The ceremony was the culmination of the ADA Week, which ran from December 7th to 9th. Various conferences, forums, and exhibitions were organized with the aim of engaging in thoughtful discussions as well as heralding the next generation of designers. These dialogues ranged from ecological sustainability to tropical architecture to AI, presented by design leaders from around the world such as Davide Martino, Jianhe Wu, among others. A special gallery showcase featuring the award-winning designs and projects was placed on display for guests and visitors.
The awards were split into 30 categories from Best Public Space Design to Best Restaurant Design to Best Sustainable Design, among a bevy of others. ADA also recognized and honored emerging designers and the most accomplished designers of the year. This year’s esteemed jury included Virginia Lung (One Plus Partnership), Markus Roselieb (Chiangmai Life Architects), Dr Kody Kato (Office for Design Evolution), Pamela Tan (Pohsin Studio), Lin Ho (H. Linho Photography), Jennifer Murray (Evocateurs Design) and Wei Ming Tan (Aureole Design). The judges had to choose from an overwhelming 1,754 submissions, with all finalists being awarded throughout the night.
FirstClasse caught up with the winning designers of the year after the ceremony to talk about their guiding philosophy, centering sustainability in their projects and sources of inspiration.
Designer of the Year (East Malaysia)
Ashley Yeoh, MOM Designer House
“I believe that the awareness of AI is growing in various industries, including design. This year, we experimented with various technology in our processes which has proven to be incredibly helpful in innovating our designs, particularly in the drafting phase. While these tools have been valuable, it’s important to acknowledge their limitations. They can enhance the design process, but they cannot fully replace the creative input of a designer, especially when it comes to generating original ideas.”
“In terms of sustainability within interior design, there is still a lack of awareness in Malaysia. The general public is not fully informed. However, we have adjusted our design approach by prioritizing natural light — using fewer artificial lights and maximizing the use of windows. This approach not only aligns with our design philosophy but also contributes to energy efficiency in interior spaces.”
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Designer of the Year (Central Region)
Dom Tee, Wuuu Studio
“Our design philosophy revolves around creating a contrast between a skeletal framework and a pronounced bow element, inspired by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. This technique not only imparts a dimensional quality to our designs but also serves as a consistent theme across our projects.”
“In Malaysia, sustainability is an evolving trend, and we actively engage in educating our customers and clients about its importance. We integrate sustainable principles into our designs by utilizing eco-friendly materials and furnishings. While this is still a learning process for us, we are committed to incorporating sustainable elements seamlessly into our design workflow.”
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Designer of the Year (Northern Region)
Michael Teoh, ZT Studio
“I believe it’s crucial to integrate sustainability into our work, even if it’s not the entire project. Small efforts collectively make a significant impact. Imagine if every designer embraced this approach, it could bring about positive change globally. In our projects, we prioritize reusability, often incorporating vintage furniture to minimize waste. In another project we worked on recently, we implemented the use of rainwater harvesting tanks.”
“For inspiration, I often look at nature. My wife and I have been avid campers for almost a decade, immersing ourselves in the natural environment. The interplay of light and shadow on the earth during these trips is inspiring. It underscores the essential connection between nature and humanity. When designing spaces, be it for living, sleeping, or working, we strive to maintain this connection.”
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Designer of the Year (Southern Region)
Zi Wei & Teddy, Supernormal Design Studio
“We prioritize the design thinking process, placing a strong emphasis on a user-centered approach. This enables us to discern and harmonize client requirements, practical considerations, and aesthetic preferences. From the initial design stages to material selection, we conscientiously assess how our proposals may impact the environment, actively seeking alternative design approaches to minimize any adverse effects.”
“Our inspiration is drawn mostly from travelling and daily observations, engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and constantly seeking fresh ideas. Looking ahead, we aspire to contribute our skills to public and social projects that can positively impact and benefit communities.”
More on Supernormal Design Studio
This year’s edition of ADA Week was made in collaboration with premium lifestyle brands such as BMW Millennium Welt, Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia, and sponsors which include TOTO by W. Atelier, Delux, Feruni and Hunter Douglas. To find out more about ADA Week 2023, click here.