DOTY Award 2026: Asley Liew on the Power of “Less Is More”

Meet Asley Liew, the creative force behind A Plus Interior

The diverse voices and bold ideas of designers are what truly propel the industry forward, embracing the latest technologies, sustainable design initiatives and pure imagination. Our exclusive QCtv interviews this year offer fresh perspectives, inspiring approaches and a look at the creative forces redefining design for the better.

What does being recognised by DOTY for three consecutive years mean to you, both personally and professionally?

Being recognised by DOTY for three consecutive years is a meaningful motivation for me, both personally and professionally. It encourages me to keep learning, improving my knowledge and growing within the interior design industry, while also becoming a better leader and building a stronger team. At the same time, it reminds me of my original passion and intention when I first entered this industry. For me, this recognition is not just about receiving an award. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, how much I’ve grown, and why I started this journey in the first place. It motivates me to keep moving forward, to never stop learning and to continue creating work that I can truly be proud of. My goal is not simply to be recognised for three consecutive years, but to keep growing, evolving and contributing to the industry for many more years to come.

Project: Tropicana Aman Dalia (DOTY 2022 Merit Residential Design – Landed)

How has your understanding of what makes a meaningful interior evolved over the course of your career?

To me, a meaningful interior is not simply about creating a beautiful space, but about turning a person’s dream space into reality that truly reflects their lifestyle, while balancing aesthetics, functionality, practicality and budget. I believe good design is about finding the right value for every investment. It’s often challenging to achieve what clients dream of within their budget, but that’s also where the creativity and expertise of an interior designer come in; knowing where to invest, where to optimise, and how to create the greatest impact without compromising the practicality of the space. After years of experience, knowledge and building the right resources, I’ve become more confident in helping clients turn their ideas and aspirations into spaces that are not only beautiful, but also realistic, functional and valuable to them.

Ultimately, the most meaningful part of my work is seeing a client walk into a space they once only imagined and feel that their dream has truly become a reality in a way that works for their lifestyle and makes sense for their investment.

What do you believe makes an interior leave a lasting impression?

I’ve always believed that simple, when done well, can be the most powerful. For me, the principle of “less is more” is about creating a space that feels effortless, purposeful and
timeless. Trends will always change, but a well-designed interior should not depend entirely on what is fashionable at the moment. Minimalism, to me, is not about having less for the sake of less. It is about removing what is unnecessary and making everyday life simpler, more comfortable and more meaningful. When a space continues to feel relevant, beautiful and easy to live in even as trends come and go, that is what makes it truly lasting.

Project: Blend of Luxu & Simplicity (DOTY 2023 Best Residential Design – Landed)

Looking ahead, what ideas or directions are you interested in exploring through your practice?

Looking ahead, I’d like to nurture, train and develop the younger team of interior design talents. After years of experience in the industry, I feel that one of the most meaningful things I can do is to share what I’ve learned, pass on my experience and help young designers grow with confidence and a strong understanding of the industry. At the same time, I’ll continue to improve, explore new ideas, expand my knowledge and build stronger resources within the industry. Every project brings unexpected challenges, and I see those challenges as opportunities to learn, adapt and find better solutions. I hope my practice can grow beyond just creating spaces. I want to share knowledge and leave something meaningful behind for the younger designers.