a pivotal project in your career and how it influenced your work?

From an early age, I was captivated by the Viennese secessionists’ philosophy of Gesamtkunstwerk, or the ‘total work of art’. At SCDA Architects, I had the privilege of applying this holistic philosophy to the National Design Centre in Singapore—a project that underscored my commitment to integrating urban design, architecture, interior design, landscape and graphics.

This approach was further exemplified in the Caldecott House project, where a trusted collaboration across various design disciplines enabled us to transform a venerable family residence into a stunning entertainment villa, celebrating its 80th anniversary. This belief in a comprehensive, integrated design continues to influence and drive our projects today.

Please describe your design philosophy.