VISIONS OF TOMORROW

FOUR YOUNG CREATIVES SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON WHAT THE INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY MIGHT LOOK LIKE IN THE FUTURE.

- SASHA GONZALES

They’re young, hardworking and ambitious, and they’ve already made their mark with a slew of impressive projects to their name.

Meet Janka Podbielski, Jay Liu, Lam Jun Nan and Matthew Kek, the next generation of interior designers.

We will likely be seeing more of them in the years to come, as they continue to shape the design and architecture worlds and lend their influence to a fast-evolving industry.

Here, they open up about the future of design and the trends, technologies and challenges that they believe lie in store.

THREE BECOME ONE

JANKA PODBIELSKI, INTERIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR, SYRENKA STUDIO

Podbielski’s love for design and spaces grew from her constant relocations around the world when she was younger. She loved exploring the various cities she found herself in and was exposed to all kinds of cultures and architectural styles, so when it came time to choosing a profession, design made the most sense.

Whatever project she’s working on, Podbielski always strives to make it special, unexpected and visually stunning.

Take, for instance, the boutique hotel Park 22 in Little India, designed with Hannah Grunder. The space visually responds to the history of Singapore and offers a fully immersive experience for hotel guests. Its bold, dark, monochrome colour palette and graphic tropical wallpaper never fails to wow either.

And, if she has her way, Podbielski will be working on more hospitality and food and beverage projects in the years to come.