What Design Studio: Best Commercial Design GOLD, Workplace – Qi Space

From high-end office spaces to luxury retail compositions, these award-winning works set new benchmarks in Malaysia’s unique design scene and its rising global influence

The winning projects at this year’s Designer of the Year Awards, commonly recognised as DOTY, are among Malaysia’s finest designs. In honouring and celebrating the works of leading visionaries, the platform has become the benchmark of excellence in the Malaysian and international design scene. With exceptional talent, these design studios are able to change the worlds that surround them into innovative spaces of being, living and breathing. Presenting — the recipients of the 15th installation of the DOTY Awards.

Gold Winner of DOTY 2025 Best Commercial Design — Workplace

QI SPACE by What Design Studio

Amidst the dreary monotony and exasperating chaos of traditional workplaces emerges an inspiring antithesis to challenge the old school ways of thinking: Qi Space, having wisely adopted a harmonious blend of monochrome elegance and natural serenity. According to the creatives at What Design Studio, this design concept aims to create and nurture a peaceful yet productive environment, reflecting the establishment’s deep sense of commitment to balance, minimalism and sustainability. It makes even greater sense once you realise that qi translates to ‘vital life force’ or ‘energy’, which may very well have subconsciously, or consciously, been their seed of inspiration.

Reminiscent of smoke, charcoal and pearl, shades of black, grey and white dominate the place to produce a sophisticated and cohesive look that veers toward the modern and the minimalist. This sleek vibe finds itself augmented with a sprinkle of the industrial aesthetic, whereby a raw, textured cement finish is spread across the feature walls using the popular Marmorino Pitted Textured Paint; for a change of pace that still aligns with the ‘texture family,’ one of the feature walls is executed using the sandspray technique. Taking this whole effect a step further is the strategic use of warm, indirect lighting, amplifying the cosy atmosphere and highlighting the essential design elements.

From the furniture to the lighting, plenty of curves — instead of cold, harsh lines — are incorporated to further humanise the workplace with organic, soft and playful movements. Speaking of furniture, the designers installed comfortable seating arrangements with plush textures and ergonomic designs to encourage relaxation and collaboration; this ranges from chunky sofa sets to a rustic but modern rattan dining one. Illuminated with adequate task lighting, the space in the workstation area has also been optimised with matte black practical desks and storage solutions that blend in seamlessly with the overall theme.

Acting as a complementary contrast to all this is the considerate touch of natural greenery. Apart from lending some colour against the neutral backdrop and improving the indoor air quality, the distinctly different varieties of plants are either integrated as part of a storage solution or stand alone as a tool itself.

For example, the potted plants at the pantry-cum-entertainment zone act as a subtle divider — a stark difference to the obvious glass block one — while the top of the black wood cabinets at the workstation are attached with shrubs of preserved green moss, and tiny stones as seen in a Japanese zen garden. Evidently, both approaches succeed in promoting a calming atmosphere and a connection to nature while tactfully imbuing a vibrant burst of life in the most functional way possible.

A picture perfect encapsulation of modern zen, Qi Space’s newly renovated workplace surpasses aesthetic and practical appeal, speaking to a holistic approach to employee satisfaction. Subtly integrating essential branding elements that reflect the company’s values and identity with the design, the final outcome which consciously aligns with eco-friendly practices prioritises comfort, well-being and productivity in a way that lasts, in a way that fosters creativity, collaboration and success.