Inside the Mind of Interior Designer & Creative Director, Matthew Shang

Australian-born, Singapore-based designer Matthew Shang is the creative director behind works such as HighHouse and Revolver. Leading his design team with exceptional quality, Matthew is a passionate and inspired interior designer who approaches each new commission as a journey of discovery. Through collaborative processes, he has crafted spaces that have created lasting impressions for customers and guests.

In this interview, we delve into his mind and learn more about his process and journey as an interior designer.

Can you share with us the founding principles and ethos behind Matthew Shang Design Office, and how these guide your approach to interior design projects?

MSDO believes in creating a new story or narrative for every project we do. It is one that takes drive and passion with commitment and trust by the client.

We are fascinated and intrigued by so many things we encounter in the world. Design history is our go to draw on, I suppose that is why we are good at working in existing spaces and refurbishment as we come in with respect of the past, whether that be the mock-deco of Atlas, to the modernist atrium hotels of John Portman.

But past design history we look to how people live and engage with spaces; we do a lot of F&B work as we love that these spaces are where people come together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company.

Your design portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, from F&B projects to residential spaces. How do you adapt your design style and approach to different project types and client needs?

The key part is forming a good language between yourself and the client: I think that is the key difference in approach. A residential project is so much more intimate, so you have to delve deep and usually the forums discussion is in their home and they have to explain to you how they live their lives and what is important to them.

F&B is all about celebration, but it's also about understanding which dials or elements have the hierarchy , is it more about the chef and seeing the process? Is it about the elegant delivery? Or is it simply about the vibe of the crowd. Commercial returns are always essential in any undertaking, but without articulating a clear point of view in your approach, it's hard to present, design wise or any other way, to the public.

Craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in your designs. Can you discuss how you prioritize materiality and interior detailing in your projects, and how these elements contribute to the overall design narrative?

Sometimes we are accused of being too focused on the detail! We always feel that a design builds from ground up. You start with the fundamental of planning, and the occupant’s journey through the space. You then layer on to this a tactile experience, those tools at hand help enhance this journey.

We try and focus the detail on the hero moments, which of course can be of differing scales. For example, I would say at HighHouse's triangulated ceiling is a Hero moment, reacting to the unusual architecture of the building (Kenzo Tange) plus creating (using programmed lighting) another animated surface in the space.

Also, we believe strongly if things are well considered and well made, they simply last longer!

Your designs often incorporate a balance between modern aesthetics and timeless elegance. Can you elaborate on your design philosophy regarding the integration of classic and contemporary elements in interior spaces?

We are continually entranced and engaged by such a variety of things, constantly exploring the visual richness of the world. The irony when you think of true classic modernists (Corbu, Kahn), their key moments of transformation into ardent modernist happened when travelling through the classical world.

I truly feel that intuition of scale and proportion can be universal in all styles. The whimsey, the curiosity comes from the individual showing their hand and their history.

Collaboration is key in the design process. How do you approach collaborating with clients, architects, and other professionals to ensure a cohesive and successful design outcome? 

The best way is to listen to each other carefully from the start. What are the common ambitions within the team. All of our most successful projects have been created when everyone is engaged and excited about the product. It is also important to have a project champion amongst you – who really chaperones the project to a successful completion.

What are some of your most successful projects where you feel you've been able to express yourself the best?

Manhattan Bar and the new bar East 47. There is a great relationship and some great trust with the client in the creation of this product. Opportunities as they come up through the process are explored for the betterment of the project.

The Work Project has also been defined by a distinct and varied approach to design, but always consistent in quality. Again a trust relationship has been established with the client such that each can push the narrative that little bit further, more adventurous in ideas and execution.

How important is integrating art into your projects and why?

Art and installation works has always been an essential part of our works. With every internal journey, you need moments to intrigue and entrance, to look at something anew or see something in a different light, and Art can do this. Artworks and sculptures can transform a neutral or under utilized space into a destination. I love when an artwork makes you pause, a beat, what a wonderful thing to achieve in someone’s day.

Innovation in design often involves pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas. Can you share a project where you implemented innovative design solutions or experimented with unconventional materials or techniques?

One of main devices that we use when planning is the idea of spaces of compression and release. So the idea that you create a darker, a narrower space or even a space without natural light to emerge into a light filled space. An example of this is Yantra a contemporary Indian restaurant , whereby we where creating these experiences, which also happen to echo those you have whilst exploring the medieval forts of Rajasthan.

In terms of techniques, we often look to older techniques that are simply harder to achieve as they are laborious – polished plasterwork (stucco lustro) we love as it creates such a play of light.  We used this extensively in the recently Completed Summer Palace at Conrad, making its low ceilings shimmer.

As a seasoned interior designer, what advice would you give to aspiring designers looking to establish their own design practice or make a mark in the industry?

That’s a really tricky one! The current market is incredibly competitive! Because of that I think there are two things aspiring independent designers should do. Firstly, have a distinct voice and point of view – whether this is the way you approach the work or more likely in your personal style. Secondly, you have to make yourself heard, word of mouth is still incredibly important but so many clients now see so much imagery through different media – you have to make sure that your voice is heard and continues to be heard to your potential audience.

About HighHouse, Singapore

HighHouse is an extraordinary day-to-night venue for nightlife and culinary experiences located at 1 Raffles Place, Singapore, includes a collection of awe-inspiring art realized through the vision of art consultancy The Artling.

Highlighting a rich tapestry of art from around the globe, HighHouse now boasts an art collection that spans a spectrum of mediums, including mixed media works, sculptures, and digital art. Accompanying the unrivalled views of the Singapore skyline, the artworks create a visually captivating environment that engages and delights the senses.