BUILD BUILT
The Designers
After the eye-opening
renovation of his home,
Nicholas Hu made a career
switch from banking to
interior design, learning the
ropes at architectural firm
AWP Architects in the day,
and Nafa at night. It was at his
first design venture – design
studio Bezalel’s Craftsmen
- that he met Zack Choy, an
interior design consultant
with experience in commercial
projects, homes and more.
They launched Build Built in
2016, which is known for its
experiential design process.
The PhilosoPhy
People are its main inspiration,
which is why the firm strives
to create an authentic
relationship with clients.
To do that, they encourage
clients to get their hands
“dirty” during co-creation
workshops that involve
doodling and Lego bricks, as
well as give feedback after
virtual reality walk-throughs.
These result in homes with
out-of-the-box elements.The Muse
The book Creativity Inc, by
Edwin Catmull and Amy
Wallace. The president of Pixar
and Walt Disney Animation
Studios wrote: “Don’t wait
for things to be perfect
before you share them with
others. Show early and show
often. It’ll be pretty when
we get there, but it won’t be
prettyalongtheway.”YOUNG &
AMBITIOUSSI JIAN XIN, 37
This architecture
graduate, who is a
partner in design firm
Wynk Collaborative, has
worked on everything
from master planning to
architectural works. The
highlight of his career so
far, though, is designing
the tech-enabledJADE CHAM, 29
Jade’s unique designs- she works with local
interior firm The Local
Inn.terior – have caught
the eye of many on
Instagram. Interesting
stories fuel her designs,
so she looks forward
to the monthly share-
and-improve sessions
organised by The Local
Inn.terior, as well as
chats with her clients.
Her creative habit?
Staying away from
Pinterest, and instead
booking stays in nice
hotels (with a measuring
tape in tow!).
PRISCILLA TAN, 34
Wildly popular on
Instagram by her handle
StyledbyPT, Priscilla Tan
started out in fashion
and jewellery, and
had a short stint in art
therapy, before finding
her rightful spot in the
interior design industry.
After designing many
homes and boutiques,
the creative says she
especially finds joy in
putting together a good
shelfie. Her project
made the cover of Home
& Decor’s September
2018 issue.KnoW THeIr nAmeS.
THeSe young,
unDer-40 DeSIgnerS
HAve ACComPLISHeD
So muCH In So
LITTLe TIme. We Are
Sure To See more
of THem Soon.grocery concept Habitat
by Honestbee. Jian Xin
starts every design with
a user-centric point of
view, and adds layers
that are physically
and experientially
interesting.