Point Concept Studio Balances Technical Precision With a Warm, Inspiring Atmosphere

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a cutting-edge podcasting studio design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Point Concept Studio.

Poddster Singapore was commissioned to design and specify the interior architecture, furnishings, and bespoke fittings for a cutting-edge podcasting studio. The design process focused on supporting creators throughout their journey—from ideation to production and community building. Six modular studios were crafted to accommodate diverse recording styles, with tailored lighting and acoustics enhancing both audio and video quality. A multifunctional lounge encourages collaboration and creativity beyond recording sessions. The project balances technical precision with a warm, inspiring atmosphere, amplifying the creative energy of users and reinforcing Poddster’s brand as a dynamic content hub.

What was the client's brief?

The client asked us to create more than just podcast studios; they wanted a professional yet inviting hub that could adapt to different creators’ needs. From flexible, acoustically treated studios for solo or group recordings, to a multifunctional lounge for editing, networking, and collaboration, the brief was about building a space that supports creativity at every stage.

What inspired the design of the project?

We were inspired by the idea of collaboration and adaptability. We wanted to design a space that suited all types of creators; from a single podcaster seeking focus, to groups recording together. Each studio was given modular themes and customizable setups to allow variety, while the main lounge was designed as a vibrant social hub. When the studios aren’t in use, the heart of the space transforms into a place for discussion, networking, and creative exchange: fun, inspiring, and alive with energy.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The main challenge was keeping the essence of the design consistent while working across borders. Our team was based in the UAE, while we collaborated with new suppliers in Singapore. Coordinating details like acoustics, lighting, and modular elements meant aligning different teams and ways of working, but it ultimately came together smoothly through collaboration and shared focus on the client’s vision.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was seeing the space in action for the first time. Watching the studios adapt so effortlessly; whether for a solo podcaster, a duo, or a lively group showed us the flexibility really worked. The lounge quickly became more than just a waiting area; it turned into a lively hub where creators gathered, shared ideas, and built connections. For our team, seeing people move naturally between focused recording and spontaneous collaboration was the moment the design proved itself. it was exactly what we had envisioned coming to life.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Because the SBID Awards celebrate design that transforms how people experience spaces. Poddster Singapore is exactly that, it’s not just a studio, it’s a hub for voices, stories, and community. We felt its message deserved a global platform.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

For our team, being an SBID Award Finalist has been a truly proud moment. It’s a recognition of the creativity, hard work, and collaboration that went into bringing this project to life. More than the design itself, it celebrates the way we worked together as a team, here at Point Concept, to meet challenges and deliver something meaningful. The recognition has strengthened our confidence and reminded us why we do what we do; to create spaces that inspire, bring people together, and leave a lasting impact.

Questions answered by Aishah Nazeer, Design & Project Coordinator at Point Concept Studio.

Project Team Members: Mark Ramos, Interior Architect, and Kevin Alejandro, Draftsman.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxury family home design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, More Design.

Inspired by Georges Seurat’s Neo-Impressionist principles, this residential project reinterprets domestic life through a “spatial pointillism” concept tailored for a multigenerational Asian family. The design team transformed the original structure to include a ceremonial basement social hub, intelligent zoning, and a 60-meter circulation loop fostering intergenerational connection. Blending Art Deco influences with digital fabrication, the residence features biomorphic mosaics, acoustic innovations, and daylight-responsive interiors. Through adaptive reuse, prefabrication, and low-impact landscape integration, the project redefines luxury living with cultural nuance, technical precision, and environmental sensitivity—creating a sanctuary where sculptural aesthetics and family warmth harmoniously converge.

What was the client's brief?

The client is an Asian high-net-worth family consisting of a couple, their overseas-educated daughter, and two preschool-aged sons. Their core residential demands centered on three key aspects: first, intergenerational living adaptability, requiring a space that balances the diverse needs of family members across ages—such as creating zones for the couple's social interactions, the daughter's independent living, and the young boys' activities, while ensuring both connection and privacy among generations; second, natural integration, with a strong emphasis on "sunlight penetration" and "symbiosis with nature" to infuse the residence with natural vitality; third, personalized expression, hoping to translate the family's unique traits (including the female homeowner's connection to "flowers" as reflected in her name) into spatial attributes, and to have a living environment that combines a sense of ritual with relaxed comfort, realizing a poetic cohabitation experience.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design drew inspiration from multiple layers, forming a cohesive creative framework:

Artistic origin: It took Georges Seurat's Neo-Impressionist aesthetics as the conceptual starting point, innovatively adopting the "spatial pointillism" technique to reconstruct the narrative of residential life, transforming the fragmented visual language of pointillism into integrated spatial logic.

Cultural gene: It rooted in the "coexistence and mutual support" cultural essence of East Asian families, aiming to materialize the intergenerational harmony of Asian households into spatial forms.

Personalized cues: The "flower" character from the female homeowner's name served as a core personal symbol—through parametric design, floral forms were deconstructed into floor mosaics and ceiling textures, creating a biomorphic spatial narrative that echoed the family's identity.

Market demand response: It closely aligned with the living aspirations of Asian high-net-worth families for "sunlit vitality and symbiosis with nature", integrating functional needs with aesthetic pursuit.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The team faced three core challenges, and addressed them with targeted innovations:

Challenge 1: Reconstructing the building's vertical functional logic
The original spatial layout failed to meet the family's demand for "separation of dynamic and static functions" and intergenerational adaptation. The solution was a vertical reconstruction of the architectural structure: transforming the original basement (traditionally a neglected space) into the core social layer, integrating the foyer, art gallery, and piano area to form a composite field; converting the original ground floor into a private living space, and establishing a dual-entry system to clearly divide communal and private zones vertically.

Challenge 2: Balancing intergenerational interaction and spatial privacy
Ensuring seamless connection among family members while avoiding mutual disturbance was a key difficulty. The team designed a 60-meter circular circulation path to weave through intergenerational interaction zones, enabling organic interweaving of children's activity routes and adults' behavioral trajectories; meanwhile, they implanted two-way acoustic speaker devices (inter-level acoustic dialogues)—these devices not only maintained the privacy of each space but also served as a physical medium for emotional connection, resolving the contradiction between "interaction" and "privacy".

Challenge 3: Achieving precise implementation of complex artistic components
The petal-shaped ceiling, copper decorative pieces, and other custom components with complex shapes posed great challenges to construction accuracy. The team adopted BIM digital modeling and factory prefabrication technology: through digital simulation and industrialized prefabrication, they ensured the precise landing of these artistic components, realizing the in-depth unity of functional needs and artistic expression without compromising either.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The project stood out with multi-dimensional highlights covering aesthetics, space, technology, culture, and sustainability:

Aesthetic innovation: It constructed a contemporary living landscape integrating Eastern and Western aesthetics—by combining Art Deco decorative vocabulary with digital construction technology, and using parametric "flower" elements and dynamic light and shadow (realized through large-area floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights) to create a spatial experience with temporal depth.

Spatial intelligence: The "full-age adaptation" spatial planning achieved maximum functional efficiency—vertically, the dual-entry system clarified the division of communal and private functions; horizontally, the circular path connected study, fitness, and entertainment areas. The vertical reconstruction of the basement and ground floor redefined the value of each spatial layer.

Emotional connection design: The circular circulation path and cross-floor acoustic dialogue devices jointly built an intergenerational interaction network, turning the residence into a carrier of familial warmth while ensuring individual privacy.

Cultural expression: It took East Asian familial "coexistence" values as the core, broke the spatial separation between generations, and exported Asian residential wisdom through spatial narrative, forming a design paradigm with cultural recognition in the global context.

Sustainable practice: Adhering to the concept of "adaptive reuse", it extended the building's life cycle through structural transformation; optimized basement lighting and functionality with vertical expansion; reduced waste and construction period through prefabricated technology, and integrated into the mountainous environment with low-intervention measures.

Value creation: It established technical barriers through custom processes such as petal ceiling mold opening and acoustic device research and development, enhancing market premium capacity; and promoted the upgrading of high-end residential design standards through sophisticated circulation systems and full-age adaptation solutions.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are renowned for recognizing design works that integrate innovation, functionality, aesthetics, cultural connotation, and sustainability—attributes that the project fully embodies, making it a natural fit for the award's evaluation philosophy:

It realizes the perfect integration of artistic inspiration (Neo-Impressionist "spatial pointillism") and practical living needs, setting a benchmark for "aesthetically pleasing and functional" high-end residential design.

It innovatively solves the universal challenges of intergenerational living in contemporary families (such as balancing interaction and privacy, adapting to multi-age needs) through spatial planning and technical means, providing a replicable and promotional solution for residential design.

It seamlessly blends Eastern and Western aesthetics and inherits Asian residential culture, demonstrating how regional cultural values can be innovatively expressed in modern design, which aligns with the award's emphasis on cultural diversity and design originality.

It achieves a win-win situation of commercial value (market premium), social value (community coordination, residential paradigm), and ecological value (sustainable practice), reflecting the multi-dimensional influence of outstanding design—an aspect highly valued by the SBID Awards.

By entering the awards, the team hopes to share this exploration of "poetic cohabitation integrating culture, technology, and nature" with the global design community, and contribute to the development of contemporary Asian residential design.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being a finalist for the SBID Awards is a profound recognition and valuable impetus for both the team and the business:

For the team: It is an affirmation of their professional capabilities in multiple fields—including artistic creativity (interpreting Neo-Impressionism in spatial design), technical innovation (BIM prefabrication, acoustic device development), and cultural insight (translating East Asian family values into space). It strengthens the team's confidence in adhering to the concept of "people-oriented innovation" and encourages them to continue exploring the boundaries of residential design.

For the business: It significantly enhances the brand's visibility and influence in the global design industry, especially in the field of high-end Asian residential design. The project's positioning as a finalist proves the business's ability to create works that balance cultural connotation, technical advancement, and market value—helping to attract more clients who pursue personalized, culturally rooted, and sustainable residential solutions. More importantly, it establishes the business as a pioneer in "integrating regional culture with modern residential design", laying a solid foundation for further promoting Asian residential wisdom in the global design discourse.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an immersive property development design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, Matrix Design and Enjoy Design

Matrix Design & ENJOY DESIGN were commissioned by Vanke Real Estate to create the interior concept for Changsha Vanke Oriental One, a high-end residential demonstration zone. Inspired by Shanghai-style classic aesthetics, the project merges cultural sophistication with international luxury. Featuring five key functional areas and custom floral installations by artist Mr. Dalu, the design delivers an immersive lifestyle experience for elite global returnees. Despite tight timelines and budgets, the team integrated sustainable strategies, modular logistics, and cross-cultural artistic expression to create a landmark in luxury residential design.

What was the client's brief?

The client targeted an elite demographic—internationally experienced professionals in finance and economics, particularly cosmopolitan returnees with overseas study backgrounds. This group possesses rich global travel experiences, profound expertise in finance, and aspirations for cutting-edge living standards that align with the lifestyles of high-end social circles. Their core demands included: creating an immersive residential atmosphere that blends the elegance and comfort of a boutique hotel; integrating multi-dimensional living scenarios (encompassing a community entrance lobby, reception & sales area, VIP high-end custom club, Art Sanctuary multi-functional club, and Learning & Play multi-functional club) to cater to elite urban life rhythms; and conveying the philosophy of “symbolic exclusivity and artistic living,” ultimately transforming the space into a lifestyle hub that embodies Shanghai-style refinement, artistic ambiance, and premium experiential value.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design drew inspiration from three interconnected pillars, rooted in cultural heritage, client needs, and aesthetic benchmarks:

Cultural origin: It took “Shanghai-Style Classic” as its core theme, deriving creative impetus from modern Shanghai’s cultural sophistication, legacy of glamour, and cosmopolitan identity—seeking to reinterpret classical Eastern aesthetics through a contemporary, globally attuned lens.

Aesthetic benchmark: It referenced the visual vocabulary of Bulgari Hotels, particularly adopting its iconic black-and-white wall art technique. To resonate with the clients’ financial backgrounds, the design transformed architectural photography of global financial hubs (across historical eras) into abstract artistic statements via geometric reinterpretation and modern artistic methods, capturing the essence of these economic powerhouses.

Lifestyle orientation: Guided by the clients’ pursuit of high-end living, the design aimed to replicate the refined ambiance of a hotel-style clubhouse, integrating the coveted lifestyle experiences of elite circles into residential spaces while aligning with the project’s vision of “co-creating an artistic and fulfilling life narrative.”

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The team faced a triple challenge: massive design scope, extremely tight construction timeline, and limited budget—a race against time and cost that threatened to compromise the project’s stylistic authenticity and quality.

To address this, a multi-faceted solution was implemented:

Cross-continental collaboration & cost-efficient sourcing: The team established an online-offline integrated workflow, building a database of Shanghai-style antique artifacts to screen high-quality global sources while coordinating overseas logistics. Simultaneously, partnerships with local artisans were forged to replicate classic Shanghai-style elements—striking a balance between cost reduction and stylistic fidelity.

Precision execution in installation: A meticulous timeline and task allocation plan were developed for the installation and staging phase. For large-scale installations and furniture placement, professional hoisting equipment was deployed to overcome logistical hurdles.

Through close collaboration across stakeholders and rigorous execution, the project was delivered on schedule, seamlessly merging Shanghai-style elegance with artisanal ingenuity.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The project’s highlights revolved around its unique cultural expression, artistic integration, and multi-dimensional functionality:

“Shanghai-Style Classic” aesthetic with iconic visuals: The Bulgari-inspired black-and-white wall art—featuring reinterpreted global financial hubs—served as a “super symbol,” creating a visually stunning impact that resonates with the clients’ professional backgrounds while embodying Shanghai’s cosmopolitan charm.

Artist-collaborative bespoke art: Exclusive floral installations were co-created with young artist Mr. Dalu. Dominated by a vibrant red-orange palette and paired with Shanghai-style retro vases and blue-and-white porcelain vases, these site-specific artworks infused each space with the opulence of Shanghai-style art, becoming emotional touchpoints and visual anchors.

Multi-functional lifestyle hubs: The five distinct functional zones (community entrance lobby, reception & sales area, VIP custom club, Art Sanctuary, Learning & Play club) offered immersive, scenario-based experiences, perfectly supporting the rhythms of elite urban life and fulfilling the vision of “symbolic exclusivity and artistic living.”

Harmony of elegance and practicality: It successfully blended the refinement of a boutique hotel with the warmth of a residential space, transforming into a new benchmark for lifestyle aggregation that unites cultural memory, artistic aesthetics, and global aspirations.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The project aligns closely with the SBID Awards’ core values—recognizing design that excels in cultural innovation, functional relevance, sustainability, and execution excellence—making it a compelling candidate:

Innovative cultural interpretation: It reimagines “Shanghai-Style Classic” through a global lens, merging Eastern classical aesthetics with contemporary artistic expressions (e.g., artist collaborations, abstract financial hub art). This unique cultural narrative reflects the SBID’s emphasis on originality and cultural diversity.

Functional excellence for target users: The five functional zones and hotel-style ambiance precisely cater to the needs of finance professionals and overseas returnees, demonstrating a human-centric design approach that balances artistry with practicality— a key criterion for the SBID Awards.

Sustainable luxury commitment: The adoption of low-VOC paints/adhesives, responsibly sourced timber, energy-efficient LED lighting (with smart controls), maximized natural daylight, and PM2.5-monitoring smart fresh air systems embodies the SBID’s focus on health, sustainability, and long-term value.

Exceptional execution under constraints: Overcoming the triple challenges of scope, time, and budget via cross-continental collaboration and precision planning showcases the team’s professional prowess—aligning with the SBID’s recognition of design excellence in real-world contexts.

By entering, the team aimed to share this exploration of “Shanghai-style artistic luxury” with the global design community, contributing to dialogues on culturally rooted, user-centric residential design.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Awards Finalist holds profound significance for both the team and the business:

For the team: It is a rigorous validation of their expertise—from interpreting Shanghai’s cultural heritage and integrating artistic collaborations to solving complex project constraints. This affirmation strengthens their confidence in pursuing “culturally infused, user-centric design” and inspires them to deepen their exploration of the intersection between local culture and global design trends.

For the business: It elevates brand visibility and credibility in the global high-end residential design sector, particularly among target clients (finance professionals, overseas returnees, and developers seeking cultural-lifestyle projects). The finalist status positions the business as an innovator in “Shanghai-style artistic luxury,” demonstrating its ability to deliver designs that balance cultural depth, functionality, and sustainability. This not only attracts high-caliber projects but also establishes the business as a benchmark for culturally resonant design in the industry, laying a solid foundation for long-term growth.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an elegant show flat design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, LSD Interior Design.

LSD Interior Design was commissioned by Shanghai Yalong Gucheng Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. to design the interiors of One Central Park. The project blurs boundaries between living and dining zones, creating a gallery-like, light-filled space enriched with vintage lighting, international art, and panoramic views. The result is an elegant, open-plan residence that merges functionality, artistry, and contemporary comfort.

What was the client's brief?

Shanghai Yalong Gucheng Real Estate Development Co.,Ltd. is a forward-looking real estate enterprise based in Shanghai, with a strong commitment to creating high-quality residential and commercial developments. The company integrates modern design vision with refined construction standards, striving to deliver projects that not only meet market demands but also elevate the living experience of residents.

With an emphasis on cultural awareness, lifestyle innovation, and sustainable urban integration, Yalong Gucheng has established a reputation for developing projects that combine functionality with artistry. Its portfolio reflects a dedication to excellence in planning, architecture, and spatial design, while maintaining sensitivity to the evolving aspirations of contemporary urban communities.

As the client of One Central Park, the company continues to demonstrate its pursuit of distinctive, human-centered living environments. By supporting innovative design approaches and embracing international perspectives, Shanghai Yalong Gucheng Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. positions itself as a driving force in shaping sophisticated urban lifestyles in China.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design drew its core inspiration from the pursuit of "symbiosis between art and daily life", with the "art gallery" as a pivotal conceptual prototype. It aimed to transcend the traditional boundary between functional living spaces and artistic venues:

- By emulating the fluid circulation and immersive aesthetic experience of art galleries, the design liberated the "circulation axis" of the open-plan layout, allowing the act of moving through the home to resemble a leisurely stroll through a gallery.

- It treated the natural environment as an integral part of the spatial "artwork"—utilizing floor-to-ceiling windows (spanning the living and dining areas) and the 270° corner vista to frame the exterior landscape as a dynamic, ever-changing "living canvas."

- Guided by the principle of "contextual relevance" for functional zoning, the design sought to blur rigid spatial interfaces, transforming the living and dining areas into permeable "vessels" that harmonize light, air, functionality, and artistry.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The primary challenge lay in reconciling spatial openness with functional clarity in the large open-plan flat—avoiding either a chaotic "one-size-fits-all" space (lacking distinct functional zones) or a fragmented layout (ruined by rigid partitions that undermine openness and interaction). To address this, the team adopted a set of "non-intrusive zoning strategies" that prioritized continuity while defining functions:

- Leveraging existing architecture: Instead of adding fixed physical partitions between the living and dining areas, the team used the building's original walls as the primary framework for spatial allocation, ensuring proportional rationality without disrupting openness.

- Furniture as "invisible boundaries": Oversized sofas (accommodating diverse family routines) and low-profile backrests (enhancing visual connectivity) were deployed to delineate the living zone; a backless chaise paired with horsehair armchairs defined the reading nook; and area rugs anchored functional zones—all while maintaining spatial flow.

- Material continuity as a unifier: The same high-end stone was used for the dining table and lounge countertop, creating a subtle visual link between adjacent functional areas, which fostered dialogue and reinforced the cohesive narrative of the living-dining space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The project's highlights revolved around its seamless integration of openness, functionality, artistry, and familial warmth:

- "Gallery-like" spatial experience: By liberating the cross-hall "circulation axis," the design transformed daily movement through the home into an immersive art-gallery stroll, setting a sophisticated tone for the large flat.

- Dynamic natural "artwork": The 270° corner vista and full-span floor-to-ceiling windows turned the exterior landscape into a constantly evolving "living canvas," merging indoor comfort with outdoor beauty.

- Interaction-enhancing furniture design: The oversized sofa catered to diverse family routines, while its low backrest maximized visual connectivity—directly addressing the client's need for familial interaction.

- Blurred yet coherent spatial boundaries: The ambiguous spatial interfaces allowed the living and dining areas to act as permeable vessels for light and air, while the combination of original walls, furniture clusters, and rugs ensured clear functionality without sacrificing openness.

- Art as a "memory anchor": Curated large-scale artworks and internationally sourced vintage lighting fixtures added layers of personalization, bridging the duality of the space—practical daily living and artistic appreciation.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The project aligns closely with the SBID Awards' core values of recognizing design that balances innovation, functionality, aesthetics, and human-centricity—making it a natural fit for submission:

- It innovatively solves a universal challenge in open-plan residential design (balancing openness and functional clarity) through non-intrusive, context-driven strategies, offering a replicable model for high-end flat design.

- It redefines the relationship between "home" and "art," proving that residential spaces can simultaneously serve as practical family havens and immersive artistic environments—reflecting the award's emphasis on elevating living aesthetics.

- Every design decision (from furniture height to material selection) centers on the client's needs for familial interaction, comfort, and personal expression, embodying the "people-oriented" design philosophy valued by the SBID Awards.

- The project's meticulous attention to detail—from the 270° view framing to the material continuity between zones—showcases excellence in both macro spatial planning and micro design execution, meeting the award's rigorous standards for quality.

By entering, the team aimed to share this exploration of "art-infused, family-friendly open-plan living" with the global design community, contributing to dialogues on contemporary residential design innovation.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Awards Finalist represents profound recognition and strategic value for both the team and the business:

- For the team: It validates their creative vision of merging art and daily life in residential design, as well as their problem-solving prowess in balancing spatial openness and functionality. This affirmation strengthens their commitment to human-centric, aesthetically rigorous design, inspiring them to push further in exploring the boundaries of residential spatial experience.

- For the business: It significantly enhances brand visibility and credibility in the global high-end residential design sector. The project's finalist status demonstrates the business's ability to deliver designs that harmonize practicality, artistry, and client-centricity—attracting clients who seek sophisticated, personalized open-plan residences. More importantly, it positions the business as an innovator in "gallery-inspired residential design," laying the groundwork for leading industry discourse on integrating art into everyday living spaces.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a deeply atmospheric hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, LW Design.

LW Design was commissioned to transform a former residential tower into Conrad Bahrain, a 24-storey luxury hotel defined by spatial elegance and refined restraint. Situated along the Manama seafront, the property features dramatic public areas—including a rooftop pool and the signature SUSHISAMBA restaurant. The design embraces the brand’s bold, contemporary identity while remaining rooted in Bahrain’s cultural and coastal context. Through rich material palettes, sculptural forms, and seamless spatial transitions, the hotel offers a hospitality experience that is both elevated and deeply atmospheric.

What was the client's brief?

The client asked us to create an environment that feels like an effortless journey—an elevated, intuitive experience where every transition between spaces is seamless and purposeful. The brief emphasized clarity, comfort, and sophistication, with materiality playing a central role. Surfaces had to be tactile, honest, and rooted in the spirit of Bahrain, allowing the hotel to feel modern yet contextual.

What inspired the design of the project?

The mantra “Live in the moment. Be Bold. Be Inspired. Be Energized. Be Loud.” became our guiding inspiration. The design responds to a new generation of global citizens who are unapologetically authentic and drawn to places that reflect their pace and passions. We sought to create interiors that pulse with cultural richness, layering artworks, artisanal objects, and commissioned pieces to reflect Bahrain’s creative spirit. The goal was not to conform to traditional luxury but to celebrate contrast, individuality, and energy.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge was transforming a high-end residential tower into a luxury hotel after the structure had already been built and fit-out had begun. This required recalibrating the spatial logic, circulation, and programmatic functions within a rigid framework—without losing coherence. We also introduced a new staircase and lift post-construction to connect the Trade Room bar with the mezzanine, which demanded technical precision and agility from the team.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of the highlights was turning constraints into opportunities. The original residential dimensions became a defining strength, giving Conrad Bahrain its expansive suites that feel more like private residences than hotel rooms. Another standout was bringing Sushi Samba to the top floor—a dining destination that transforms dramatically from day to night, creating an unforgettable lifestyle experience at the hotel’s crown.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We believe Conrad Bahrain represents a bold and distinctive approach to contemporary luxury in the Middle East. Entering the SBID Awards was an opportunity to celebrate the ingenuity, resilience, and creativity behind this project, while also sharing our team’s design philosophy on a global stage. It allows us to benchmark ourselves against the world’s best practices and reaffirm our role as design leaders.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Becoming a finalist has been a proud moment for our studio. It has validated the countless hours of collaboration and problem-solving that went into this project and has given our team well-deserved recognition. For our business, it has strengthened client trust, reinforced our reputation for design excellence, and motivated us to continue pushing boundaries in every project we take on.

Questions answered by Rachel Kidd, Partner & Senior Design Director at LW Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a bold primary school design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, Lineworks Studio.

Lineworks Studio transformed Shanghai’s Daning Road Primary School into a vibrant, modern campus while preserving its heritage. The 2024 phase reimagined the entrance with geometric forms and a bold yellow accent, harmonizing it with the neighborhood. Interior upgrades included light-infused classrooms, a reading room with sloped ceilings optimized for brightness, and a gymnastics space blending indoor-outdoor energy. Constraints like enclosed corridors were resolved through adaptive design, creating airy communal areas. Warm wood finishes and playful yet sophisticated aesthetics unify the campus, fostering creativity and well-being. The project revitalizes an aging institution, balancing timeless charm with contemporary functionality.

What was the client's brief?

The client's brief was to renovate Daning Road Elementary School in a phased manner. The renovation aimed to revitalize the campus while preserving its heritage and integrating modern functionality. Specific requirements included renovating the main entrance to solve the clutter problem and enhance its visibility, optimizing the architectural exterior by adjusting window layout and colour - matching, remodelling the interior space to create a bright and creative teaching environment, activating special areas like the reading room and gymnastics room, and enhancing functionality by transforming the enclosed meeting room into an open and comfortable space.

What inspired the design of the project?

This design project for Daning Road Elementary School draws inspiration from a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and the unique characteristics of a school environment.

Functionality is a key driving - force. We aimed to create spaces that meet the diverse needs of teaching, learning, and extracurricular activities. For example, in the classrooms, the layout of desks and chairs, along with the installation of air - conditioners and lighting, is carefully planned to provide a comfortable and conducive learning atmosphere. The transformation of enclosed meeting rooms into open spaces balances modernity and comfort, meeting the needs of group discussions and collaborative learning.

Aesthetically, the use of colour is both bold and purposeful. The prominent yellow accents throughout the campus, such as on the main entrance and in some interior spaces, add a touch of vibrancy and energy, making the school standout and creating a positive and lively atmosphere. The geometric design elements on the ceiling, like the circular and linear light fixtures, not only serve as decorative features but also add a modern and artistic feel to the environment.

The unique characteristics of the school environment also play a crucial role in the design inspiration. The reading room takes advantage of the structural height difference, creating a multi - functional and interesting space that encourages students to explore and read. The gymnastics room integrates outdoor elements, providing a more open and natural space for physical activities.

In summary, this design project combines functionality, aesthetics, and environmental characteristics to create a modern, comfortable, and inspiring campus for students and teachers.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle our team overcame was working within the constraints of the original structure. For instance, in the renovation of the reading room, we had to creatively utilize the differences in heights between interior beams. We covered sloped surfaces with light - diffusing film to make the space open and bright. Also, when transforming the multifunctional conference room on the top floor of the comprehensive building, the existing enclosed corridors made the space narrow and cramped. Our team removed part of the corridor partitions to create a more spacious and comfortable area.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The team's highlight of the project was breathing new life into an old educational building through our creative design. We successfully renovated various parts of the school, like the main entrance, teaching building, reading room, gymnastics room, and conference room. Our design made the campus more visually appealing, functional, and comfortable for students and teachers, for example, the vibrant yellow accent at the entrance made it a standout feature in the neighbourhood, and the transformation of indoor spaces with lighting and wood - grain details enhanced the teaching and learning environment.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Because the SBID is a well-known and authoritative design organization. Success in this GOLD-rated Awards programme demonstrates the highest level of design skill and professional mastery across the interior design profession. We entered the SBID Awards to showcase our commitment to design excellence and to gain recognition within the industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist in a prestigious design award like SBID can bring increased recognition in the design industry. It can lead to more opportunities, such as new projects, partnerships, and a boost in our team's and business's reputation, which can in turn attract more clients and top-tier talent.

Questions answered by Song Chen, Design Director at Lineworks Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern family home design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, Yudi Design.

“Nest Within” is a thoughtfully designed residential project that redefines family living by prioritizing shared spaces over private ones. Emphasizing natural materials and transparency, the design fosters emotional connection and practical flexibility for a modern family. Innovative use of glass partitions maintains openness while ensuring supervision and interaction, creating a warm, sustainable home that balances function with heartfelt togetherness.

What was the client's brief?

The client, a young family, wanted a home that emphasized daily togetherness and shared living, rather than conventional, separated rooms. Their brief called for maximized communal areas, visual connectivity, child-friendly features, emotional closeness, and the use of natural, sustainable materials. They also wanted the space to support work-from-home needs while remaining aesthetically calm and flexible.

What inspired the design of the project?

The project was inspired by the idea of redefining domestic life for modern families, focusing on emotional well-being and togetherness. The design reversed traditional layouts by minimizing private areas and expanding shared zones. Inspiration also came from natural materials like Shirasu-kabe plaster and reclaimed driftwood, promoting a sustainable and sensory-rich environment.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The greatest challenge was achieving intimacy and calm within an open-plan layout without visual clutter or overstimulation. Balancing spatial openness with emotional zoning required careful use of materials, textures, and acoustic control. Additionally, designing for both adult functionality and children's evolving needs added emotional complexity to the process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was creating a future-oriented, flexible home that fosters behavioral change—encouraging more face-to-face interaction and shared rituals. By involving both adults and children in the design process, the result is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant space that evolves with the family.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to share our human-centered and sustainable design approach with a wider audience. It was an opportunity to showcase how design can shape behavior, support emotional well-being, and respond to environmental responsibility—especially in the context of evolving family life.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist has validated our design philosophy and brought greater exposure to our work. It has strengthened client trust, elevated our brand, and inspired our team to continue pushing the boundaries of emotionally and environmentally conscious design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an innovative hotel design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, HBA.

Following its 2025 upgrade, the Hangzhou Wulin GDA Hotel reemerged as a luxurious tribute to the city’s rich heritage, rooted in the 1929 West Lake Expo. Inspired by “A Collector’s Manor Residence,” the design blends Eastern elegance with Western artistry. Guests experience curated spaces filled with antiques, art, and cultural motifs, evoking a private museum. From vibrant dining areas to tranquil guest rooms, every detail celebrates Hangzhou’s legacy of global exchange and refinement. The hotel stands as a living narrative where history, culture, and modern hospitality meet in harmony.

What was the client's brief?

Through the comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the hotel, it will be transformed into an iconic destination, ultimately maximizing the return on investment.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the 1929 West Lake Expo founded by Mr. Zhang Jingjiang, the hotel boasts a privileged location adjacent to the Zhejiang Exhibition Hall at Wulin Square, offering a front-row seat to the magnificent journey of Hangzhou's exhibition culture.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The greatest challenge lay in realizing the design vision and meeting the diverse functional requirements of a hotel while working within the inherent structural and layout constraints of the existing building.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The most impressive highlight is the "Dialogue Across Time" narrative woven throughout the hotel. Adopting the theme of "Visiting a Collector's Manor Estate," it guides guests on an immersive journey to explore the glorious history of the West Lake Expo in Hangzhou.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards place the utmost importance on the innovation, execution, and level of challenge in design. By entering the competition, we aim to present the judges and industry peers with an exemplary project that fully embodies these standards.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

To the Company: This honor represents significant international recognition of our ability to comprehensively tackle complex projects. It powerfully demonstrates to the market that our company not only delivers cutting-edge aesthetic vision but also possesses the technical expertise and project management capabilities to turn ideas into reality. We are adept at addressing the challenges of renovating existing structures and creating exceptional value for our clients.

To the Team and Individuals: This award brings immense encouragement and recognition to our team and each individual involved. It will continue to inspire us to uphold professionalism and dedicate ourselves to creating more meaningful design works in the future.

Questions answered by John Wang, Design Director of HBA.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sophisticated salon design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, Atrio Design.

Atrio Design proudly presents Beauty Made, a high-end beauty salon located in the heart of Calthorpe Estate, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Designed and built in just two months, the salon blends sophisticated elegance with contemporary luxury, creating a serene and exclusive atmosphere. The interior features bespoke finishes, premium materials, and custom lighting, ensuring a seamless client experience. Every detail reflects the refined aesthetic of Edgbaston Village while offering a modern, functional space for beauty professionals. Beauty Made is a testament to Atrio Design’s expertise in delivering high-end, tailored interiors with precision, creativity, and uncompromising quality.

What was the client's brief?

Atrio Design was commissioned to design and build Beauty Made, an exclusive high-end beauty salon in the prestigious Calthorpe Estate, Edgbaston, Birmingham. The vision was to create a super unique salon that seamlessly integrates with the sophisticated charm of Edgbaston Village while offering a luxurious and immersive experience for clients.

The challenge was to deliver a high-end fit-out within an ambitious 2-month time-frame, ensuring every detail aligned with the salon’s premium aesthetic and functional requirements. Atrio Design took a turnkey approach, managing everything from conceptual design to execution, incorporating bespoke finishes, high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship.

The result is a harmonious blend of elegance and innovation, with tailor-made interiors, curated textures, and a seamless flow that enhances the client experience. Every design element was chosen to reflect sophistication, comfort, and exclusivity, positioning Beauty Made as a standout destination in Birmingham’s beauty industry.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by natural textures, timeless detailing, and the philosophy that beauty is best expressed through simplicity and balance.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Achieving the right equilibrium between luxury and calm minimalism, ensuring the space felt elegant yet understated.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Delivering a finished space that reflected our vision in every detail — from the atmosphere to the craftsmanship.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To showcase our work on a global stage and align Atrio Design with the most respected names in the industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It has validated our design philosophy, enhanced our reputation, and opened new opportunities for growth.

Questions answered by Andrii Yeksarov, Founder & Creative Director of Atrio Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful hallway design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalists, Amy Hunt Interior Design.

Amy Hunt Interiors designed this Edwardian hallway and cloakroom to restore character, warmth, and personality to two previously overlooked spaces. Wide-plank oak flooring, bespoke panelling, and layered lighting reintroduced architectural depth, while a wallpapered ceiling and bold stair runner added drama and visual interest. The adjoining WC was transformed with rich magenta panelling, a marbled wallpaper ceiling, and vintage-inspired details, including brass taps, a wall-mounted basin, and checkerboard tiles. These thoughtful, playful elements celebrate the home’s heritage while creating a cohesive narrative. The result is a striking, characterful transformation that turns transitional areas into standout design moments.

What was the client's brief?

The clients wanted the design to be sensitive to the era of the home and to bring its history back to life. Sadly, over the years, many of the original features had been stripped away or removed. One unique aspect of this project is that my client is colour blind, so it was important to choose colours that stood out clearly rather than blended subtly into the space. The result is a design that’s both visually impactful and respectful of the home’s past.

What inspired the design of the project?

The stained-glass windows on the front door have beautiful colours and a delicate floral theme that were lost in the space. We used this as inspiration to carry those tones and motifs into the rest of the space. When I came across the House of Hackney wallpaper, it felt like fate!

The WC was cold and dark, and we knew we wanted to bring in depth and warmth to the space, having already decided on a wallpaper for the hallway it felt right to opt for something even more bold for this small space!

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Deciding on the lower half paint colour, we ended up pairing back to allow the ceiling to have its moment.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Stepping back to admire the completed space, the difference is incredible. After eight years of living without colour, the transformation feels uplifting and full of life. Opening the front door is so joyful.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As a small company, we work incredibly hard, and at times it can feel like a lonely journey, as you sit in your office squirrelling away on your designs for days if not weeks. Submitting a project for an award offers us valuable feedback and recognition from others that we might not otherwise receive.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Seeing your clients’ reaction to the finished scheme is incredibly rewarding. Taking that project to the wider market and receiving recognition for your design is really special. It not only validates what you are doing but also inspires you to keep pushing yourself.

Questions answered by Amy Hunt, Founder of Amy Hunt Interior Design.