HAND IN HAND

Architects, designers and craftsmen share how they come together to collaborate on projects, marrying their distinct disciplines and expertise to bring marvellous designs to life

- By Yaiza Canopoli

Collaboration has become one of the defining forces in Singapore's design scene. Designers partner with architects, architects draw on the expertise of carpentry specialists, and lighting brands join forces with landscape designers. Each partnership brings new lessons in materiality and craftsmanship, fosters growth through dialogue, inspires fresh ideas, and results in projects that are built on mutual trust and appreciation.

We chatted with the people behind some of the most renowned practices—Armo Design Studio, Quarters Architects, Mosh Interior and SuMisura, as well as 4Pluss, Sol Luminaire, Soilboy and Minotti—to learn how they first began working together, what their collaborations entail, and how they imagine their shared futures.

FIRST STEPS

More often than not, collaboration begins with a recognition of talent. “We immediately recognised the potential in the carpentry work, particularly in the precision and refinement of their kitchen joinery,” share Diego Molina and Maria Arango, founders of Armo Design Studio, of their synergy with luxury fit-out company 4Plus8. The team were eager to extend this level of mastery into a broader range of bespoke pieces for their projects, facilitated by a shared design ideology. "Both sides value the right hardware and thoughtful carpentry techniques, which ensure that every piece is not only visually pleasing but also highly functional," they add.

As luck would have it, 4Plus8 was looking to embark on an expansion of its own, taking carpentry beyond the kitchen and into comprehensive interior fit-out projects. "It was Diego and Maria who extended us that pivotal opportunity, allowing us to transcend our initial role as kitchen specialists and embrace the broader world of bespoke cabinetry," 4Plus8 founder Andrew Lim says. "From that moment, a profound connection blossomed, driven by a shared passion for transforming spaces."