Sustainability and Natural Elements in Design – From the Perspective of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd’s Alan Fong

(Above) Photo by Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd

At IPAX Talks Asia Pacific 2025, design principal and director of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd, Alan Fong explained his viewpoint on integrating natural elements in his firm’s projects and the importance of applying sustainability principles in interior design.

Sustainability, defined by the United Nations, involves “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” by undertaking various approaches balancing environmental, social and economic factors.

In terms of design, sustainability principles are integrated to ensure that people are able to inhabit spaces that not only minimise environmental impact but also enhance their health and overall well-being.

“Sustainability has become increasingly important, not just as a trend, but as a responsibility.

“More of our clients are now aware of the long-term impact of the materials they choose, and many are even willing to invest more in greener alternatives,” said Alan Fong, design principal and director of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd, during IPAX Talks Asia Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand in May 2025.

Alan Fong (third right) speaking during the interior design panel discussion moderated by Etholle George from International Property Awards (centre). Co-panellists during the session are (from left to right) Antoine Besseyre des Horts (Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia); Palach Painupong (Founder, That’s ITH); Sombat Ng (Co-Founder & CXO, Paperspace Asia); Kris Lin (Founder, Kris Lin International Design); and Cipta Setia Wijaya (Managing Partner, CNS Design Works). Photo by Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd

Held in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Property Awards and the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards, IPAX Talks Asia Pacific features panel discussions with renowned professionals in architecture, development, interior design and real estate from the region, where they explore trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of design and property.

In the 2025 edition, Alan Fong was one of six panellists during the interior design panel discussion, moderated by Etholle George from International Property Awards. Together with Sombat Ng (Co-Founder & CXO, Paperspace Asia), Palach Painupong (Founder, That’s ITH), Kris Lin (Founder, Kris Lin International Design), Cipta Setia Wijaya (Managing Partner, CNS Design Works), and Antoine Besseyre des Horts (Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia), they deliberated on Earth, Air, Fire and Water as design elements as well as their integration in interior design, both literally and symbolically.

Far more than just aesthetics, these natural elements have supported the designers’ endeavour in melding sustainable practices and innovation. For Alan Fong, the integration takes place in the early phase, including the selection of certified materials, the inclusion of energy efficiency in design, and the sourcing of local products to reduce carbon footprint.

“That said, it’s still a balance. Education is key; we often guide our clients through the value of making environmentally conscious decisions, especially when the benefits might not be immediately visible but are significant in the long run,” he noted, reflecting a common sentiment among his co-panellists in encouraging sustainable behaviour without compromising user experience.

He further described how Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd incorporated the following natural elements in its projects:

Earth

The Gamuda Gardens Experiential Gallery, according to Alan Fong, is a reflection of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd’s approach.

“It’s a development we’re incredibly proud of and it was recognised at the Asia Pacific Property Awards back in 2021,” he says.

“What made it special was how we approached the use of natural materials like stone, wood and living greenery, where it isn’t just for aesthetics, but to really tell a story.

“The gallery was designed to feel like an extension of the landscape around it. It’s not just about showcasing a space. Rather, it’s about educating the community on sustainability and reconnecting them to the land.”

He further explains that Gamuda Gardens itself is part of an effort to “reinstitute nature, starting from seeds, growing into trees, and eventually restoring a whole forest,” making the design becoming part of the larger picture.

Water

Alan Fong perceives water as having a unique ability to evoke calm and tranquillity, almost like being by the seaside.

“In one of our projects, we took inspiration from the movement of water, things like the waves undulating or even the bubbles created when the waves hit the shore. These natural patterns became a part of our design language,” he elaborates.

He adds that when incorporating water features, Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd prefer to keep them simple and subtle, often concealed. Nevertheless, the aim for the company is to bring a sense of serenity to the space by capturing the calming sound of water falling.

“When we incorporate water elements into a design, the sound of flowing water tends to create an immediate sense of calm and tranquillity. It’s almost like a natural form of white noise that helps people focus, clear their minds, and reduce stress.”

On the other hand, water, especially its movement, be they waves or ripples, can introduce a sense of energy and activity to the space.

“It gives the environment a dynamic feel, making it livelier and more vibrant. So, water elements really have the power to shift the mood of a space depending on how they’re used, creating either a serene atmosphere or one full of movement and energy.”

Colours are also instrumental in Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd’s approach to interpreting water, utilising calming shades to denote tranquillity, while dynamic contrasts such as vibrant accent colours or deeper tones to add some energy and reflect the depth and movement of water.

“For example, a soft blue can evoke calmness, while a pop of coral or seafoam green can add a sense of vitality and liveliness. By mixing these colours, we bring that serene paradise feeling, but we also make sure the space feels vibrant and alive,” Alan Fong says.

Air

To Alan Fong, improving indoor air quality through design really starts with thoughtful spatial planning and smart integration of natural elements.

“One of the most effective strategies we’ve used is incorporating plants, not just decoratively, but functionally. For example, in one of our projects, The Continuum Gallery, we designed stacking levels of planters that allow us to introduce more greenery into the space.

“These vertical layers don’t just enhance air circulation and filter pollutants; they also double as feature walls. When designed at human height or above, they create a strong visual statement while contributing to a healthier interior environment,” he describes.

Moreover, Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd uses sustainable products and low-VOC materials to enhance air quality, as well as air filtration systems to keep air fresh, whether in residential or commercial spaces.

A key challenge in polluted urban environments in terms of designing these spaces, Alan Fong points out, is to limit the entry of poor-quality outdoor air while maintaining health ventilation indoors.

“To manage that, we often design buffer zones such as enclosed lobbies or green transition areas to help filter air before it enters the main space. Strategically placed indoor plants, air-purifying systems, and sealed window designs also play a role.

“It’s about finding a balance between protecting the interior and still allowing it to feel breathable and connected to the outside,” he explains.

About Alan Fong and Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd

Alan Fong and partner Vienna Chew co-founded Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd, a Kuala Lumpur-based design and build firm, in 2011. As the firm’s Design Principal and Director, Alan Fong leads with a visionary approach that fuses creative design thinking with real-world execution. Specialising in large-scale development and commercial projects, he has delivered transformative environments for industry giants.

Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd has been at the forefront of the commercial development industry with projects ranging from office experience centres to public spaces and retail outlets. Over the years, these projects reflect the firm’s ongoing commitment towards sustainability in design, where it is no longer a secondary narrative, but a core direction shaping the future of the industry.

“In this regard, it may also be meaningful for the media to further highlight and champion sustainability-driven stories, as it not only raises awareness but also sets a stronger benchmark for the design community.

“This thinking informed the trophy design for the 16^th Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards, where we sought to express these values both conceptually and materially,” Alan Fong notes, in his role as the trophy designer for the 16^th DOTY Awards on 9 April 2026.