Pristine Magnificence: Q&A with Simon Yew, Founder of ST Concepts

ST Concepts

Address:

1M, Jalan Gottlieb, Bagan Jermal, 10350 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

T: +6012 422 9332 / 604 228 4332

What is St Concepts all about?
The Company was established in 2003, almost right after I graduated in architecture and interior design in Penang. We currently have a team of three and they go through something that’s more than mere designing — I train my designers to handle everything, including what’s out of their job scope. For example, they should know what a site coordinator needs to do at a site, including the more technical aspect of a house. ST Concepts is different that way because practically speaking, there are lots of things beyond our control when it comes to planning and designing a home, so the team needs to know the ins and outs of the entire project to come up with solutions. For all they know, their designs could be fantastic, but practicality and functionality may be lacking.

What’s a principle you hold onto when it comes to work?
Always have the desire to improve and willingness to try new things! Even though we’ve been around for 14 years, new things are always developing and we need to stay ahead to serve our customers better. Moreover, it is every interior designer’s dream to create a place customers can call “home sweet home”.

Has the company always been commissioned residential projects?
I’d say the majority of our work lies in residential but we do get the odd one or two commercial projects should the need arise; for instance, retail outlets, spas, salons, offices and college classrooms. ST Concepts also provides consultation for overseas clientele, most of which are located in Singapore, Bangkok and Guangzhou, China. The differences between those markets and Malaysia, however, are significantly vast as they prioritise aesthetics over functionality — design always comes first. For Malaysian customers, we place more emphasis on practicality in interior design.

What sort of challenges have you encountered throughout your career?
There’s no doubt every assignment has its challenges, but I’d see it as a learning opportunity. There’s no point perceiving hard times negatively because I wouldn’t be able to learn and accept new things or expand my horizons. This is a dream, but I would love to design a home for revered architect Steve Leung one day — that would be my greatest challenge ever! He knows so much and if I were ever given the opportunity, it would be a unique experience and an honour to step up to his level.

Where do you see the company going?
Our 15th anniversary is approaching and it’s quite an achievement, but in three years’ time, I want to see ST Concepts equipped with a good team who can take our business further. Every industry is overflowing with talents but it is vital that we bring up and nurture these individuals to greater heights, so that our industry can flourish. At the same time, I’d also want the Company to explore more design scopes in various fields.