In Profile:
Silverfox Studios Pte Ltd

Name: Susan Heng and Patrick Waring
Company Name: Silverfox Studios Pte Ltd
Position Within Company: Founders / Partners
Website: https://silverfoxstudios.design/

Tell us a little about your background in design:

Susan was born and educated in Singapore; she worked for renowned Architect William Lim & Associates and also as Design Director of Hospitality Design Firm Wilson & Associates before leaving in 2007 to set up in partnership at Silverfox Studios.

Patrick was born and educated in London, UK. Worked in London for Architect Michael Aukett Associates before moving to Singapore in 1992. He joined Wilson & Associates where he became Deputy Managing Director, leaving in 2007 to set up in partnership at Silverfox Studios.

How would you describe your personal design style?
We don’t have a design style, or an aesthetic approach, our work is reflective of the environment in and around the site and the purpose of the project and the core values associated to the brand we are working with. There are however certain design principles that we like to apply, such as volumetric interplay, multi layering, the importance of the journey and a touch of theatre, especially in the lighting. This inevitably leads to an identity, even with very different results there is a slight signature.

Where does your design inspiration come from?:
We start without any pre conceived notions and lay out a network of ideas based on location, the aspirations of the Client and Operator and our interpretation of these needs. We want the experience to be as much about the purpose as about our reaction to the space and the brief which can create an emotional response to the user.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
The luxury hospitality market is definitely moving towards a more inclusive, socially interactive arena, which in turn allows luxury to be accessible to more people. This is essential in order for this sector of the business of hospitality to thrive.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. 
1) AI can be treated as a very useful tool, not necessarily a solution. We need to come to terms with this opportunity and not forget about process, due diligence, co-ordination and planning.
2) Authenticity – People always respond to a clear message.
3) Community – Social interaction is a good thing. Design can bring people together.
4) Collaboration – Design is a collective process, keep an open dialogue.
5) Environmental Impact shall change the way we use resorts.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards? 

Very important. To have your studio/consultancy/product, exposed to tens of thousands of people across the globe creates a tremendous opportunity for recognition and peer accreditation. To win the award is a tremendous industry recognised achievement.

What projects are you currently working on?
Zabeel Saray Hotel, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, The Oberoi, Andaz Hotel, MGM Macau, Thompson Shanghai Hotel, Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi, Mandarin Oriental Danang Vietnam, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Boca Raton USA

What was your favourite project to work on and why? 
The Thompson Hotel Shanghai…
Due to the great and enjoyable ongoing collaboration with Hyatt Hotels, also and very importantly the project team on the owners side, the project consultants and the contracting firms. Designing the project is a highly complex but wonderful collaborative journey and we are all delighted with the outcome to date. The project is due to open later this year and we can’t wait to showcase it at The International Hotel & Property Awards 2026.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why? 
We are coming to the conclusion of a large highly complex full hotel development in China for Hyatt Hotels. The project was put on hold during the Covid outbreak, and was therefore seriously delayed. The co-ordination process re-started during China’s lock down and prevented us from travelling. The catch up period was very fast track and required a lot of attention. This type of circumstance is rare but unavoidable.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? :
We are looking forward to a more collaborative approach to the process of both design and the business of design. To work with trusted friends who are both consultants as well as operators and developers, is the space where we have the most fun, and where we get the best results.