Overview
Residential segment drives growth in the interior design industry
Singapore’s interior design industry, driven by the residential segment, is a gateway to Asia for international design houses, and gives new Asian designers access to international markets. In 2021, Singapore’s interior design market was worth approximately SGD 6 billion (around 1% of GDP). As of 2021, there were approximately 3,000 interior designers in the country, making it one of the most valuable occupations in Singapore.
The industry is made up of four types of firms: contractor interior designers, contractors, architects and interior designers. Contractor interior designers handle rudimentary design services and 3D layouts, and provide construction services, while contractors are responsible for wiring, built-in carpentry and flooring. Architects provide expertise in the design of structure and spatial planning, while interior designers, primarily big interior firms and design-centric agencies, craft customised unique spaces.
Relaunch of Singapore’s interior design industry to boost expansion into new markets
The government is set to relaunch the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS), one of the oldest interior design associations in the country, paving the way for entrepreneurs in the industry to become pioneers of interior design.
Furthermore, this is expected to attract creative and experienced designers, both local and international, to establish themselves in the industry. The relaunch is set to promote growth of the interior design industry beyond Singapore’s borders, enabling local designers to work with professional bodies in international markets.
Accreditation scheme and upskilling to benefit both consumers and designers
A new accreditation scheme introduced by the government, combined with upskilling opportunities, provides better recognition for local interior designers within the industry. Launched in 2021, the new Singapore Interior Design Accreditation Scheme categorises interior designers based on qualifications and work experience, allowing existing practitioners who lack qualifications to apply for accreditation based on an assessment of their work experience.
The scheme also improves the credibility of designers, enabling consumers to differentiate between professional and untrained design firms in the process of choosing an interior design firm for their home renovation, thereby ensuring that they are not provided with poor workmanship or delays in renovation.
Key Trends
Minimalist homes become more common as consumers shift to more modern themes
In more recent times, consumers have been choosing more modern styles and themes, and contemporary elements, as opposed to highly urbanised lifestyles, heavy furniture, solid wall paints and antiques. The three most common themes interior designers are hired for are Minimalist, Modern Interior Design and Scandinavian.
With space being a precious commodity in Singapore, most designers use glass for visual expansion and stainless steel to add an upscale touch. Meanwhile, brass and copper, combined with pink hues and wood, are used to design ergonomic, spacious kitchens and bathrooms, and are increasing in demand.
Higher demand for work and office spaces as a direct result of COVID-19 pandemic
The circuit-breaker period (also known as the COVID-19 pandemic period) in Singapore, changed the work/life balance for many citizens, with most having to work from home due to office closures. For most homeowners, this arrangement is now permanent.
In pre-pandemic times, residents would share a common space for work with other family members as it was only a temporary arrangement. However, with this shift in employment trends, the interior design industry has seen a significant increase in the demand for a segregated work/office space inside of a home, as each family member now requires a designated workspace, designed to blend in with the house’s design.
Design 2025 Masterplan to help upskill workforce, fuelling growth on a global scale
In 2017, the DesignSingapore Council launched its initiative, the Design 2025 Masterplan, formulated to inculcate design into Singapore’s skilled workforce, through to 2025. Additionally, the President’s Design Award and the Singapore Good Design Mark (SG Mark) encourage the support for design excellence, while SIDS, together with design institutions in China, have already set up four Singapore Design Outposts (SDOs), with the aim of increasing the outreach for interior designers in China and Singapore.
Key Statistics
- In 2021, Singapore’s interior design sector accounted for 3.6% of the global interior design industry, which was valued at approximately USD 121 billion.
- As of 2021, interior designers typically charge between SGD 632 and SGD 2,152 per day, depending on the experience and reputation of the designer or firm.
- Hourly rates range between SGD 100 and SGD 200 on average, but can go up to or over SGD 450 per hour for an experienced designer.
Top Singapore MNCs in Interior Design Companies
M. MOSER ASSOCIATES (S) PTE LTD
M. Moser Associates Pte. Ltd. is a design firm. It offers a full range of services, including interior and architectural design, mechanical and electrical engineering, office technology, cost and project management, and final construction and delivery. For more than 40 years, M. Moser has adopted a comprehensive approach to transforming physical and digital office environments, combining experience in workplace planning, architecture, engineering, interior design, and digital infrastructure, as well as sustainability and wellness. The company is headquartered in China and has offices in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, North America, and Australia. M. Moser has won the MUSE Design Awards in 2022, and the AIA Hong Kong Chapter Awards and Singapore Good Design Award in 2021.
BROADWAY MALYAN ASIA PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 1985, Broadway Malyan Asia Pte. Ltd. is a multinational architecture, urbanism, and design firm that creates cities, buildings, and places with enduring value. Its collaborative approach to integrated, sustainable design has enabled it to execute award-winning projects on a global scale. It has clients in diverse sectors, including residential, education, workplace, retail, mixed-use, hospitality, and master planning. Broadway Malyan received its first design prize in 1967 for 88 Oatlands Drive, Weybridge. It has offices in London, Madrid, Portugal, Warsaw, the UAE, Singapore, China, India, and the UK.
SCOTT BROWNRIGG SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE. LTD.
Repeated company as per the client -
GENSLER SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Gensler Singapore Pte. Ltd., which was established in 1965, is an international architecture, design, and planning firm. It specializes in designing a wide range of buildings and facilities owned or utilized by enterprises, organizations, and governmental bodies. Gensler Singapore's services include the entire construction process, from early planning to design, implementation, and management. Gensler provides the skills, experience, and technologies to deliver full services from initial consulting and project definition through construction administration, and follow-up post-occupancy surveys. It has offices in Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the USA. Gensler has received the Workforce Management Optimas Award and the Chief Learning Officer Learning Team Silver Award in 2009, and the AIA IDP Outstanding Firm Award from 2010-13.
HASSELL DESIGN (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2009, Hassell Design Pte. Ltd. is an international design firm with studios in Australia, China, South East Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its designs are shared by the people who work in all of the studios as architects, interior designers, landscape architects, urban designers, planners, and expert consultants. Hassell Design works on a variety of scales, from the interior design of a small retail store to significant public architecture and city strategic planning.
UNISPACE SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Unispace Singapore Pte. Ltd. is a multinational design firm which specializes in integrated project delivery. It was established in 2017 and is headquartered in Australia. It operates across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, with the headquarters in Sydney overseeing all operations. It seamlessly integrates strategy, design, and delivery across 54 studios in 26 countries to generate real, measurable results for the clients. Unispace Singapore is dedicated to incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, into all areas of its business, culture, and work.
AEDAS INTERIORS PTE. LTD.
Repeated company as per the client -
FITCH DESIGN PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 1999, Fitch Design Pte. Ltd. is a design consultancy firm that specializes in the ever-changing zone where the customer meets the brand. It uses data to codify experience on all levels: physical, human, and digital. It offers services such as consultations for businesses on topics such as sales promotion, new business creation, and international expansion. In addition to M&A consultancy, it also assists with corporate matching and outsourcing for studios in the United States, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom. Fitch Design is a subsidiary of WPP plc, one of the world's largest marketing services companies. Fitch Design has garnered various industry accolades from both global and regional organizations.
LUCKLAND ASIA PTE. LTD.
Luckland Asia Pte. Ltd. was established in 2013 as the general headquarters for the Luckland Group's ASEAN operations. It is primarily involved in market research, commercial facility design, and construction. The company offers soft services such as market research and design, and also hard services such as building and after-care for shop facilities, corporate offices, food factories, and logistics warehouses. Luckland Asia is involved in design work including architectural design and others, related consulting business, monitoring business including design management and interior guidance, management and operation of welfare facilities, and planning, manufacture, and sale of handmade furniture.
SEMBA SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
SEMBA Singapore Pte. Ltd. was incorporated in 1990 as an overseas company in South East Asia, with headquarters in Japan. The company is involved in the development of retail space for Japanese clients in department and specialty stores, mostly through design and construction work. SEMBA Singapore specializes in the design and refurbishment of spaces for Japanese and local clients such as department stores, specialized retailers, and cafes. It stays up-to-date on information from Japan and throughout the world in order to deliver high-quality planning, development, design, and construction services to its Japanese and local clients.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Interior Design Companies
KINGSMEN CREATIVES LTD.
Kingsmen Creatives Ltd., which was established in 1976, is a prominent communications, design and production business, with a strategic network of 21 offices and facilities across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the United States. From sophisticated, functional design, and engaging retail spaces, to cutting-edge integrated communications solutions, Kingsmen Creatives specializes in display design and production for exhibitions, museums, events, promotional occasions, and festivals. The interiors for retail stores, restaurants, corporate offices, and other commercial spaces are designed and manufactured by the company. Kingsmen Creatives received the Singapore Good Design Mark in 2018, the Singapore Tourism Award in 2017, and the A.R.E Design Award in 2016.
SPACE MATRIX DESIGN CONSULTANTS PTE LTD
Incorporated in 2001, Space Matrix Design Consultants Pte. Ltd. is a design firm and a 21st-century digital organization. A design consultancy specializing in workplace design, it produces and delivers profitable, long-term workplace solutions. It has relevant project experience in over 80 cities and 15 office locations in Australia, China, India, Thailand, Singapore (HQ), and the United States. Space Matrix has won several International Property Awards and is continuously ranked as one of Interior Design Magazine's Top 100 Design Giants. It won the Shaw Contract Design Award in 2020, the International Property Awards in 2021-2022, the NAID Excellence Awards in 2019, and multiple iNHFRA FM EXcellence Awards.
DB & B PTE LTD
Established in 1996, DB & B Pte. Ltd. is a producer of commercial interior design and construction services. It is a multi-award-winning organization with operations in Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, and the Philippines. It provides a diverse range of interior design solutions that may be integrated in a variety of ways to fit the needs of varied projects. Among the services offered by DB & B are pre-leasing, interior design and planning, building engineering, procurement and construction, project management, migration management, in-house production, and green design and sustainability.
D' PERCEPTION SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
D'perception Singapore Pte. Ltd. was founded in 2007, and it is a full-service interior design company that operates throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It is headquartered in Singapore. D'perception provides design and quality interiors — offices that work as fully integrated business solutions for corporate clients; retail solutions that drive traffic to the store; and hospitality establishments that aim to provide the best customer experience. It also offers emotional interior design solutions through active listening, perceptive ideation, and rigorous implementation.
DP DESIGN PTE LTD
DP Design (DPD) Pte. Ltd. is a design studio. Its designs strive to retain and enhance a building's natural character by utilizing project-specific materials, lighting conditions, and planning strategies. DP Design provides interior design, space planning, and branding strategy services. It has produced local and international projects over the years. These include Singapore's Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay, Paragon Shopping Center, HDB Hub, Singapore Stock Exchange, and Resorts World Sentosa, as well as overseas projects such as the Dubai Mall, Cinemaxx Palembang Icon, café chain Maxx Coffee, and Malaysia's well-established investment bank UOB Kay Hian.
INTERIORTECH PTE. LTD.
Interiortech Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Livspace, purchased a majority stake in Qanvast, and now operates under the name of Livspace. Livspace is a home interiors and refurbishment portal in South Asia. Founded and headquartered in Singapore in 2014, it is an award-winning home interior company, having been named one of the top 100 innovative companies. Canvas, the company's unique digital platform, unites homeowners, designers, and contractors to produce end-to-end home interiors. Livspace opened its first collaborative remodelling studio with IKEA in Jurong Point in 2021. And in the previous year, it won the Design Excellence Award (Silver) for Best Residential Design.
Top Singapore SMEs in Interior Design Companies
SPIRIT OF DESIGN ANALOGY PTE. LTD.
Established in 2010, Spirit of Design Analogy (SODA) Pte. Ltd. is a design firm which offers a full-service spatial design consultation and project management, including tender documentation and on-site fitting out. SODA has been recognised with various design honours in Singapore and around Asia, such as being conferred the International Design Award in the United States in 2019, Asia Design Prize in South Korea in 2018, and many more. The company has delivered projects in China, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
WEIKEN.COM DESIGN PTE. LTD.
Weiken.com Design Pte. Ltd. is an interior design firm and renovation contractor. It was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Singapore. It provides a variety of affordable interior design solutions, and is also committed to bringing creative concepts and practical solutions to match individual or corporate preferences. Weiken.com provides services such as residential interior design for living rooms, kitchen and bathroom remodelling, and commercial interior design projects, with an array of themes and styles such as modern, contemporary, Scandinavian and minimalist interior design. Weiken was honoured with the prestigious SME 500 Award.
BLINK DESIGN GROUP PTE. LTD.
Established in 2011, Blink Design Group Pte. Ltd. is a firm that constructs one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts. The company constantly reviews and improves luxury hotels; it develops and adapts in search of fresh inspiration and experiences. It is currently working with a new generation of hospitality entrepreneurs. BLINK has clients in China, Indonesia, India, the Maldives, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and Kenya. And it has established studios in Bangkok, New Delhi, and Shanghai.
STARRY HOMESTEAD PTE. LTD.
Repeated company as per the clients -
SPACE ATELIER PTE. LTD.
Space Atelier Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 2014, is a creative interior design firm. It produces tailor-made solutions, and crafts places to represent the distinct qualities of the client’s personality, tastes, lifestyle, and/or brand image. Space Atelier provides a diverse range of interior design projects of different profiles and scale, such as residential HDBs, premium condominiums, landed residences, commercial shops, and office spaces. Space Atelier believes that all aspects of design are important in producing a successful project. It partners with designers, architects, and skilled labourers in bringing its projects to fruition.
HOME GUIDE DESIGN & CONTRACTS PTE. LTD.
Home Guide Design & Contracts Pte. Ltd. has been in business since 1992, and has evolved from a remodelling contractor to an interior designer. Home Guide's first attempt was in the residential market. Apart from residential, the company has two subsidiaries, SORDC and iRetail, which specialize in commercial office and retail projects. It creates and transforms interior design in residential, commercial, and retail environments. The refurbishment projects are managed with strict quality standards in order to provide the finest to its clients.
SWISS INTERIOR SIGNATURE PTE. LTD.
Swiss Interior Signature Pte. Ltd., which was established in 2012, is a Singapore-based interior design service company. It offers customers an extensive array of high-quality designed and branded goods in 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room BTO packages. Swiss Interior Signature’s interior design experience has helped over 500 homeowners in the renovation and makeover of their properties, while saving time and money.
JUZ INTERIOR PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2013, Juz Interior Pte. Ltd. is an interior design firm that offers a wide range of refurbishment services and home improvement services. Design, visualization, project management, and decoration are among the services provided by the company. Juz Interior guarantees absolute transparency at all stages of development, bridging clear communication and understanding between the clients.
SCA DESIGN PTE. LTD.
Established in 2001, SCA Design Pte. Ltd. is a multidisciplinary commercial interior design and office fit-out firm that offers innovative, cost-effective workspace solutions to the corporate sector. It provides services such as space planning, interior design, architects, Green-Mark management, and project management. SCA Design has a strong history of corporate design quality and client service, with a lengthy list of local and international clients that it has served over the years.
THE INTERIOR LAB (TIL) PTE. LTD.
The Interior Lab (TIL) Pte. Ltd. is a Singaporean interior design firm which was incorporated in 2013. The firm places a high value on adapting to its clients' sensibilities and comfort. It has accomplished a plethora of home and business projects since it was set up almost a decade ago. The Interior Lab is a certified designer company of BLUM, which is a fittings manufacturer based in Austria.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Interior Design Industry
DP DESIGN PTE LTD
DP Design (DPD) Pte. Ltd. is a design studio. Its designs strive to retain and enhance a building's natural character by utilizing project-specific materials, lighting conditions, and planning strategies. DP Design provides interior design, space planning, and branding strategy services. It has produced local and international projects over the years. These include Singapore's Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay, Paragon Shopping Center, HDB Hub, Singapore Stock Exchange, and Resorts World Sentosa, as well as overseas projects such as the Dubai Mall, Cinemaxx Palembang Icon, café chain Maxx Coffee, and Malaysia's well-established investment bank UOB Kay Hian.
CHEW VISION DESIGN PTE. LTD.
CHEW Vision Design Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 1998, is a local interior design firm. CHEW Vision Design specializes in residential projects such as HDB flats, condominiums, and landed properties, and has in-depth knowledge of the current design and space-saving trends. It also provides families with comprehensive advice, based on the hundreds of home renovation projects it has completed. CHEW Vision Design also renovates commercial, corporate, educational, and healthcare buildings, as well as shopping malls, restaurants, and beauty salons and spas.
FACILITATE CORPORATION PTE. LTD.
Established in 2015, Facilitate Corporation Pte. Ltd. is an independent commercial office fit-out project management and design firm. Facilitate Corporation has a global network headquartered in Australia, and has offices in the UK, Asia, the USA, the Netherlands, and Poland. It provides a variety of occupier services, from planning and strategy to design and construction completion. Facilitate Corporation's primary focus is on representing clients independently and working for their best interests.
CHEN + CHOI COLLABORATIVE PTE. LTD.
Chen + Choi Collaborative Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 2012, is an Interior Architecture Design firm. Chen + Choi Collaborative offers its clients complete design solutions such as merging the urban and architectural with landscapes, designing interiors, unique lighting, and furniture.. The company has worked with famous architects and designers such as Mario Botta and Piero Lissoni. Chen + Choi Collaborative is a European company headquartered in Singapore.
LUCKLAND ASIA PTE. LTD.
Luckland Asia Pte. Ltd. was established in 2013 as the general headquarters for the Luckland Group's ASEAN operations. It is primarily involved in market research, commercial facility design, and construction. The company offers soft services such as market research and design, and also hard services such as building and after-care for shop facilities, corporate offices, food factories, and logistics warehouses. Luckland Asia is involved in design work including architectural design and others, related consulting business, monitoring business including design management and interior guidance, management and operation of welfare facilities, and planning, manufacture, and sale of handmade furniture.
INTERIORTECH PTE. LTD.
Interiortech Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Livspace, purchased a majority stake in Qanvast, and now operates under the name of Livspace. Livspace is a home interiors and refurbishment portal in South Asia. Founded and headquartered in Singapore in 2014, it is an award-winning home interior company, having been named one of the top 100 innovative companies. Canvas, the company's unique digital platform, unites homeowners, designers, and contractors to produce end-to-end home interiors. Livspace opened its first collaborative remodelling studio with IKEA in Jurong Point in 2021. And in the previous year, it won the Design Excellence Award (Silver) for Best Residential Design.
MEDIA TREEWORKS INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2003, Media TreeWorks International Pte. Ltd. is a design and construction firm. It specializes in events and exhibits, product displays, and commercial interior architecture. Media TreeWorks is headquartered in Singapore and has an office in Thailand as well as a presence in the Middle East. The company is specialized in conceptualization and design, project management and planning, event execution and management, structure production, graphics and signage creation, and site logistics scheduling. Its experience lies not only on the aesthetic side but on the quality and practicality of designs that integrate with the trend and on-time delivery. Media TreeWorks received the Best Booth Design award for 2010-17.
GENSLER SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Gensler Singapore Pte. Ltd., which was established in 1965, is an international architecture, design, and planning firm. It specializes in designing a wide range of buildings and facilities owned or utilized by enterprises, organizations, and governmental bodies. Gensler Singapore's services include the entire construction process, from early planning to design, implementation, and management. Gensler provides the skills, experience, and technologies to deliver full services from initial consulting and project definition through construction administration, and follow-up post-occupancy surveys. It has offices in Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the USA. Gensler has received the Workforce Management Optimas Award and the Chief Learning Officer Learning Team Silver Award in 2009, and the AIA IDP Outstanding Firm Award from 2010-13.
SPACE MATRIX DESIGN CONSULTANTS PTE LTD
Repeated company (See Top 10 Large Local Companies No. 2) -
HASSELL DESIGN (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2009, Hassell Design Pte. Ltd. is an international design firm with studios in Australia, China, South East Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its designs are shared by the people who work in all of the studios as architects, interior designers, landscape architects, urban designers, planners, and expert consultants. Hassell Design works on a variety of scales, from the interior design of a small retail store to significant public architecture and city strategic planning.