AMPDA 2023: Silver Chng on his approach to client-centric values

Silver shares the importance of collaboration and strong relationships to foster a creative environment where limitless ideas come to life

As the Director of Rice Design, Silver credits much of the company’s success to his team’s ability to bring fresh and distinct designs to life. Taking on a client-centric approach, effective project management over at Rice Design comes almost naturally. It is this very client-centric value, stitched into the studio’s fabric from day one, that has helped Rice Design build and maintain strong relationships with clients and establish fruitful collaborations with industry partners. By investing in ongoing learning and development for his team of designers, Silver cultivates an environment that induces limitless creativity in every contributor.

Rice Design is dedicated to giving back to the community by engaging in charitable initiatives and pro bono work. Focusing on active communication, the studio measures triumph, uniquely, through repeat clients and referrals. Silver’s advice to fellow designers is to embrace innovation and a deep passion for design from the get-go. Client cooperation is also to cherish during a project journey, so let clients know how valued their feedback and input are throughout the design process.

Silver’s interest for the spatial design industry began in his teenage years, where he enjoyed imagining the touches he would make instead in the spaces he visited. He has always favoured bold, unconventional designs that leave a lasting impression, and when asked how he came to the name ‘Rice Design’, he chuckles and explains that he was inspired by the idea of rice being a staple food. It is something that is essential to everyone, much like design itself.