Up Close & Personal with Carl Press - Event Director for FIND - Design Fair Asia 2024

Photo: Takesada Shoten

Quiet Luxury

What are some key characteristics of ‘quiet luxury’ in interior design? How does this concept appeal to Asian design sensibilities?

‘Quiet luxury’ emphasises on understated elegance, and in interior design, especially, involves the use of high-quality materials, fine craftsmanship, and a focus on subtle details rather than flashy displays.The timeless aesthetic is favoured over trends and loud statement design. 

Given how there’s been deep seated appreciation for minimalism in East Asia for a long time - think Japan as well as Song Dynasty in China - quiet luxury appeals to people who value simplicity, the calming effect as well as craftsmanship, underscored by harmony and balance. Bamboo purveyor hailing from Arashiyama in Kyoto, Takesada Shoten, with a remarkable 140-year history, is a good example of how natural materials such as bamboo feature in quiet luxury. 

In your opinion, how can designers achieve a balance between quiet luxury’s timeless aesthetic and the desire for individuality in modern Asian homes?

Designers can look at introducing touches such as custom art pieces, bespoke furniture, or even unique curios to bring individuality to modern Asian homes to add plenty of character to quiet luxury. Designers have the responsibility of having in-depth conversations with their clients to understand more about them and look at incorporating memories of their past or travels into the design so it begins to tell a story about them.  

Marc Webb and Naoko Takenouchi

Cross-Cultural Collaborations

Beyond Hans Tan Studio, are there other examples of successful cross-cultural design collaborations in Asia? How do these partnerships benefit the design landscape?

Takenouchi Webb is an example of a good cross-cultural partnership between British architect Marc Webb and Japanese architect Naoko Takenouchi. It is an integrated design firm that develops architecture and interior environments specialising in restaurant, retail, hotel, residential and bar projects. The studio believes in a holistic approach to design, specifically for each project and it’s not hard to see why they are highly-lauded for their projects such as Tanjong Beach Club, Loof and The Straits Clan in Singapore as they bring unique perspectives and international sensibilities to the table. This is also why they have been invited to become one of our FIND Insiders who will advise us on the conversations we need to have at our FIND Global Summit. Thought leaders from across the globe will come together during FIND - Design Fair Asia to discuss innovative strategies across design, architecture, hospitality, and the consumer design market.

What are some challenges designers face when working across cultures? How can these challenges be overcome to create truly innovative design solutions?

Designers such as Joyce Wang and Andre Fu often find themselves taking up projects across borders - some in Japan, parts of Asia or even as far flung as Europe. Cultural codes, language barriers and aesthetics can present significant challenges for these designers. It helps when the studio is made up of a multicultural team with significant global exposure which will put them in a better position to take up such challenges. 

On a related topic, we will be presenting a topic called ‘On the Business of Architecture: Expanding Across Disciplines and Boundaries’ at FIND Global Summit and Tina Norden of Conran & Partners will be able shed light on how they tackle challenges across borders, disciplines and boundaries.

Rigyclò®: Eco Sustainable Mattress

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

What are some exciting advancements in eco-friendly materials and technologies being utilized by Asian interior designers?

Asian designers are incorporating Rigyclò mattresses - who will be presenting at FIND - Design Fair Asia - into their projects to reduce environmental impact and promote an eco-friendly business for a true circular economy. Each Rigyclò mattress contributes to removing 143 plastic bottles from the oceans, saving water equivalent to 33 showers during production, and planting 2 trees to neutralise CO2 emissions.

Additionally, designers are using bamboo from Takesada Shoten, renowned for its sustainable harvesting and superior quality, to create elegant, eco-friendly interiors.

How can sustainable design be made more accessible to a wider range of clients in Asia, considering potential cost factors?

Sustainable design is the only way forward and comes at a cost so it means having to jump over hurdles to execute. 

A cooperation between public and private sector might aid in the adoption of sustainable materials and technologies and the latter can take advantage of grants while the former rolls it out at a national level. 

Companies can also look at modular changes and potential upgrading when the time comes for those with less of an appetite for high costs. 

Smart Homes and Technology Integration

What are some of the most interesting ways Asian designers are integrating smart home technology into their projects?

Asian designers have been quick to harness the power of smart home technology, significantly enhancing automation, control, and efficiency to allow for seamless integration and coordination among various smart home systems, such as aircon, lighting, and cctvs. This connectivity allows for remote control and monitoring, enabling users to manage their home from anywhere. 

Do you see a potential conflict between the minimalist aesthetic of quiet luxury and the growing trend of smart home technology integration? How can designers address this?

There is no conflict between the minimalist aesthetic of quiet luxury and the growing trend of smart home technology integration. In fact, both go hand in handle to strengthen each other!

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore; Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore

Biophilic Design

Given the densely populated nature of many Asian cities, how can designers effectively incorporate biophilic principles into smaller living spaces?

Biophilic principles are now increasingly common in Singapore’s buildings such as PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering and OASIA Hotel Downtown. Interior designers can take a leaf from these architects’ playbook and look at introducing vertical gardens in homes, incorporating natural touches even in highrise apartments. In lieu of sprawling gardens, chic plants such as monstera or even a variegated tiger orchid can blur the divide between indoors and outdoors (the balcony). 

Beyond aesthetics, how can biophilic design be used to create healthier and more productive living environments in Asia?

Biophilic design vastly improves the air quality and also the visual impact of a space, making it far liveable especially in built up areas. 

At the workplace, biophilic elements make work more enjoyable and less stressful, adding to the list of things that appeal to jobseekers, such as flexible work arrangements and tech companies' staff canteen.

Transform your residence with exquisite furniture and collectables from Italy, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and the rest of Asia at FIND – Design Fair Asia. Pre-register for free before 26 September 2024 to secure your spot at this must-attend design event!

ABOUT FIND - Design Fair Asia 2024 

FIND - Design Fair Asia is a joint venture between dmg events (organizers of INDEX, HiDesign etc.) and Fiera Milano (leader in Italy and one of the main integrated operators worldwide in the exhibition and congress industry). It is a combination trade show and design fair, offering a carefully curated selection of furniture, interiors, and design brands. The anchor event of the Singapore Design Week (organized by DesignSingapore Council) acts as a stimulating marketplace connecting leading suppliers across furniture, lighting, décor, textiles, design technology, home K&B and surface materials with retail buyers, residential and commercial property developers, architects, hospitality professionals, interior designers, high-net-worth individuals, and Asia-based FF&E contractors.

With key stakeholders such as DesignSingapore Council, numerous regional partner associations and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), FIND is to return to the iconic Marina Bay Sands with extended event offerings on over 17000 sqm, 300 international brands, a VIP buyer program, and exciting on-site initiatives.

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