Design Insiders x Saifuddin Johar

Catching up with More Space for Design Insiders, Saifuddin Johar’s career as a visual merchandiser began with fashion and a love of texture and form. His favourite designer is Jean-Marie Massaud whose ability to work across architecture and furniture inspires him, and the product that caught his eye is the ‘timeless’ Twiggy lamp which he describes as having depth, warmth and a minimal aesthetic.

More Space: How did your interest in design develop and what has been your design journey so far?  

Saifuddin Johar: When I was a kid, I loved exploring different materials and mediums and I always loved streetwear. I pursued my studies in fashion design at La Salle College of the Arts in Singapore and started my career as a visual merchandiser at C.K. Tang after graduation. Entering the furniture industry was completely out of my comfort zone but through research and by learning by doing I have gradually shaped my design journey.

When did you join the Space team? 

I joined the Space family in May 2019.

What is it like working in the design industry, and what has been a memorable moment? 

For me, working in the design industry is all about the balance between practicality and creative ideas so that the final installations are not too extreme. One of my most memorable experiences was the process of setting up the new Space showroom in Bangsar, Malaysia. It was a big project that involved a fantastic team.

'Euroluce is also an important event when it comes to promoting the matters of eco-sustainability and energy saving in lighting and decoration,' remarks Saifuddin Johar when discussing the importance of the world's biggest design event held in Milan annually. Photo c/o Saifuddin Johar.

'Euroluce is also an important event when it comes to promoting the matters of eco-sustainability and energy saving in lighting and decoration,' remarks Saifuddin Johar when discussing the importance of the world's biggest design event held in Milan annually. Photo c/o Saifuddin Johar.

What do you enjoy most about sharing your design knowledge?

Being an inspiration to others so that they can also enjoy the experience of living with good design.

Is there a piece in the Space collection that stands out for you?

To me the Twiggy floor lamp by Foscarini designed by Marc Sadler is timeless. The choice of material and the thought process behind the lamp makes it interesting, and its warm light and clean edge brings out a very minimal aesthetic.

Who are some of your favourite designers and artists?

My favourite designer is Jean-Marie Massaud for his style and ability to combine design and architecture. My favourite artist is Daniel Arsham whose work between art, architecture and performance makes us look at contemporary life in surprising ways. His work is fascinating and I think it will inform future generations about this period in time.

Saifuddin Johar and the Twiggy lamp by Marc Sadler for Foscarini. Photo © Franz Navarrete.

Saifuddin Johar and the Twiggy lamp by Marc Sadler for Foscarini. Photo © Franz Navarrete.

The Twiggy floor lamp is described by Saifuddin Johar as timeless, its minimal aesthetic exuding warmth and depth. Photo c/o Foscarini.

The Twiggy floor lamp is described by Saifuddin Johar as timeless, its minimal aesthetic exuding warmth and depth. Photo c/o Foscarini.

'To me the Twiggy floor lamp by Foscarini designed by Marc Sadler is timeless. The choice of material and the thought process behind the lamp makes it interesting, and its warm light and clean edge brings out a very minimal aesthetic.'

Saifuddin Johar

The Wallace armchair designed by Jean-Marie Massaud in 2010. Photo c/o Poliform.

The Wallace armchair designed by Jean-Marie Massaud in 2010. Photo c/o Poliform.

Saifuddin Johar and the Twiggy lamp by Marc Sadler for Foscarini. Photo © Franz Navarrete.

Saifuddin Johar and the Twiggy lamp by Marc Sadler for Foscarini. Photo © Franz Navarrete.

'Fuorisalone is a set of events that are distributed throughout Milan at the same time as the Salone del Mobile,' says Saifuddin Johar. 'These two events, you could say, are the main definers of Milan Design Week.'

'Fuorisalone is a set of events that are distributed throughout Milan at the same time as the Salone del Mobile,' says Saifuddin Johar. 'These two events, you could say, are the main definers of Milan Design Week.'

The 2018 installation 'Back to the Future' by artist Daniel Arsham is 'a showroom of relics' that includes a 1981 DeLorean. Photo c/o Saifuddin Johar.

The 2018 installation 'Back to the Future' by artist Daniel Arsham is 'a showroom of relics' that includes a 1981 DeLorean. Photo c/o Saifuddin Johar.

The interiors of Space Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur transformed a traditonal shophouse into a vibrant furniture showroom. Photos c/o Space.

The interiors of Space Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur transformed a traditonal shophouse into a vibrant furniture showroom. Photos c/o Space.

The development of the interiors of the Space Malaysia showroom in Kuala Lumpur is one of Saifuddin's most memorable projects. Process drawing c/o Saifuddin Johar.

The development of the interiors of the Space Malaysia showroom in Kuala Lumpur is one of Saifuddin's most memorable projects. Process drawing c/o Saifuddin Johar.

'The Salone del Mobile in Milan is inspirational. To immerse myself in the latest colour schemes, trends and installations provides both perspective and visual interpretations that highlight the world’s latest furniture and object designs.'

Saifuddin Johar

The interiors of the Space Malaysia showroom in Kuala Lumpur draw strength from colour and form. Photos c/o Space.

The interiors of the Space Malaysia showroom in Kuala Lumpur draw strength from colour and form. Photos c/o Space.

Are you reading anything interesting right now?

Yes, Kinfolk magazine's issue 42 – ‘Metamorphosis’. In it Michael Oliver Love envisions what he describes as ‘singularity’, the moment where technological change becomes uncontrollable and irreversible. It’s a huge topic that is so interesting and very near.

What is your favourite design destination?

The Salone del Mobile in Milan is inspirational. To immerse myself in the latest colour schemes, trends and installations provides both perspective and visual interpretations that highlight the world’s latest furniture and object designs.

Design is an extension of who we are, it's very personal. What is the best piece of advice that you always give clients when they are choosing a piece of design?

Always aesthetics plus comfort. Nearly every product in the Space showroom can be customised, so you can always choose a design that fits who you are.

What are you looking forward to in 2022?

Of course it's the Salone del Mobile in 2022!


Thanks Saifuddin, great to chat with you!

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