“The details are not the details, they make the design.” A quote from Charles Eames, whose expertise sparked groundbreaking contributions in architecture, furniture, and industrial design, has been HYJK Design’s maxim since its inception.
HYJK Design is a joint venture between the husband and wife Hung Yi and Jaime Koh (thus, HYJK), who granted us the opportunity to get to know the firm. The studio's journey is an uphill climb, eschewing fleeting styles and focusing on crafting astute creations that are nothing short of aesthetic excellence. Coming from design and banking specialisations, the visionaries marry their expertise and intelligently lead a team that challenges the industry norm.
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Video: Costa Rhu Apartment located at Marina Bay; a coastal-themed oasis featured in the second season of Chic & Cosy
The firm commenced as a residential-focused ID studio, crafting apartments, condominiums, and landed spaces in Singapore, which were the bread and butter in their early years and during the pandemic. Driven by sweet word of mouth and overwhelming referrals from its loyal clients, HYJK Design eventually expanded into commercial design. It is now building offices, retail, and F&B establishments among the personal abodes.
HYJK Design's professionals, including the co-founder Hung Yi, an industrial design graduate at the National University of Singapore, are experts in various fields, such as project management, detailed drafting, 3D modelling, and rendering. Mastering a range of trades, "When a project comes in, it touches all of us."
Photo: [Left] A staircase featuring the ideal blend of classic and modern styles [Right] Bathroom with intentional warm back lighting- the perfect sanctuary for relaxation
Aware of the space constraints many households in Singapore face, the studio formulated a space optimisation blueprint comprising experts’ latest innovations, superb services, and top-of-the-class and timely solutions targeting each clientele's pain point. "We try to look for one thing, at least one thing that we can use to wow the client.”
The studio's ever-useful space optimisation blueprint is one of the compelling reasons its customers keep returning for more. The blueprint highlights the value of maximising quality aesthetics and functionality. This provides their customers with more sought-after options, from simple organising of designs to an ideal renovation of their dreams.
Photo: A hidden powder room situated in the abode's living area (now you see it, now you don't)
A notable project embodying HYJK Design's ‘done-for-you’ interior design principle is Project Gem, a Bungalow located at 6th Avenue. Following the requirements for sustainability, the team creatively transformed the space while keeping most of the existing resources. Moreover, part of the memorable hands-on project was the overseas procurement of materials needed for the design.
Photo: [Left] Pet-friendly outdoor area [Right] Staircase beside the hidden powder room
“We really focus on two things: space optimisation and ‘done-for-you’ interior design.” Says co-founder and project management head Jaime Koh. When conceptualising spaces, HYJK Design’s team always asks the right questions: “How long do you intend to stay here? How long before your next renovation? Two years? Three years? Is it an investment of five years? Or is it going to be 10, 20, 30 years?”
Photo: [Left] Minimalist bedroom featuring various wood grains and well-integrated storage [Right] A cosy bathroom
With all the projects undertaken, does HYJK Design's team run out of creative ideas? It happens, Jaime Koh admits. “I think especially in design, for people to be creative, you cannot always be tired. This way, efficiency also goes down so much.” Coming from a banking background where working unhealthily long hours is the norm, the co-founder understands the health implications of pushing oneself beyond limits. With this, the ID studio ensures that its team has enough time to enjoy life, build relationships, and pursue hobbies outside work.
Photo: Open-concept living room. The well-curated sofas break the monochromatic look of the wood-dominated space
Creating something that means the world to others makes running an interior design company fulfilling. Jaime Koh affirms, “At the end of the day, with each project, you [get to] put a smile on someone's face.” This is among the encouragement and support regarding referrals, which they most appreciate.
About HYJK Design:
Company Name: HYJK Design
Website: hyjkdesign.com
Address: 318 Tanglin Road, #01-60 Phoenix Park, Block D, Singapore 247979
Phone: +65 9146 3077
Email: jaimekoh@hyjkdesign.com
