White Jacket is a Singapore design studio known for its hospitality-related expertise, which includes running an art consultancy. Its portfolio includes Naumi Hotel, JW Marriott South Beach Spa, and the soon-to-open Rosewood Hotel Ningbo in China and Kimpton Naranta Bali, and many more.
Studio founder Patricia Ho Douven – a recipient of the Society of Interior Designers Singapore’s inaugural 20 under 45 Award – counts design, art and travel amongst her life’s passions.
She travelled constantly before the pandemic, working and collecting inspiration from all over the world. Confined in Singapore because of Covid, she focused her energy on a project closer to her home and heart: her own studio.
White Jacket’s new home on Upper Circular Road, which opened late last year, is a spacious commercial unit within an ageing ‘80s warehouse building.
It is large enough to house White Jacket’s atelier, an art gallery that is open to the public by appointment, and several communal areas. “I hope to one day make this a hub for local creative communities,” shares Patricia.
The atelier is a striking addition to the old building. Walking out of the elevator, visitors’ eyes are drawn to its subtly-lit pastel interior and terrazzo floor made of leftover material samples the studio had accumulated over the years.
In the front portion, there is a sitting area inspired by Patricia’s childhood in Singapore and Malaysia, complete with a round table typical of HDB void decks and a chill-out corner with tiered seats that echoes stadium grandstands.
The meeting room, Patricia’s office and the main office space feature bespoke furniture and artworks from local and international artists.
In the art gallery, there is a dining area with a kitchen and bar that can comfortably accommodate gatherings, as well as an exhibition space and a long gallery.
The artwork depicting an anthropomorphic tiger with a tipple in her hand by David Chan called Liminal is inspired by the artist’s impression of studio founder Patricia. The painting’s bright colour scheme lend a playful touch to the sleek bar area.
Currently, the White Jacket Gallery is hosting A Decade, a showcase of commissioned artworks by nine local artists that celebrates White Jacket’s 10th anniversary.
The corridor gallery features the WJ x NAFA Showcase, featuring 10 wooden stools by NAFA alumni inspired by the lepak theme to complement the round table in the sitting area. Both exhibitions will run until the end of March.
In the near future, an artist-in-residency programme will be offered. Participants will be selected through interviews for the three-month programme.
The chosen creatives will work at the atelier, and their creations will be promoted and showcased by White Jacket.