SIDA 2024: The Ultimate Celebration of Interior Design Talent

Published on December 10, 2024 | by DSGN arcHive

We’ve got the inside scoop on the top names in the industry for your next interior design project!

What makes interior design truly unforgettable? The Singapore Interior Design Award (SIDA) 2024, organised by the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS), gave us a front-row seat to that very question at its Gala Dinner on 8 November 2024. Held at the stunning Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the evening brought together over 500 guests from the design, architecture, and built environment sectors. It was an opportunity to celebrate the very best in the industry. With Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as the Guest-of-Honour, the night was filled with inspiration, glamour, and incredible talent.

You might be wondering why SIDA is such a big deal. Well, it’s not just any design award—it’s THE award to win in Singapore’s interior design scene. A SIDA win isn’t just about taking home a trophy. It’s about being recognised as one of the finest in the business, standing out in a competitive industry. Beyond celebrating achievements, SIDA shines a spotlight on designers, both local and international. It’s a true celebration of creativity, excellence, and innovation.

SIDA 2024

SIDA 2024 welcomed nearly 700 entries from 12 countries, with Singapore leading the way with 492 submissions. Malaysia and China followed closely, showcasing the award’s growing global recognition. This year’s event highlighted SIDA’s increasing influence, firmly establishing it as a top platform for design excellence across Asia. With 107 winners from eight countries, SIDA 2024 celebrated innovation, talent, and the exciting future of interior design. It’s clear that this award is becoming a major milestone for designers worldwide.

The jury panel brought a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the judging process. Seven renowned experts, creatives, and industry leaders from design, architecture, and hospitality, including Ar. Angelene Chan, Tulsi Grover, Gilbert Khalil, Angela Lim, Jay Osgerby, Aurélie Schwend, and Ar. Melvin H J Tan, carefully evaluated the entries. Their diverse expertise helped ensure that the best of the best were recognised. Now, let’s dive into the winning categories!

Scroll down for the full scoop or jump straight to these award categories:

SIDA 2024 SPECIAL AWARDS

1. Lifetime Achievement Award

Simon Ong, Deputy Chairman/Co-Founder at Kingsmen Creatives Ltd

Simon Ong is a true trailblazer in design and branding, leading Kingsmen’s creative journey across 18 offices in Asia Pacific and North America. Under his guidance, the company has earned top honours, including the President’s Design Award and Singapore Good Design Mark. But Simon’s passion goes beyond his work. He’s dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent. As a board director at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and honorary advisor to the Society of Interior Designers of Singapore, he’s shaping the future of the industry. With a Master’s in Design from the University of New South Wales and an MBA from the University of South Australia, his credentials are impressive. He’s also a Red Dot Design ambassador and a SHOP! Hall of Fame inductee—always pushing boundaries and inspiring creativity.

2. Designer of The Year Award

Averse Yau, Founder and Director at A Blue Cube Design

Averse Yau has made a name for himself in interior design with over a decade of experience and a sharp eye for trends. His journey took an unexpected turn in 2020 when he launched A Blue Cube Design (ABCD) during the global pandemic. Starting with just four people and a big vision, Averse faced challenges like supply chain chaos and remote work. But fast forward four years, and ABCD has grown into a team of 30. This growth proves Averse’s resilience and ability to seize opportunities. Known for designs that connect with clients, he pushes creative boundaries while keeping functionality in mind. With his passion, Averse is set to continue making waves in the design world.

3. Young Designer of The Year Award

Dickson Phoon, Twothree Design Pte. Ltd

Dickson, co-founder of Twothree Design Pte. Ltd., has a real knack for creating interiors that make everyday living a little more special. He’s all about minimalist design, loving how it brings a sense of calm with open, fuss-free spaces that are as practical as they are stylish. When he’s not busy working on projects, you’ll probably find him flipping through interior design magazines, always on the hunt for fresh ideas to spark his next big inspiration.

4. Design of The Year Award

Gwen Tan, Design Principal at The Afternaut Group

Gwen is a seasoned architect and design principal at Afternaut, recently honoured with the Design of the Year award for her work on the EDL Regional HQ. The design seamlessly integrates architecture and interiors, using light, shade, and colour to create a contemporary space that perfectly reflects the company’s image. Thoughtfully planned spaces blend functionality and style, with interiors that feel cohesive throughout. With over 20 years of experience, Gwen thrives on tackling diverse challenges across industries. As a co-founder of Formwerkz Architects and Studio iF, she has worked on projects across Singapore, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, and the UK. Gwen leads her teams to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, always pushing creative boundaries. Her commitment to designing thoughtful, lasting spaces leaves a lasting impact on the built environment.

Read more about the EDL Regional HQ here.

5. Best Design Firm of The Year Award

Super Assembly

Super Assembly takes a fresh approach to architecture, ditching rigid formulas and opting for open-ended exploration with every project. They’re all about tuning into people and the environment to craft designs that truly connect with the community, culture, and nature around them. Collaboration is at the heart of what they do—they reckon the best results come from building strong partnerships with clients, working together to bring their values and ideas to life. Forget sticking to the rulebook; Super Assembly loves to push boundaries, spark new ideas, and challenge the norm. It’s all about creating thoughtful, impactful designs that feel right and make a lasting difference.

6. Design Educator of The Year Award

Ho Sock Yee, Course Chair at Temasek Polytechnic

Sock Yee is a well-known name in Singapore’s interior design and architecture scene. After graduating from the University of Tasmania, she became a registered architect in 2012 and has been making waves ever since. As a director at VivATA Pte Ltd, she worked on various projects, including designing three mosques, which helped her connect with different communities. Today, she shapes the future of design as the Course Chair for the Diploma in Interior Architecture & Design at Temasek Polytechnic. She also launched the Specialist Diploma in Interior Design Practice and the Diploma in Sustainable Built Environment, combining design, business, and eco-friendly ideas. With her roles at the Singapore Institute of Architects and the Society of Interior Designers Singapore, Sock Yee is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

SIDA 2024 YOUTH EXCELLENCE AWARDS

This year marked the launch of the inaugural SIDA Youth Excellence Award, celebrating three outstanding students with bursaries for their exceptional academic achievements. Keep reading for all the details!

1. Vanessa Wijaya, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Bali-born designer Vanessa Wijaya creates stunning spaces inspired by her island’s natural beauty and culture. Her work balances forms, light, and shadow to reflect tranquility and understated elegance. Passionate about sustainability, she blends architecture, art, and craftsmanship in her designs. With a love for innovation and active involvement in interior design competitions, Vanessa proves her dedication to crafting spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

2. Chak An Qi, Temasek Polytechnic

An Qi, a final-year Interior Architecture & Design student at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore, is passionate about crafting spaces that tell stories and leave lasting impressions. She’s spent her time honing technical skills, exploring design software, and bringing her creative visions to life with the support of mentors and peers. Outside the studio, she finds inspiration in urban sketching, whether capturing the buzz of city life or the stillness of home. With a love for design and a keen eye for detail, An Qi is excited to create spaces that are not only practical but also spark joy and inspiration for everyone who experiences them.

3. Yong Xin Lin Charissa, Singapore Polytechnic

Charissa, a final-year Diploma Interior Design (DID) student at Singapore Polytechnic, is passionate about crafting user-focused spaces and excelling in her field. Actively involved in student-led events, she’s chaired key initiatives like DID Day and SP’s freshmen orientations, and now leads as the DID head for the AY24/25 ABE Graduation Show. A top achiever, she’s on the Director’s Honour Roll and won the ABE Prize for topping her cohort. Through competitions, internships, and hands-on projects, Charissa hones her skills in narrative-driven design, always eager to learn and grow in the world of spatial design.

Since kicking off in 2017, SIDA has gone from being a platform for showcasing Singapore’s design talent to a widely respected regional competition, raising the bar for design excellence across Asia. Judging by this year’s success, we can’t help but look forward to the 2025 cohort with heaps of excitement!

Click here for the full list of winners.

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About DSGN arcHive

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