Auntie Gaik Lean herself served as an inspiration to the designers prior to starting work. “Auntie Gaik Lean’s recipes and culinary expertise are the essence and cornerstone of this establishment. She is regarded as culinary royalty within this gastronomic household,” explained Say Yang.
“In line with this regal theme, we chose royal blue as the primary colour for the restaurant’s interior. Furthermore, we incorporated her Peranakan heritage into the design concept development to pay homage to her rich culinary tradition,” he added.
While inspiration was readily available, this being an ongoing business, their team had a short 20-day timeframe to execute the renovation so that disruption to business would be minimal. Compounding this challenge, the outlet — a 2,640 sq ft lot that was formerly a jewelry store, was located within the UNESCO Heritage Core area, which comes with its own set of restrictions.
“We submitted all the required paperwork, adhered to the approved working hours and boundaries established by the local authority council, with the commitment to complete the project within a 20-day timeframe,” said Say Yang.
The renovation was more a surgery than an overhaul. The exterior of the eatery was painted a majestic royal blue, updating but not changing the appearance. The designers searched far and wide for kampung glass in clear and blue hues to maintain the integrity of the concept. To improve the lobby’s aesthetics, regal blue Peranakan panels with fine gold details were spray-painted and added to the VIP area.
A solid wood bar counter built to order took the place of the old one, which was moved. In the main dining hall, master craftsman Guan created custom enormous pendant lights that were modeled after traditional Peranakan lanterns. These dangle below painstakingly made handmade acoustic panels with a sophisticated floral theme that were put to the ceiling to improve dining conditions and manage noise levels.
FirstClasse sat down with both founders for a quick chat on their influences and what keeps them inspired. Read more of our series with award-winning Malaysian designers here, produced in collaboration with Atap.co.
FirstClasse: How would you describe your design philosophy?
Yang: I’m all about pushing the creative limits and thinking outside the box in my designs. I want to ‘wow’ my clients by going above and beyond their expectations. No matter what they start with, I make sure to take our ideas to the next level, putting all my passion into delivering unique and super cool design solutions for each project.
Win: I like being creative in my designs, always looking for new and cool ways to make things stand out. I love going for the extraordinary – it’s kind of my design vibe. I think breaking the mold a bit can make spaces really special and unique.
Tell us about your first design project – what defined your style then?
Yang: My inaugural design project was our initial design studio, undertaken as two young professionals. At that time, our style was characterized by a monochromatic and minimalist aesthetic, purposefully highlighting the masculine essence of our approach to interior design. This early venture not only laid the foundation for our design principles but also reflected our commitment to creating spaces that embody a distinct and refined aesthetic.
Win: In the initial phase of my career, I gravitated towards a modern minimalist style with a nuanced use of raw materials. I specialized in crafting clean, minimal spaces, infusing them with unique features and characters. While my brother leaned towards a darker scheme, my preference was for a white, clean color palette. Reflecting on our first collaborative project, our design studio from 14 years ago, I take pride in successfully applying our shared masculine and modern sleek style to create a space that remains a testament to our design principles.
Tell us about your most recent project – how has your style changed since you first started?
Yang: My most recent project involves the design and execution of a 5-storey spa and wellness center. Throughout this journey, we’ve embraced diversity by undertaking projects across various industries. Each unique challenge has not only enhanced our skills but also reignited our passion for the industry. This experience underscores our adaptability and commitment to delivering innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of each project.
Win: My most recent project involved designing my personal residence. Sharing a mutual appreciation with my wife for white and bright interiors, I maintained this color scheme in our home. However, to incorporate a more feminine touch, considering the presence of a lady in the house, I introduced elements that infuse a romantic ambiance. The overall design reflects a modern European style, and I am delighted with the outcome, as it successfully combines our shared aesthetic preferences in a harmonious and stylish manner.
Where do you derive most of your inspiration?
Yang: I derive a significant portion of my inspiration from a curated blend of authoritative architectural literature, reputable industry publications, and immersive digital platforms. This includes a strategic engagement with architectural magazines, insightful exploration of interior design content on platforms like YouTube, and an appreciation for cinematic representations of design in movies.
Win: Similar to my brother, I draw inspiration extensively from global travels, immersing myself in the architectural masterpieces crafted by world-renowned architects. This practice has become an integral part of my daily life, as I believe inspiration can be found in diverse and unexpected places. The exploration of renowned buildings worldwide fuels my creative vision and enriches my design perspective.
What do you do when you’re feeling a little stuck with inspiration?
Yang: In moments of creative challenge, I proactively engage in diverse experiences, drawing inspiration from global travels, cultural exploration, and continuous learning. This multifaceted approach ensures a well-rounded perspective that rejuvenates my creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
Win: When I hit a creative roadblock, I like to step back and take a breather. I find discussing ideas with my brother to be incredibly helpful – we brainstorm together and usually, that collaboration sparks a new wave of inspiration. It’s like hitting the refresh button, and it keeps the creative energy flowing.
Describe your style in three words.
Yang: Bold and limitless
Win: Transitional
What’s currently on your music playlist?
Yang: Late Night Alumni
Win: Jay Chou
Who is your design icon?
Yang: Kelly Wearstler
Win: Zaha Hadid
Read more about their profile and work at Atap.co.
Contributing editor: Mabel Ho
All images are copyrighted by their respective owners.