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Get to Know Simon Tan, Winner of Young Designer Award 2017
The Ngee Ann Polytechnic student bested other future designers to win the annual competition
Chiquit Brammall
10 November 2017
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
Simon Tan received top marks amongst Singapore’s next generation of interior designers at the Young Designer Award, the annual competition organised by Design Intervention for design students in Singapore. He won $2,000 a trophy as well as a potential job offer from the design firm after graduation, and an iPad Pro courtesy of Houzz. His school, Ngee Ann Polytechnic also received $2,000 worth of design books for their library, for producing the winning student.
Tan said he didn’t expect to win the top spot, acknowledging the high calibre of his competitors. Based on his entry, however, it was clear why the Ngee Ann Polytechnic student won. His design concept had originality, and his presentation was clear and concise.
Tan’s Architecture Specialisation Course Chair and Senior Lecturer Alexis Chua, second from right, describes him as showing maturity and growth in his design approach. “He has demonstrated growth in handling with skill and thoroughness in his design analysis, conceptual ideas and design proposals. He is capable of creating compelling and thoughtful design,” Chua says.
“Simon distinguished himself as a steadfast student with exceptional qualities of dedication towards producing meaningful design. His ever-eager-to-learn demeanour and passion towards design makes him a winner of the Young Designer Award,” she adds.
Tan shares more about himself and his winning design:
Why do you want to become a designer? As a child, did you already express interest in this career?
I have been exposed to the design industry gradually since I was seven. My parents are contractors; I often help out in their factory and had the opportunity to learn through observing what they do and the people they work with. As my parents always tell me, laying a strong foundation should be the basis of everything I do in order to do things right, which subsequently leads to achieving greater things in life. As such, my main tasks in the factory were to sand wood and manually spray paint wood pieces. Only when I was 18 was I able to operate the saw machine and other equipment. My first ever experience at designing and building is the current built-in wall-mounted cabinet in my bedroom. It is the first cabinet designed and made by me. Despite it being just a simple cabinet, the process of designing, building and finally seeing the final product was tremendously rewarding.
And this is what keeps me going when it comes to design.
Design, to me, is always exciting and every experience is different. There will always be new challenges and situations to face in every project or with every client. It requires much passion and commitment to create something meaningful which is why it is so rewarding. The sense of accomplishment I get upon completion of a project, after working on it for weeks and having many sleepless nights, is immensely gratifying.
Why do you want to become a designer? As a child, did you already express interest in this career?
I have been exposed to the design industry gradually since I was seven. My parents are contractors; I often help out in their factory and had the opportunity to learn through observing what they do and the people they work with. As my parents always tell me, laying a strong foundation should be the basis of everything I do in order to do things right, which subsequently leads to achieving greater things in life. As such, my main tasks in the factory were to sand wood and manually spray paint wood pieces. Only when I was 18 was I able to operate the saw machine and other equipment. My first ever experience at designing and building is the current built-in wall-mounted cabinet in my bedroom. It is the first cabinet designed and made by me. Despite it being just a simple cabinet, the process of designing, building and finally seeing the final product was tremendously rewarding.
And this is what keeps me going when it comes to design.
Design, to me, is always exciting and every experience is different. There will always be new challenges and situations to face in every project or with every client. It requires much passion and commitment to create something meaningful which is why it is so rewarding. The sense of accomplishment I get upon completion of a project, after working on it for weeks and having many sleepless nights, is immensely gratifying.
What or who are your design idols/ inspirations?
I draw design inspiration from many things around me, the spaces I’ve been to and the pictures I’ve seen on the internet. One of my design inspirations would be the works of Zaha Hadid, the Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning Iraqi-British architect. As part of an architectural study trip to Italy, I had the opportunity to visit a museum specially curated in memory of this amazing architect. It was a showcase of her works over the years as well as the process of various projects. Many people see her works as iconic yet seemingly random forms, however, what many don’t see are the many fine details and careful studies.
I draw design inspiration from many things around me, the spaces I’ve been to and the pictures I’ve seen on the internet. One of my design inspirations would be the works of Zaha Hadid, the Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning Iraqi-British architect. As part of an architectural study trip to Italy, I had the opportunity to visit a museum specially curated in memory of this amazing architect. It was a showcase of her works over the years as well as the process of various projects. Many people see her works as iconic yet seemingly random forms, however, what many don’t see are the many fine details and careful studies.
Is this the first design competition you joined? What lessons did you learn from it?
I participated in a few competitions during my three years in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, mostly related to urban design and development. This is the first interior design competition I have joined that has allowed me to explore a not-so-conventional theme, which is something I have always wanted to do.
One thing I learnt from this is the importance of a coherent design language throughout the house. The consistency of the style, along with the right use of materials and colour schemes helps to complement the design theme.
I participated in a few competitions during my three years in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, mostly related to urban design and development. This is the first interior design competition I have joined that has allowed me to explore a not-so-conventional theme, which is something I have always wanted to do.
One thing I learnt from this is the importance of a coherent design language throughout the house. The consistency of the style, along with the right use of materials and colour schemes helps to complement the design theme.
Tan’s public space design for a school project
Why do you think your design won?
Like in all my other projects, I place an emphasis on the user experience of the client. While I was designing, I thought about the client as a young family living in the CBD, and that what they needed would be a place to relax and forget about the hectic and mundane working life. I designed the house to be very open and peaceful, and this is complemented by the use of warm colours and natural materials. Simple cove lighting was used as reflected light helps in relaxation rather than the glare of downlights. The use of timber, warm tones and simple furniture brings contrast to the concrete jungle of Singapore.
Why do you think your design won?
Like in all my other projects, I place an emphasis on the user experience of the client. While I was designing, I thought about the client as a young family living in the CBD, and that what they needed would be a place to relax and forget about the hectic and mundane working life. I designed the house to be very open and peaceful, and this is complemented by the use of warm colours and natural materials. Simple cove lighting was used as reflected light helps in relaxation rather than the glare of downlights. The use of timber, warm tones and simple furniture brings contrast to the concrete jungle of Singapore.
Tan’s public space design for a school project
What are your future plans for your design career?
Upon graduation from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I would like to spend some time in the industry to gain experience, broaden my network and sharpen my technical skills. When the opportunity arises, I hope to proceed to further my education and obtain a degree in architecture. In the future, I hope to become a qualified architect and be able to contribute to the design industry in Singapore.
What are your future plans for your design career?
Upon graduation from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I would like to spend some time in the industry to gain experience, broaden my network and sharpen my technical skills. When the opportunity arises, I hope to proceed to further my education and obtain a degree in architecture. In the future, I hope to become a qualified architect and be able to contribute to the design industry in Singapore.
Tan’s public space design for a school project
Read about the Young Designer Award ceremonies
Read about the Young Designer Award ceremonies
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