Deca-Laurel 2023: John Jong on redefining innovative design

by Aisha Capulong

John's passion for multidisciplinary collaboration has allowed him and his team to be at the forefront of design innovation since the year 2000 — discover how his unique approach is shaping the future of design today

John enters the room with an air of confidence that can only come with founding and successfully leading a company consistently at the forefront of the national design scene, Thinkscape Design Works. The Group Design Director & Principal quotes the studio’s adaptability and focus on relationship building as its ‘secret ingredients’ for the past two decades. Thinkscape as a design body is always quick to embrace new trends and technologies, and John believes fostering relationships with clients and partners is inseparable and invaluable to their work.

When prompted for advice to give to newer companies looking to achieve Thinkscape’s track record, he emphasises the importance of upholding standards and upskilling one’s crew alongside the firm. John has continued to choose high quality distinctions even if that decision may come with a more complicated or lengthy process, and he assuredly closes his answer with, “Invest in your team and their growth, because they are your greatest asset.”

Looking ahead towards the next ten years, John intends to integrate advanced components like virtual reality (VR) systems into his studio’s work and explore pushing the boundaries of design even further. Plus, Thinkscape is aiming to perfect the formula between large-scale projects and sustainability while expanding their reach internationally, bringing the studio’s unique appeal to brand new markets around the world where they have yet to build a presence in. At its current rate, Thinkscape is well on its way to become a well-known brand on a global scale.