Each Space Begins With You
Who We aRE
AR-kee Design Studio is a Singapore-headquartered interior design practice built on the belief that every space begins with a story — yours. Our philosophy is rooted in human-centric interior design where we listen closely to the routines, needs, and human behaviors that influence how a space should feel, function, and support its users, journeying with you from the first conversation to the final reveal of a space that feels both personal and purposeful.
John Chan
Founder
With over two decades leading MNC facility management and building restoration projects across Asia, John brings something rare to interior design: a founder who has spent his career understanding how spaces perform, age, and endure — long after the last coat of paint dries.
His background in restoration gives him an instinctive respect for the bones of a building and the materials that stand the test of time. His facility management experience means he thinks about how a space truly functions for the people inside it — not just how it photographs. Together, these shape a philosophy at AR-kee that great design isn’t just beautiful on day one; it’s purposeful and lasting.
Recognising the importance of bridging technical performance with thoughtful, narrative-led design, John works closely with qualified interior architects, designers, and artisans to ensure every project is realised with precision, integrity, and enduring quality.
He is an active member of the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS).
Jasen Chia
Lead Interior Architect & Design Strategist
SIDS Accredited Designer (Grade 1) | Award-Winning Designer
With over 15 years of experience in interior architecture and design, Jasen Chia is an award-winning Interior Architect known for crafting concept-driven, immersive environments across commercial, hospitality, and residential spaces. An accredited SIDS (Society of Interior Designers Singapore) Grade 1 designer, he upholds the highest professional standards in design excellence and practice.
Beyond practice, he brings 7 years of academic experience lecturing in diploma and degree programmes, shaping the next generation of designers and grounding his work in both theory and real-world application.His strength lies in concept creation and development — translating business strategies into spatial experiences that are both purposeful and emotionally engaging. From global brands to bespoke boutique spaces, each project is guided by a clear narrative and design intelligence.
As a design leader, Jasen works closely with clients and teams to align spatial design with brand identity, operational flow, and long-term vision — delivering spaces that are not only visually compelling, but strategically impactful.
Ian Vong
Interior Designer
With a background in interior design and hands-on experience across residential and retail projects, Ian Vong brings a grounded understanding of how design intent translates into built reality. Trained in Malaysia and shaped by professional practice with established interior design firms in Kuala Lumpur, his early career sharpened his sensitivity to detail, functionality, and the lived experience of space before he continued his journey in Singapore.
Having worked as an interior designer, project manager, and site supervisor, Ian plays a vital role in bridging storytelling and execution. He ensures each project runs smoothly from planning to completion—maintaining design integrity, construction quality, and clear communication across all stakeholders—so that every space is realised as it was envisioned, both functionally and narratively.
Jasen Chia
Lead Designer
With over a 20 years of professional experience across interior architecture, design practice, and education, Jasen brings an understanding of how spaces are conceived, articulated, and experienced. Trained as an interior architect and shaped by years of industry practice, his background allows him to translate client stories into interiors that balance meaning, functionality, and craft.
Having spent eight years lecturing at Raffles Design Institute Singapore and teaching UK-accredited programmes, Jasen has developed award-winning spaces with creative layouts and inspiring designs. Grounded in both practice and pedagogy, Jasen is known for shaping thoughtful design outcomes through a sensitive approach to materiality, spatial storytelling, and detail—ensuring each project carries clarity of intent and lasting relevance.
Ian Vong
Interior Designer
With a background in interior design and hands-on experience across residential and retail projects, Ian Vong brings a grounded understanding of how design intent translates into built reality. Trained in Malaysia and shaped by professional practice with established interior design firms in Kuala Lumpur, his early career sharpened his sensitivity to detail, functionality, and the lived experience of space before he continued his journey in Singapore.
Having worked as an interior designer, project manager, and site supervisor, Ian plays a vital role in bridging storytelling and execution. He ensures each project runs smoothly from planning to completion—maintaining design integrity, construction quality, and clear communication across all stakeholders—so that every space is realised as it was envisioned, both functionally and narratively.
Design Awards & Industry Recognition
APIDA 33RD ASIA PACIFIC INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS 2025
AR-kee was recognised at the APIDA Awards 2025 for Ray of Light, receiving the Excellence Award in the Institutional Space category — celebrating our commitment to thoughtful, story-led design that translates real needs into meaningful, human-centric spaces.
SIDA 2025 AWARDS
AR-kee was recognised at the SIDA Awards 2025 for Ray of Lights and Biophilic WorkSpaces, celebrating our commitment to thoughtful, story-led design that translates real needs into meaningful healthcare and workplace environments.
MUSE DESIGN AWARDS 2025
AR-kee proudly clinched 1 Gold and 7 Silver honours at the 2025 MUSE Design Awards. These wins celebrate our commitment to transforming every brief into a thoughtful, story-driven space — where function, identity and human experience meet through design.
SIDA 2024 AWARDS
AR-kee was recognised at the SIDA Awards 2024 for a healthcare design concept grounded in the stories and human experiences that shape meaningful spaces.
Featured Project & Press Highlights
Hear From Our Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Residential Interior Design
1. How long does a typical residential interior design project take?
Most residential projects take approximately 4 to 6 months from the initial consultation to move-in.
The timeline typically includes 6–12 weeks of design development, 2–4 weeks for approvals and preparation, and 8–12 weeks of construction and installation. Final inspections and handover typically take an additional 1–3 weeks.
Timelines may vary depending on project complexity, condominium management approvals, building material availability, and furniture lead times.
2. What does the residential design process look like?
Our residential projects follow a structured design process to ensure clarity and precision:
- Planning & Design – lifestyle consultation, concept development, and 3D visualisation
- Approvals & Preparation – condominium submissions, contractor coordination, and procurement
- Construction & Execution – demolition, electrical and plumbing works, carpentry fabrication, and finishing
- Completion & Handover – final inspections, defect rectification, and move-in preparation
This process ensures every space is carefully considered — from layout planning to material selection.
3. Can the design be customised to suit my lifestyle?
Absolutely. Every home we design begins with a deep understanding of how our clients live.
We tailor layouts, storage solutions, material palettes, and spatial flow to reflect your routines, aesthetic preferences, and long-term needs. Our goal is to create homes that feel personal, thoughtful, and timeless, rather than following a one-size-fits-all design approach.
4. How is the renovation budget determined?
Project budgets vary depending on design scope, materials, and level of customisation.
During the early design stage, we work with homeowners to establish a realistic budget and prioritise key elements such as carpentry, flooring, structural work, lighting, and furniture. Once the design is finalised, we prepare a detailed costing together with the main contractor to ensure transparency before construction begins.
Commercial Interior Design
1. How long does a commercial interior design project typically take?
Commercial timelines vary based on project type and regulatory requirements.
Typical timelines include:
- Retail shops & clinics: approximately 8–16 weeks
- Office fit-outs: around 10–14 weeks
- F&B outlets: typically 12–20 weeks, due to additional food safety and ventilation approvals
Larger flagship stores or projects involving structural changes may require longer planning and submission periods.
2. What approvals are required for commercial interior projects?
Commercial projects often require multiple regulatory approvals before construction can begin.
These may include:
- Landlord or mall management approval for design and tenancy works
- BCA submissions where structural alterations or regulated building works are involved
- SCDF Fire Safety approvals for works affecting fire protection systems, escape routes, or fire safety provisions
- NEA or SFA approvals for food & beverage or regulated operational uses
- Technical submissions by licensed professionals, such as Licensed Electrical Workers (LEW) and Licensed Plumbers (LP), for electrical and sanitary installations
- URA submissions, including conservation works or Change of Use applications where the intended business activity differs from the approved use of the premises
Our team manages these coordination permit application processes to ensure compliance with building regulations.
3. What does the commercial design workflow involve?
A typical commercial project progresses through four phases:
- Planning & Design – business discovery, spatial strategy, and concept design
- Regulatory Submissions – landlord approvals and government compliance
- Construction & Fit-out – mechanical and electrical installations, carpentry, and finishing works
- Handover – final inspections and preparation for operations
This structured workflow allows businesses to launch their spaces efficiently and with minimal disruption.
4. What factors can affect the project timeline?
Several factors may influence the overall schedule:
- Long-lead materials or custom furniture that require overseas sourcing
- Mid-project design changes requiring new regulatory submissions
- Building management restrictions on working hours or noise levels
- Complex installations such as kitchen equipment or specialised lighting
Careful planning during the design stage helps minimise delays and keeps projects on schedule.
