Design Intervention Young Designer Award

Ryan Tan, winner of Design Intervention Young Designer Award 2018, talks about his experience of being in the competition and pursuing interior design as a career.

The annual Design Intervention Young Designer Award 2018 concluded with Ryan Tan of Ngee Ann Polytechnic – who has a diploma in Sustainable Urban Design and Engineering (architecture specialisation) – emerging as the winner, bagging a cash prize of $2,000 and the opportunity to join award-winning interior design firm Design Intervention as an employee.

Design Intervention Young Designer Award 2018

The competition brief was to design a multigenerational home for a couple, two children and an elderly person.

Design Intervention Young Designer Award 2018

His work set itself apart with the conceptualisation of a modern, plant-filled space, based on a white-and-wood palette.

What got you interested in interior design?

Design Intervention Young Designer Award 2018

Since I was young, I’ve always been adventurous and intrigued by all forms of art. This inspired me to explore my creativity as a design student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. My passion for interior design gradually grew as I started designing projects, and I soon began identifying as a designer.

What do you hope to achieve if you go on to pursue interior design as a career?

I would like to expand my knowledge in spatial design. 
As I am pursuing architecture, I hope to change people’s perspectives of buildings – both in terms of the interior and exterior. I would like to be able to improve people’s quality of life with the built environment, as I look to nature as a source of inspiration.

Tell us how you feel about winning the Young Designer Award.

I did not expect to win, as there were many other talented student designers whose entries I really admired. I feel that the best prize is having gained knowledge during the competition, and having the opportunity to learn from fellow competitors.

Design Intervention Young Designer Award 2018

What is one message you wish to share with the industry, about the new generation of designers?

I think the most crucial lesson I learnt is that we can all learn from one another, regardless of our position, role or status in life.

Design Intervention Young Designer Award 2018

Besides interior design, what other subjects 
would you consider pursuing?

My interest in architecture has grown over the years, and I have a strong desire to be involved in the field of furniture design, as well as in other multidisciplinary design works.

Design Intervention Young Designer Award 2019 is open for submissions. Find out more at https://www.designintervention.com.sg/about/young-designer-award.