Deca-Laurel 2023: Irving Chong at the heart of WLEA Interior Design

by Aisha Capulong

Irving, the warmhearted Director at WLEA Interior Design, credits his talented team of designers for the studio's success while acknowledging the invaluable support of his suppliers and contractors in their journey to the top

One’s first impression of Irving is of an easygoing, good-natured leader. As he speaks on WLEA Interior Design’s proudest achievement, he humbly mentions having received the DOTY 2023 DECA-LAUREL Award to be their biggest honour, as it is a recognition given only to those with an impressive ten-year tenure. Irving, of course, attributes the win back to his team of designers who put in their best, and he doesn’t forget to take a moment to thank his suppliers and contractors for their support.

Though WLEA Interior Design’s main HQ is in Johor, the firm recently opened its very first branch in Puchong — a concept showroom designed as a space for clients to browse through their numerous options as a patron of the studio. For fellow designers looking to achieve the success and growth witnessed by WLEA Interior Design, Irving advises attending industry events and gatherings in order to get inspired. He claims he cannot overstate the importance of building trust within the company as it is something that will be evident across all aspects, including team-client interactions.

When asked where he sees WLEA Interior Design in the next ten years, Irving expands on how he wishes to grow his team by building a culture of continuous learning. The studio is currently working on breaking into the Singaporean market, and in time, the rest of the world. Irving also plans to make sustainable materials a new norm so WLEA Interior Design is able to create designs that are not only remarkable in aesthetics but also in environmental ethics.