DOTY  ·  Featured Story

DOTY 2026 Best Commercial Design (F&B – Gold): Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd – Somboon Thai

June 9, 2026

This Thai restaurant in Petaling Jaya designed by Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd was first featured in Commercial Concept Volume 13.

Image courtesy of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd

ROYAL RESONANCE

Honouring the ancient spirit of Thailand, this restaurant intertwines legacy, artistry and luxury into a design journey steeped in cultured contemporary class.

A cherished tribute to the splendour and soul of Thailand, Somboon Thai is a treasured culinary gem where royal heritage, cultural depth and contemporary refinement converge. Guided by the evocative ‘Whispers of Thai Royalty’ theme, deep purple—once reserved for nobility—immediately sets a regal tone amidst the canvas of light greys, elevating the atmosphere with a sense of quiet power and authority.

Image courtesy of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd

Threaded through this rich canvas are intricate Thai gold motifs, drawn from centuries of artistic customs; these embellishments signify prosperity and sophistication while reflecting a reverence for traditional craftsmanship. Moreover, Somboon’s Thai identity is reinterpreted through the timeless elegance of Art Deco geometry. Including sleek but plush furniture into the mix, this Western fusion creates a contemporary identity that celebrates the stories of the past while embracing the refinement of the present.

Among the project’s most breathtaking elements are the intricately handwoven tapestries by skilled artisans floating above the dining space. A tactile homage to Thai silk—one of the world’s most coveted luxury exports—and the expert craftsmanship involved, this feature reflects generations of tradition passed down through time. Echoing cultural motifs and regional symbols as a whole, each thread is a stitch in time that proudly narrates stories of place, identity and pride.

Image courtesy of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd

Other than the modern rattan lanterns, accompanying this cultural richness is the reflective silver-hued ceiling, a nod to our neighbouring country’s status as a leading producer of the shiny metal. Like moonlight on a royal courtyard, it casts a gentle shimmer over the room, quietly elevating the impression of grandeur while grounding it in local significance. When the two elements come together, a tale of elegance, authenticity and national pride is woven, uniting material richness with cultural depth to birth a visually enchanting and emotionally resonating design.

Even the pair of motifs incorporated all throughout Somboon demonstrates floral and symmetrical patterns deeply embedded in traditional Thai artistry, in reference to central themes in the culture such as nature, harmony and spiritual balance. One motif is bold and petal-like with pointed details, while the other is more subdued and circular with delicate leaf and diamond accents. Together, these motifs which serve as the main inspiration behind the restaurant’s design concept honour the precision, craftsmanship and heritage that comprise the solid foundation of Thai decorative arts.

Image courtesy of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd

Rich textures, luxurious materials and handcrafted finishes add layers of depth to complete this design journey, inviting guests into a setting that feels both exclusive and intentional. After all, the very name Somboon, meaning “worthy”, “perfect” or “complete” in the Thai language, sets the tone for an experience that is curated down to the very last detail. In a nutshell, Somboon Thai is a curated cultural experience that does not shout luxury but rather whispers it with a dignified voice through every considerate detail, creating a space that speaks highly of cultural respect, modern assimilation and timeless class.

Image courtesy of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd
About the Designer of the Year Awards and Best Commercial Design

The Designer of the Year Award (DOTY) aspires to discover and honour the exceptional works of talented designers from Malaysia and beyond. It sets the benchmark of excellence in design and is committed to championing them in architecture and interior.

The theme of DOTY 2026, “Celebrating Design Intelligence”, highlights how design has evolved beyond mere aesthetics to encompass functionality and sustainability, where user experience, environmentally-friendly materials and technology integration are essential to well-being and efficiency.

Best Commercial Design recognises designers who have crafted phenomenal commercial spaces with brand identity, productivity and well-being in mind. Their projects, which come under various categories, are featured in Commercial Concept.

Visit doty.com.my for more information.