Interior design is not just about making spaces look good; it’s a complex art form that involves creativity, innovation, and vision to transform spaces into functional, inviting, and awe-inspiring works of art. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Designer Spotlight, our new series that takes you behind the scenes and into the minds of the most influential interior designers in the business.

Our goal is to delve into the minds of these creative powerhouses, learn about their unique approaches, and uncover what makes them stand out in the field. We kick off the series with Elvin Tan, Principal of Elvin Tan Design, who has established a reputation for creating spaces that are a feast for the eyes while still highly functional and innovative.

Join us on an exciting journey through the fascinating world of design and gain insights from the best in the business. Get ready to be inspired and informed as we shine the spotlight on the most prominent names in interior design.

U: Looking at your recent work for St Station, through to older projects like St Kim and KZO – you don’t shy away from using colour! What’s your approach when introducing your clients to bold palettes?

E: We’re very proud to use colour! Our projects are generally commercial (retail, hospitality) where we feel you can push the boundary a bit! If the client gives us a branding pack with a couple of colours in it, we like to really push them in the design – the sky is the limit! I think that clients are often afraid to incorporate colour in their interiors, until they see what we can do with it! We’re doing a restaurant at the moment, and it’s all pink – the walls, floors, everything! It’s great. Colourful designs make a space much more memorable as opposed to a safer, cleaner project.

U: What is your design process, and does it vary from project to project?

E: The process is fairly similar across all projects, but the way we approach it can vary. One thing that stays consistent in our design process is establishing a clear brief in the beginning, so that there are no surprises in the end. Then, we essentially try our best to hold our client’s hand until the end, so we can give them the best possible outcome based on what they asked for.

U: What do you think differentiates Elvin Tan from other interior designers?

E: That’s a very interesting question! I’m not sure if we’re necessarily different, but we have our way of approaching projects. We always put the client first, I have to remind myself sometimes that it is the client’s business we’re designing not my own! The most important thing to us at Elvin Tan Design is that we deliver a project that clients are proud to call their own. The scale or budget doesn’t matter as much as giving clients something they never could have imagined they’d have.

Pantre, Melbourne VIC –  Elvin Tan Design

U: What are your tips for collaborating with clients to create the best possible space?

E: The number one tip is to organise a face-to-face meeting straightaway. That way, you can discuss expectations, briefs, and get an understanding of each other’s businesses and processes. Another tip is to keep everyone in the loop on everything – no change is too small! We have been doing a lot of projects in shopping centres lately, which has made us realise how many layers of coordination there are, so it’s super important! We have a rule where we must create a WhatsApp group for every project so there are no surprises for anyone involved in the project – it really helps! My last tip would be making sure the client has a good builder that matches the client’s style of collaboration. The relationship between the client, designer and builder is crucial because we all work together so closely to create. It’s a process for sure, but the end outcome is always worth it.

U: What role do you believe interior design plays in creating a successful business?

E: It definitely plays a big role. As an interior designer, you have to understand the brand and what the business is trying to sell (for commercial, this is). As a designer, I have my own way of thinking, but I put myself in the position of the client, because at the end of the day they’re the ones using the space. For example, in a restaurant, flow is super important because it determines how everything works – where guests sit, where chefs cook, where dishes are cleaned. Interior design also plays a huge part in how a business can grow. We like to design spaces that are simple and have the ability to adapt to changes, like different stock or arrangements.

U: What do you love most about your job as an interior designer?

E: A little fact about me is, I graduated from RMIT with a Masters of Architecture, so I’m actually a registered architect! At my first job I was pushed towards interior design, and I never looked back! There are so many things to love about it. The creativity, the possibility, the variety. The feeling you get when a project opens to the public is so rewarding, it’s unlike anything else! I’ve also learnt so much about different industries through working with clients. Overall, I love taking on the challenge and doing your best for your client.

St. Station, Melbourne VIC by Elvin Tan Design

U: What are your upcoming trends predictions?

E: Sustainability! There are lots of processes in place now to ensure that projects are done with sustainability at the forefront of designers’ minds. The range of sustainable materials aren’t super extensive but we’re definitely getting there! Another trend I see coming is colour (our forte!) since coming out of Covid lockdowns. I think people are starting to stray away from neutrals, especially in Australia.

Quick Fire Questions:

U: Working digitally or on paper?

E: That’s hard! Maybe half-half, because as much as I try to be digital, I need my pen and paper otherwise I miss things!

U: Early bird or night owl?

E: Early bird. I wake up at 5:30am every day – it’s the best time to work! I do all my admin the morning so by 9am all my emails are up to date, and I can focus on designing and meeting clients during the day.

U: Favourite project?

E: It’s like choosing between your own babies! There are so many. We’ve been doing bigger Asian grocery stores that are more forwarding thinking and less traditional than your typical Asian grocer which is fun! We also love doing spas and fresh food retail.

U: Guilty pleasure?

E: Dessert – I have such a sweet tooth! Sometimes I bake brownies to have for breakfast… people think I’m crazy.

U: Best and worst interior design trends?

E: Best: something timeless, like beiges and greys (but not boring!). Worst: rose gold. It just doesn’t work for me!

U: You’re hosting your dream dinner party, who are your three guests?

E: I’d love to have dinner with Michelle Yeoh, she’s great! We’re both from Malaysia so I’d love to meet her. The other two guests would be designers that I love, maybe Andre Fu and Joyce Wang. It would be cool to hear what goes through their brains.

U: What’s next for Elvin Tan Design?

E: My long term goal is grow to a team of 10! Five years ago, I started the business with just myself, then my business partner Shirley joined me in my tiny home office, and now we have a team of eight and have just moved into an office that fits us all!

Learn more about Elvin Tan Design here.

Whether you’re a designer interested in being featured in Designer Spotlight or a looking for innovative design and fit-out solutions to level up your business, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch here