Two leading interior design entrepreneurs, Jemica Cheah, Co-Founder and Creative Director of the award-winning studio WHAT Design and John Jong, Managing Director of the renowned Thinkscape Design Works shared valuable insights into running a successful design business to our Interior Design students.
Jemica Cheah showcased some of her team’s impressive projects, ranging from residential and showroom spaces to corporate offices. She emphasized the importance of having confidence in your design vision while also prioritizing client needs. Each project, she explained, begins with an in-depth research process that helps develop unique concepts and sources of inspiration. “The projects require a lot of research and, most importantly, understanding your client,” said Cheah. She walked the audience through her step-by-step approach to truly understanding her clients’ visions. Beyond formal meetings, Cheah takes the initiative to meet them on site and engage in friendly conversations to get to know them better. “When talking to clients, you need to know their likes, dislikes, and even their hobbies. This way, you can incorporate these meaningful details into their space, especially in their homes,” she added. Meanwhile, John Jong, offered a glimpse into the complexities of large-scale projects. He shared the collaborative workflow involving architects, interior designers, and graphic designers to deliver well-rounded creative solutions. His company not only manages the design and blueprints of a project but also oversees its marketing, advertising, and promotional aspects. Jong has a vast experience in the industry and expanded his knowledge in several different directions. This not only shows the ever-evolving side of this industry but the immense creative workforce needed to run just a single design firm. It gave students a great insight into the huge world of interior design.
During the Q&A session, one of the students asked both speakers what they look for in fresh graduates applying for a job. Both Cheah and Jong agreed that it ultimately depends on attitude, particularly their eagerness to learn, explore, and embrace real-world exposure. “When I was an Interior Design student, I didn’t get good grades, but I knew how to network and understood the art of design. So, when it comes to applicants who come to our company, we mainly look for designers who love their job and are excited to learn,” said Cheah.
