More Space meets Tan Sze Ling who founded Topic Design Studio on the success of two bungalows at Ocean Drive in Sentosa Cove and a swathe of new clients. Now a team of seven designers, the studio balances a range of residential projects for expats that "sometimes leads us to unexpected and exciting design results”, and clients whose homes are now places for corporate entertaining too.
More Space: When did you launch Topic and what is the story behind the name?
Tan Sze Ling: The company launched in 2013. Before that, I was working with one assistant in a small studio space in my parents’ house, mostly on residential projects and at the same time looking after my two young girls. The need to grow the company into a full team came with our first project for a pair of bungalows at Ocean Drive, Sentosa Cove. The project caught media attention and followed with many design enquiries. I had to quickly form a team and a company name but instead of a name that drew reference to the founder, I wanted a name that any nationality or age could pronounce and understand easily. Topic aims to explore all types of interior design genres, themes and creative solutions with empathy to the client and users. I am inclined to direct team members to start a project with a conversation, formulating the design brief with the client in response to their needs and always approaching the process with an open mind. We have several foreign clients entrusting their local residences to us and that crossing of different cultures sometimes leads us to unexpected and exciting design results.
Please tell us about your design philosophy and the kind of projects you like to take on.
An art history and fine arts education (since I was five) has exposed me to different art periods, local culture, and, more importantly, how the expression of colour and style can influence a personal reaction. I believe a well designed interior has a thoughtful and well proportioned layout, the design style should pursue timelessness and authenticity and tell the story of the owner, and sometimes it is necessary for the designer’s intent to be 'invisible'.
As a graduate of the National University of Singapore's School of Architecture, I have also had the opportunity to work for prestigious architecture firms involved in high-end projects including the W hotel in the Maldives. There I learnt about designing within the boundaries of site context, and how contextual constraints make up the uniqueness of each project.
"We have several foreign clients entrusting their local residences to us and that crossing of different cultures sometimes leads us to unexpected and exciting design results."
Tan Sze Ling, Topic Design Studio
Leedon House, Singapore, and following. Designed for an Italian and Peruvian couple whose love of travel inspired the design approach. Photos c/o Topic Design Studio.
The Tanglin House in Singapore, here and following, called for the refurbishment of the Neoclassical facade and internal spaces for a growing family crossing three generations. Images c/o Topic Design Studio.
"At the end of 2020 we wrapped up with some new and exciting projects that are seeing a growing trend for business owners to entertain from home."
Tan Sze Ling, Topic Design Studio
In what ways has your practice changed over the past year, and what is the best thing that has happened in 2021?
At the end of 2020 we wrapped up with some new and exciting projects that are seeing a growing trend for business owners to entertain from home. Clients now want to transform their new apartments into private clubhouses to entertain their business guests and associates. This new hybrid of residence with business social spaces requires design consideration to be visually impactful and urban, with attention to detail in the furniture and materials to create comfort and ease. This year we have restructured the team with more emphasis on staff strengths and focusing on architecture and landscape design. This will give us the capability to take on the full scope of a landed residential project.
From a design perspective, what long term changes are you seeing in the scope of client’s briefs?
To develop social and working spaces at home that are very adaptable. Kitchen and dining areas are both work spaces and family bonding spaces so home is now a place to socialise, work, entertain, recuperate and also sleep. I think it is important to calibrate and balance those functions, and the quality of the spaces, as this affects wellbeing especially when we can be locked up for 3 to 4 months indoors.
What is Topic currently working on?
The studio is currently tasked with new bungalow projects at Sentosa Cove in collaboration with an international design firm, so right now we are trying out a common malleable and resistant material that is rarely applied to residential furniture. We are also working on the redesign of a majestic, 25 year old Neoclassical bungalow that houses three generations of one family. Their brief was to refresh the interior while maintaining the dignity of the building’s colonial charm.
Thank you Tan Sze Ling.
