Averse Yau Reveals the Secrets Behind His Award-Winning Design Journey
Published on December 19, 2024 | by DSGN arcHive
We take a closer look at Averse Yau’s creative philosophy and the innovative approach that’s earned him the title of Designer of the Year
What sets an interior designer apart? For Averse Yau, founder of A Blue Cube Design (ABCD), it’s all about creating spaces that feel personal and purposeful. With a keen eye for design and a real commitment to sustainability, Averse has a knack for turning everyday spaces into extraordinary ones that inspire and last. Recently named Designer of the Year at the Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA) 2024, his work is helping to redefine what design with purpose really means. His approach blends beauty, practicality, and eco-consciousness, proving that great design and sustainability can absolutely go hand in hand.
We caught up with Averse to get a closer look at his creative philosophy and the innovative process behind his award-winning work. In the interview, he also shared his journey of starting a company in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and how he navigated the challenges of those uncertain times. Scroll down for all the details.
Inside Averse Yau’s Design Journey
1. You’ve worked with esteemed firms before founding ABCD. What key lessons or influences from those experiences have you carried with you into your own practice?
My design journey has been shaped by two distinct but equally impactful experiences. I began my career at an established firm, which became a pivotal part of my growth as both a designer and a leader. Over that period, I learned how to run a business, manage employees, and lead a creative team. This role taught me the importance of systematising processes and managing projects with efficiency. It also gave me the opportunity to mentor young designers and share my knowledge, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous learning. Moreover, working closely with authorities like HDB and BCA helped me refine my communication and negotiation skills, which are essential for navigating the regulatory landscape of design.
After that, I spent a year at a small firm, where I gained valuable experience in handling problems independently. I further honed my skills in sourcing materials and suppliers while developing critical thinking to effectively target and engage with the right audience. This experience provided me with a strong foundation in tackling practical design challenges.
Being recognised as SIDA’s Designer of the Year in 2024 is a testament to this journey. It reflects the combination of my independent problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and unwavering commitment to creating high-quality, purposeful designs.
2. Having led A Blue Cube Design to win numerous accolades at the Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA), what do you believe differentiates your firm in such a dynamic and ever-evolving industry?
Firstly, innovation and creativity drive everything we do. We challenge conventions and constantly explore new ways to integrate functionality with cutting-edge design. This not only helps us stay ahead of trends but also enables us to set them.
Secondly, client collaboration remains a fundamental part of our approach. We believe a successful design must resonate with the client’s vision and goals. By tailoring each design to their needs, we ensure it is both meaningful and impactful, ultimately enhancing user lifestyles.
Another key differentiator is our unwavering commitment to sustainability. As the design industry moves toward more environmentally responsible practices, we have integrated sustainable solutions into our processes—from material sourcing to energy-efficient design.
Finally, strong leadership and a cohesive team culture are crucial to our success. As a leader, I focus on guiding the creative vision while fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the firm. This empowers my team to push boundaries and take ownership of their projects.
By blending creativity, client collaboration, sustainability, and strong leadership, we consistently deliver designs that excel in both aesthetic quality and functional excellence. This dedication is reflected in our accolades at SIDA.
3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while growing your team from four to 30 in just four years, and how did overcoming them influence your design approach?
One of the biggest challenges was maintaining consistent communication and collaboration as the team grew. As the team expanded, we needed to establish better communication channels and workflows to stay aligned. By introducing regular team training, implementing project management tools, and creating clear communication lines, we successfully overcame this challenge.
Another challenge was ensuring the quality and consistency of design across a growing team. As we brought in new designers with unique styles and approaches, it became essential to introduce the firm’s core design philosophy while still allowing them creative freedom. To address this, I implemented a mentoring system where senior designers actively guided younger team members. This helped them understand the core principles that define our work while also encouraging innovation.
Recruitment and talent retention were also significant challenges. I focused on hiring individuals who were not only highly skilled but also aligned with our values and vision for design. This approach helped us build a team that was both exceptionally talented and deeply invested in the firm’s success.
Finally, managing the increased complexity of projects as the team grew required more structured project management and process optimisation. To address this, we introduced standardised processes with clear timelines, efficient delegation systems, and improved client management strategies. These changes ensured smoother operations and better coordination across the team.
I realized that fostering a collaborative environment where everyone felt empowered and valued not only led to better designs but also to stronger team morale and productivity.
4. Considering the impact of the global pandemic on the industry, how did you manage to adapt to the challenges of remote work and supply chain disruptions without compromising the quality of your projects?
As a firm that values collaboration and creativity, we found ways to keep the design process fluid and productive despite physical distance. We quickly adopted digital tools for collaboration, including virtual design presentations and 3D modelling software. Remote work also fostered a stronger sense of autonomy among team members, empowering them to manage their tasks while remaining integrated into the collaborative process.
To address supply chain disruptions, we stayed proactive and flexible in sourcing alternative materials and suppliers. We strengthened relationships with local suppliers and diversified our network to ensure we could respond swiftly to any disruptions. We also worked closely with our clients to manage expectations. This helped maintain trust and transparency throughout the process.
To ensure the quality of our designs and final deliverables, we adopted a more systematic approach to project management. By maintaining open communication with contractors and suppliers, we identified challenges early on and made timely adjustments to keep projects on track.
The pandemic also prompted us to reflect on how we could make more resilient and adaptable designs by incorporating flexible, multi-functional spaces. Moreover, the lessons learned in managing disruptions have made us more proactive in planning, ensuring we are better prepared for the future.
5. You’ve mentioned that luck and hard work go hand in hand in your journey. Could you share a specific moment when hard work met opportunity, and how you were able to seize that moment?
I’ve always believed that luck and hard work go hand in hand. In my journey, there was a pivotal moment where hard work met opportunity, and it completely changed the trajectory of my career.
Several years ago, I worked on a modest residential design project for a mass-market interior design firm. I dedicated myself to perfecting every detail and ensuring the client’s vision was fully realised. One day, I was unexpectedly invited to present the design to a large group of the client’s friends. It was an opportunity I hadn’t anticipated, but I was ready. The attention to detail and passion I had poured into the project paid off. I showcased not only the technical aspects but also my broader vision for design and its impact on the client’s lifestyle.
That presentation opened the door to a major opportunity, which not only boosted my portfolio but also gave me the visibility needed to attract a larger group of clients. It was a defining moment when hard work aligned with opportunity, and my focus on delivering excellence in every project made all the difference.
That experience taught me a valuable lesson: hard work lays the foundation, but recognising and seizing the right opportunities is what truly defines your growth.
6. In your opinion, how has the interior design landscape in Singapore evolved over the past decade, and where do you see it heading in the next few years?
Over the past decade, Singapore’s interior design landscape has evolved significantly. Key factors driving this change include technological advancements, sustainability, globalisation, and shifting client expectations.
In recent years, the industry has shifted towards greater personalisation and functionality. Clients today are no longer just seeking beautiful spaces—they want environments that reflect their personal identities, work habits, and lifestyles. This growing demand has led to more customised designs, focusing on creating unique, multi-functional spaces, especially in urbanised settings where space is limited.
One of the most notable transformations has been the integration of technology. The rise of smart homes has revolutionised space design, placing greater emphasis on automation, energy efficiency, and user experience. These advancements have compelled interior designers to become more tech-savvy, and to craft spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally advanced.
Sustainability has also become a central focus in recent years. There is now a stronger emphasis on using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable practices in design. This shift has been driven not only by global environmental concerns but also by a growing awareness within Singapore’s design community and among clients. As a result, there is increasing demand for green buildings, recycled materials, and upcycled furniture in both residential and commercial projects.
Looking ahead, I believe Singapore’s interior design landscape will continue to evolve, with sustainability and technology playing even more pivotal roles. The next few years are likely to bring further advancements in smart design. Interiors will not only be visually captivating but also deeply integrated with intelligent systems that support health, wellness, and energy management.
Biophilic design is also set to gain more traction. As Singapore’s urban environment becomes denser, people are seeking stronger connections to nature within their living and working spaces. The use of indoor plants, natural materials, and daylight optimisation will become even more integral to interior design. This shift will enable individuals to create holistic, restorative spaces that support mental and physical well-being.
Additionally, there will likely be a growing demand for modular, flexible designs that can easily adapt to changing needs. With the global rise of remote work and hybrid work models, people are increasingly looking for interiors that can function as both professional and personal spaces.
Finally, cultural influences will continue to shape design trends in Singapore. With the city’s increasingly diverse population and its status as a global hub, designers will draw inspiration from local heritage, Asian traditions, and international influences. This approach will result in spaces that feel unique yet remain deeply connected to the local context.
In summary, the future of interior design in Singapore will be defined by a strong fusion of technology, sustainability, and personalisation. As designers, we must stay adaptable, keeping our finger on the pulse of emerging trends while responding to the evolving needs of our clients and the broader environment.
7. Looking ahead, what are some of the upcoming trends or concepts in interior design that you’re particularly excited about?
One of the biggest trends I’m excited about is the continued rise of sustainability in interior design. As clients become more environmentally conscious, there’s a growing demand for eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and designs that reduce the carbon footprint. I’m particularly drawn to biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into the built environment.
Another trend that excites me is the increasing integration of smart technology into interior spaces. With the growing demand for smart homes, there’s a need for interiors that are seamlessly connected and more intuitive.
The pandemic has also changed how we use our spaces, and I believe one of the long-term shifts will be the increasing demand for flexible, multi-functional environments. Additionally, there is a heightened focus on how our surroundings affect mental and physical well-being, driving efforts to promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and enhance overall health.
I’m also thrilled by the growing desire for personalisation in interior design. Today, clients want their spaces to reflect their personal tastes, values, and lifestyles, moving away from generic trends. This trend often connects to a deeper appreciation for local culture and heritage, as people seek designs that celebrate their roots and identity.
8. As a designer who has navigated both the challenges of a growing business and the shifting design trends, how do you stay inspired and continue to push the boundaries of creativity in your work?
One of the main ways I stay inspired is by continuously seeking new knowledge and exposure to different perspectives. Whether it’s attending industry events, design exhibitions, or engaging with other creative professionals from various fields, I find that the cross-pollination of ideas often sparks fresh concepts and inspiration.
Additionally, I actively explore emerging design trends and innovative technologies. Whether experimenting with sustainable materials or biophilic design, staying updated allows me to push the boundaries of what is possible in the design space.
Creativity thrives in a collaborative environment, and I make a point to surround myself with a team that shares my passion for pushing creative boundaries. I also find inspiration in the fresh perspectives and bold ideas that younger designers bring to the table. Their enthusiasm and willingness to experiment challenge me to think in new and exciting directions.
Running a growing business and navigating challenges, such as project constraints or shifting client expectations, has taught me that limitations often fuel creativity. By actively employing creative problem-solving techniques, we turn obstacles into stepping stones for more original and refined solutions.
Another way I stay creatively inspired is by pursuing personal design projects outside of my professional work. Whether it’s redesigning a space in my home or collaborating on smaller design ventures, these projects offer the freedom to experiment without restrictions.
Lastly, travel and cultural exploration have been invaluable to my creative journey. Experiencing different cultures, landscapes, and architectural styles from around the world has greatly expanded my design vocabulary. Exposure to diverse environments inspires me to create spaces that tell unique, personal stories. It also encourages me to view familiar settings with fresh eyes, integrating new elements from other parts of the world into my own designs.
We’re certain that budding interior designers can learn a lot from Averse Yau’s design journey. A huge thank you to Averse for sharing his invaluable insights and thoughts on his path to success. Click here to discover more about Averse and the exciting projects he’s driving forward in the world of interior design.
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