Singapore 932 Designs is synonymous with minimalist design. They incorporate natural materials into the interior design of the building, creating a “simple luxury” home atmosphere through exquisite and elegant home furnishings to satisfy the owner's imagination of the space. Here are exclusive interview with 932 Designs.

Yinji：Recently, 932 has released many design works. We like your works very much. Can you introduce the design concept of 0932 to us?
932：We are a creative studio formally founded in year 2011. We believe there is luxury in simplicity. In our opinion, a quality space shouldn’t be disguised by excessive opulence decoration. It should be kept as simple as possible to articulate the quality of a space and thus to withstand the test of time.

A home should be, first and foremost, a sanctuary.
A place where tranquillity rules;
A place where distraction disappear;
A place where the mind and body rejuvenate.

932’s philosophy explains it all.

A certain 9 : 32 in the year twenty-eleven was when a leap of faith was taken.

one that was fueled by the nebular vapors shared between two friends; essentially, imaginations of crafting comfortable spaces that are at once beautiful and functional.

A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist."- Louis Nizer

932 is a manifestation of Nizer's inspired musings - a collective driven by an admiration for delicately complex craftsmanship, behind what usually looks deceptively simple.

We believe in working heartily; being concerned with having an intimate acquaintance with building materials, in working them into our architecture. In fact, oftentimes, architecture happens even as one of us becomes thoughtful on the simple matter of the way bricks will be aligned.

Being inexplicably drawn to design that stays gracefully relevant despite durée, we are convinced that there is luxury in simplicity.

Space is no Place if it does not kindle sentiments from its dwellers - the experience of ocular frames and angles, with spatial moods constructed from aural and tactile triggers is wont to be considered in our work methodology.

It's Miesian principle really; God is in the details.

Yinji：Minimalism, wood and modernity blend together. How do you integrate them into your design?
932：Nature is always our design inspiration and a catalyse to our work. Wood is often used in our design to soften the surfaces of the spaces. Wood-grains were meticulously matched to ensure it express the most natural look. A simple selection of wood species and arrangement of wood-grains will change the overall outcome. For example, we would prefer a white oak quarter-cut wood-grain over crown-cut wood-grain to gives an elongated look. Colour tone of wood species are carefully selected and mostly will be kept muted to give a subtlety to the design. When tones are muted, then you will gain focus to appreciate the wood-grains. Nothing is over empowering; everything has a hierarchy to express.

Yinji：We are concerned about your new project in Guangzhou. Can you tell us something about it?
932：This is an invitation by the Galaxy Holdings Group to submit a proposal for their upcoming luxury hotel with approximately 22,500 sqm of space. What has been published is a conceptual proposal that was submitted to them. Unfortunately, this project has been put on hold mainly due to the current pandemic situation and it wouldn’t be continuing any sooner.

Located in the budding district of Nansha, The Hesong is less than an hour away from the Guangzhou city centre. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking river, it is an oasis for the seasoned urban traveller who wants to experience the excitement of the city and also soak in the rich natural environment unique to the area. The Hesong takes its inspiration from the abundant greenery in the Nansha district.

The overarching concept is to have guests journey through the hotel, rising from the bottom of mountain with rivers (ground level), through a forest (mid-levels) and up into the clouds (highest levels). From the undulating 15metre-tall feature wall in the main lobby to the subtle use of light and dark tones, “layering” and fluidity also feature strongly throughout the hotel, referencing China’s famed landscape paintings. Natural materials from the region are used generously. The result is a hotel that exudes refined grandeur while paying homage to the district, city, and country.

The five human senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell – are engaged in various ways to form a fully immersive and memorable experience. Transitional spaces are utilised as a means to further enhance the narrative behind the design concept (e.g. elevator interiors that change in mood to reflect the level it is on, or different scents to denote different zones in the hotel). Oversized media screens will feature strongly, both to add value to the branding as well as keep the hotel up to date with the changing seasons. Additionally, curated promotional or collaborative advertisements may become a potential source of revenue. With an Imaginative concept and an innovative interior unlike any other, The Hesong is poised to be a new icon of understated sophistication in Nansha, Guangzhou – and perhaps for the world too.

Yinji：Every time I admire your work, it is like watching a work of art how do you conceive the creativity and beauty of the project?
932：Somehow, we have to be sincere to a space, listen carefully what is needed and respond correctly. Our work is driven by an admiration for delicately complex craftsmanship behind what usually seems deceptively simple. We believe good combination of materials, well-proportioned space and unpretentious detailing will bring consensus to calm individual minds. A simple space to rejuvenate the mind and body. When these are achieved, you will find beauty in space.

Yinji：Of all your works, which one do you think best represents your design concept. What is the best state of the work?
932：Each project is meticulously curated for our client. They inherit a unique character by responding to the space and the requirement from the owner. We believe a well-designed space should have the above.

Yinji：Singapore is a desirable green country. You have designed many top real estate projects. What do you think is necessary for a good real estate project?
1.Well-proportioned interior architecture.
2.High ceiling height.
3.Datum lines are matched.
4.Good Functional with reasonably good sizing to each space.
5.Good natural ventilation and natural lighting.
6.Lastly a good designer to bring the best out.

Yinji：What projects are you currently working on? Is it convenient for you to disclose it?
932：We are currently working on a few private residential projects and developers’ show-units in Singapore. We are also talking to a few other major developers in China for their upcoming projects. Meanwhile, there are some exciting projects that form part of Singapore’s landmark that were on a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). These projects cannot be named for now. However, it will be released to public soon.