Cosentino kicks off the first Design x Dialogue in partnership with IDr Lai Siew Hong

The first of its quarterly sessions explore the minds and design journeys of two creative experts who are inspired by their surroundings and environments

(L-R) Edward Tan and IDr Lai Siew Hong at the Cosentino Showroom

Cosentino in partnership with IDr Lai Siew Hong, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Designer host a series of Design x Dialogue sessions throughout the year to inspire and stir the curious minds of the local interior design and architectural community in Malaysia. In line with Cosentino’s commitment to supporting the local community of interior designers or architecture, Cosentino kicks off its inaugural Cosentino Design X Dialogue session titled “Journey in Design and Discovery”, the first of its four-part series session that spotlights two up-and-coming designers Edward Tan, Founder of Spacemen Studio and graphic designer turned product designer Wei Ming Tan, Founder of Aureole Design.

Held at the Cosentino Showroom, the session saw the attendance of architects and famed interior designers such as IDr Ooi Boon Seong, President of Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) and Matthew Lim from MLA Design, who were interested to tap into the young minds of the designers and learn how these creative minds derive their design inspiration from and come out with practical and creative solutions that can be implemented into various projects from residential projects to retail stores.

(L-R) Edward Tan, Wei Ming Tan and IDr Lai Siew Hong at the Cosentino Showroom

Founder of Aureole Design, Wei Ming, shares that most of her inspiration comes from her nostalgic experiences and nature when she was growing up with her grandmother. Be it from trees and plants to sea shells, she shared that “they have a well-calculated design structure to form its shape – their DNA pattern. They are aesthetically pleasing in form and balance,”shared Wei Ming. The graphic designer turned product designer explores beyond the two-dimensional and continues to draw influences from her experience working with geometry forms, proportions and balance in her designs.

For instance, drawing inspiration from hand-woven palm leaves, she designed the Ketupat series, adapting them in rattan. This series is a collection of low-seating pouffes – an adaptation of our ‘Asian floor culture’ and is expandable into bespoke dimensions based on requirements. Another example is her Geometry series where she explored the Art of Paper Folding in the form of ceramic ware and comprises of both pendants and table lights which can bring a space together.

(L-R) The Ketupat Series - Geometric Series by Aureole Design

Wei Ming also added that “design is purposeful”. Though functionality is a priority, the aesthetic helps to elevate the piece that differentiates it from other mass-produced products, she hopes to give anyone added value and experience when they are present in the space.

(L-R) Edward Tan presenting at the Cosentino Showroom

On the other hand, Edward Tan, Founder and Director of Spacemen often gains his inspiration from his travel, films and nature. He takes a non-contextual approach to designs with concepts like transportive architecture, emotional spaces and impact. He designs spaces that are intentionally dramatic by using materials, forms, colour and spatial journeys to create environments that evoke emotions, where people would put down their phones and be moved by the environment.

(L-R) Edward Tan and IDr Lai Siew Hong - IDr Lai Siew Hong and Edward Tan at the Cosentino Showroom

He shared examples from his projects with local brand Braun Buffel’s flagship stores located in IOI City Mall at Putrajaya and Gardens Mall. For the flagship store in IOI City Mall, he drew inspiration from nature and took a bold and experimental approach with a biophilic centerpiece to transport anyone that steps into the store to another destination. Taking an abstract interpretation to create an immersive experience, he played around with different elements of nature like the moss installation, the green onyx feature wall and sunlight beaming in from the ceiling. On the other hand, the Braun Buffel's flagship store at Garden Malls drew inspiration from rock formations. To create an illusionary experience, he designed the space with a sienna-colored installation evoking a meteor rock at the heart of the store. Edward often taps into his inspirations from sci-fi films and approach of maximalism and minimalism in hopes to entice and catch the attention of anyone that walks by.

(L-R) Braun Buffel Flagship store at IOI City Mall at Putrajaya - Gardens Mall designed by Spacemen

Mark your calendars for the second Design x Dialogue session happening on 27th June 2023.

To start your design and discovery journey and explore inspirational design ideas from Cosentino,  you can visit the Cosentino Malaysia showroom at No.1, Jalan TSB 8, Taman Industri Sungai Buloh, 47000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor or contact 03-8230 3954 to book an appointment, or visit here.