Welcoming the electric second edition of Inspiring Interiors Across Asia (IIAA)

by Aisha Capulong

Sporting Nevermore's stunning multi-award winning project as its front cover, our azure-toned second edition of IIAA features chic works from all around the region, each worthy of its own accolades

Greeted by a lovely sunny day at the brand new TEKNI Gallery in Petaling Jaya, our invited guests shared their evening to join us in celebrating Inspiring Interiors Across Asia (IIAA)’s second coming. This time around, the book presents a curation of more Malaysia-based projects than the last, evidence of our national design scene’s capacity to stand on a global stage.

As guests mingled amidst striking Ligne Roset pieces and caught up with fellow designers and industry partners, a shared conversation took place at the central foyer within the TEKNI Gallery: a double-height ‘living’ space housing iconic sofas and seating systems like the Togo and Prado series as well as the Anda armchairs.

Four selected speakers opened up about their IIAA-headlined projects and behind-the-scene snippets that were involved in the making of said project. Prof. Keat Ong of Keat Ong Design spoke about how he ensured his residential spaces, though under one roof, can also stand independently for different uses by his multi-generational family clients.

IDr. Lai Siew Hong of Blu Water Studio, on the other hand, developed on how he worked to recreate a sense of ‘ukiyo’ at the service residence in Hokkaido, a sentiment that can be loosely translated into living in the moment. Vienna Chew of Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd then followed up with how a driving force behind her world-standard project came about through a joint sensibility between the client and herself: they both seek to build an urban community for the end users whose resting abode exists within a modern high-rise.

Saving the best for last, as representative of IIAA 2’s admirable cover project, Chuah Say Win of Nevermore expanded on his inspirations for the Michelin-starred restaurant that sits within a UNESCO Heritage site. In order to preserve culture and heritage, he explicated on the delicate balance Nevermore had to upkeep as to not alienate the restaurant’s loyal customers all while catering to newer audiences.

Before long, the brief speaking session came to an end, leaving the evening’s patrons at the TEKNI Gallery to bask in the insightful acuities doled out. As guest DJ Jake Chow of Dot Works spun the table and curated our music and ambiance, guests of our launch party socialised into the night with white wine, mocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres in hand.