In Profile: Eco-id Architects Pte Ltd

Name: Carol Chng
Company: Eco-id Architects Pte Ltd
Position within company: Director
Website: www.ecoid.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

M(Arch) National University of Singapore.

Over 20 years in hospitality design.

Resort Masterplanning, Architecture, Interior Design.

How would you describe your personal design style?

I start every design by first understanding the context – geographical location, climatic condition, cultural and historical background, and who we are designing for.  In hospitality design, it is also important to understand the brand DNA of the operating hotel.  That is the basis.  After which, I embark on the process of finding a design narrative.  The inspiration varies, from tangible metaphors to intangible stories.  The result of our design process produces different product that distinguishes itself from each other.  It is rather hard to duplicate the design, because of this.

At home, I like a clean palette.  I limit my choice of finishes, selecting finishes that are applicable on most surfaces, from exterior to interior.  I do that so that I can fill the space with a collection of varied styles and colours.  From landscape, furniture, artwork and artefacts.  I like to collect vernacular objets, things that are made by hand, made for specific honest purpose.  I find them really beautiful without trying.  Being effortless is the ultimate state of timeless aesthetic.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Usually from stories.  Stories of people, and their cultural heritage that influence everything from what they wear, to what they use and where they live.  Nature is also very inspiring, one cannot help but wonder at the beautiful organic forms of everything individual that makes up a whole.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I do not subscribe to trends.  It is always our ethos that if the design is generated out of a narrative based on context, it will be a design that can withstand time.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2024 and beyond.

Origin. Culture. Nature. Functionality. Durability.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Be inspired.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

Recognition from peers and the industry.

What projects are you currently working on?

Most of our projects are under the obligation of NDAs, but we are working on projects in various locations of The Indian Ocean.

What was your favorite project to work on and why?

I especially enjoy projects where we start from the master plan of the resort, through to the architecture, and finish up with the interior including the styling.  I find that when design is not partitioned, it is more holistic and most often, more successful in realizing the first vision.  These projects are the most rewarding.  To name a recent few, these will be The Four Seasons Resort on Desroches Island, Seychelles; The Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, Seychelles and SO/ Maldives.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

My school moto in Junior College was “The Best is Yet To Be”

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

2B pencil and paper.  I sketch on my iPad too, but the 2B pencil and paper are not reliant on battery life!