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ELEMENTARY EXPERIMENTALISTS

May 17, 2023

VISUALISING THE CEASELESS POSSIBILITIES PRESENTED BY THE CONCEPT OF MINIMALISM, KORT STUDIO DARINGLY DEVIATES FROM THE NORM BY REVOLUTIONISING THIS DESIGN STYLE USING A MEDLEY OF INGREDIENTS: TENACIOUS ATTITUDES, BOLD IMAGINATIONS AND FOSTERED CONNECTIONS.

As clean lines and soothing palettes of the ever-so popular minimalism trend continue to effortlessly conquer the current design scene, how does an ID firm in favour of this scheme even begin to stand out from the bustling crowd of creative minds? More than capable of answering this query with much gusto and confidence is Kort Studio, an award-winning Malaysian interior architecture firm specialising in consultancy, design and build as well as custom furniture. Based in Subang Jaya, it was founded by a trio of close friends-turned-trusted partners – Syahir Ali, Wani Wagiman and Raja Diyana Raja Raffik – not too long ago in 2017. 

Rooted at the core of the company’s design ethos is a dedicated play on minimalism, affording abundant golden opportunities for the team to play with lines and utilise the given space well in order to bring a holistic perspective to design. However, their consistently fearless dive into the otherworldly realm of experimentalism has been the key to composing simple but simultaneously impactful designs that stray away from the expected and take on a whole new meaning of ‘minimalism’. 

Although the firm may seem relatively young, its go-getting proprietors have already garnered over a decade’s worth of industry knowledge and experience under their collective belts. They each share a successful history in providing top solutions to satisfy various clients in both residential and commercial sectors – a fact and feat that remains unchanged under their latest venture, bolstered by fostered relationships between the partners themselves and with the members of the small but dedicated team.

Moving towards the three-pronged services available, the consultation process involves the team collaborating to creatively ideate the clients’ briefs which span a smorgasbord of interior design, renovation and custom furniture projects. Design and build requires extruding a plan with the aim of achieving the equilibrium between aesthetic and function, embellished but not ostentatious; it essentially follows the same principles as the previous service, but with maximum on-site supervision until the project handover stage. Last but not least, Kort Studio offers bespoke designs for a wide range of furniture including tables, upholstery, chairs and shelves, crafted with a touch of individuality and radiance all on its own. 

Taking every new project that comes along as a stimulating challenge to step up their game and expand their horizons, the company is proud to own a diverse portfolio showcasing a refreshing coalescence of sometimes unconventional but always congenial styles and vibrant colours. Among them is the recently completed condominium in PJ Midtown, selectively saturated with curvatures and pops of cobalt blue, blush pink and muted green as a contemporary homage to the playful and eclectic style of postmodernism. Demonstrating their meticulous eye and consideration for detail, subtle elements of seashell quartz and fluted panels were added in to tie the home in an altogether youthful, uplifting manner.

Nevertheless, it should be said that Kort Studio certainly knows how to appreciate the pure fundamentals, finding the freedom within traditional rules of minimalism and elevating it to new heights. Exemplifying this approach is Sunway Geolake, the new double-storey townhouse imbibed with classic wainscoting panels, textured glass and suede fabrics washed in a neutral palette of light greys. Averting a sensory overload of details and hues, the refined accent of the Modern English aesthetic is then allowed to characterise the entire space. 

To the surprise of none, Kort Studio has been awarded with a well-deserved string of illustrious accolades in just 2021 alone, beginning with the title of Best Show Unit Design for the Premio project at the Atap Design Awards 2021, soon followed by wins in several distinguished categories – Best Residential Design, Women Empowering Design Award and Building Transformation Recognition Award – at the prestigious Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards 2021. 

Not one to rest on laurels, Kort Studio remains eager as ever in their burning desire to unlock new goals and aspirations. Repeatedly proving themselves as worthy competitors in the field, one can wager it’s only a matter of time before that impressive bucket list is fulfilled.

For more information, please visit www.kortstudio.com.my