Nathan Yong - The 'Godfather Of Singapore Design'

Nathan Yong is flying the Singapore flag high on the global stage, with his various accolades and astute stewardship of furniture retailer Grafunkt

- Nathan Yong

Nathan Yong has been called the “godfather of Singapore design”, and justifiably so. The veteran furniture designer’s illustrious oeuvre has led to multiple awards, well-received showings at global fairs, and partnerships with international manufacturers including Living Divani and Domicil.

Named Designer of the Year at the President*s Design Award 2008, Yong remains firmly grounded and retains a sense of wonderment despite his fame. “The constant thirst for knowledge to improve how we live inspires me every day,” he says.

LOCAL ROOTS

Yong graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in Industrial Design in 1991, and had learnt about various production techniques while working as a buyer for furnishings and home accessories. His first business venture was Air Division, a retail brand which he started with friends in 1999.