Singapore – The Singapore Interior Design Award (SIDA) 2024 celebrated the pinnacle of spatial and interior design excellence at the awards Gala Dinner held on 8 November 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, attended by Guest-of-Honour Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development, with over 500 guests from design, architecture, and the built environment business sectors.
Presented by the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS), SIDA is an annual competition aimed to recognise exceptional projects and practitioners in the design industryworldwide. The award also features a dedicated category for Singapore-based designers – Luminary – one of the highest levels of recognition in Singapore, honouring designers who have significantly impacted the industry.
In its 8th edition, SIDA 2024 had received almost 700 submission entries from 12 countries. Submissions from Singapore made up a significant share of the submissions with 492 entries, with Malaysia and China trailing. This year also saw new submissions from Cambodia and United Kingdom, an exciting observation which underlines SIDA’s nascent reach outside Singapore. A total of 107 participants from 8 nations were honoured with the SIDA 2024. United by a strong design know-how and holding diverse experiences, the jury panel for SIDA 2024 is made up of international renowned experts, creatives, and industry leaders in the fields of design, architecture, and hospitality.
Brandon Fee, Chairman of SIDA 2024, is heartened: “Since its inception in 2017, SIDA has grown from a platform dedicated to spotlighting Singapore-based designers to a highly respected regional competition that sets the bar for design excellence across Asia. Each year, our finalists represent a dynamic blend of experienced professionals and emerging talents, illustrating that SIDA’s design-centric criteria ensure a level playing field for all, regardless of project scale or budget.”
SIDA 2024 Highlights
Lifetime Achievement Award: Simon Ong, Kingsmen Creatives (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Ong is a pioneer in his field who continues to push the boundaries of experiential design. His countless contributions to the industry are an inspiration to all designers in Singapore and all over the world. There is so much more which we should learn from a mentor like him.
Designer of the Year: Averse Yau, A Blue Cube Design (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Yau’s virtuosity is evident in his plethora of works, each with their own character. His play with materials and colour is commendable, underscored by his attention to detail.
Young Designer of the Year: Dickson Phoon, Twothree Design (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Phoon has impressed us with his thoughtful approach to modern luxury. His work reflects a refined sensibility and dedication to creating spaces that are both stylish and functional, embodying the principles of contemporary design with a timeless appeal.
Best Design Firm of the Year: Super Assembly (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Super Assembly’s design approach is clear and consistent, representative of this generation’s aesthetic pursuits. This current trajectory is very promising for a young and dynamic architectural practice that delves in all aspects of design.
Design Educator of the Year: Ho Sock Yee, Temasek Polytechnic (Singapore)
[Jury citation] Ho’s passion in education extends beyond the classroom, towards practice and the industry. Her contributions towards various professional associations and the community speaks volumes of her character and altruism. Remaining relevant in practice and industry is important for an educator shaping the minds of our next generation and she should continue to do so.
Design of the Year: EDL Regional Headquarters, Gwen Tan, The Afternaut Group (Singapore)
[Jury citation] EDL Regional HQ elegantly ties the architecture and interiors together through its sensitive play of light, shade, and colour. The design is contemporary and on point, befitting the company’s image. Many interesting spaces have been planned for, where the interiors are well integrated.
As the world of interior design continue to grow and evolve, SIDA offers a valuable platform for showcasing creativity, skill, and innovation. The competition not only bring attention to talented designers, but also shines the spotlight on young designer students seeking to join the profession through SIDA Youth Category. In alignment with its commitment to nurturing emerging talent, the award has expanded to include the inaugural SIDA Youth Excellence Award, an annual bursary programme recognising three students enrolled in local Institute of Higher Learnings (IHLs) with SGD3,000 each.
Tung Ching Yew, President of Society of Interior Designers Singapore, adds: “As Singapore’s leading professional body for the industry, the Society aims to position itself as a vital pillar of quality and credibility. One of our proudest milestones is achieving this through SIDA where we recognise not only veteran practitioners, but also aspiring design students who will be the next generation of design leaders.”
2024 also marks the Society’s 30th anniversary. As Singapore’s leading professional body for the industry, SIDS endeavours to shape the future of the industry, profession and of design. During the Gala Dinner, Tung shared significant milestones the Society has achieved over the last three decades and current challenges the industry is facing. Addressing the recent spate of negative renovation-related news, the Society will be embarking on an awareness campaign for Singapore Interior Designers Accreditation Scheme (SIDAS) to educate homeowners and project owners on the importance of hiring accredited professionals who adhere to the highest standards in design, ethics, and safety.
