Interior Design Course Tutors

Get to Know Yun

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into interior design?

I have been interested in art and design since I was young and during my foundation year at Lasalle College of the Arts I was exposed to various arts and design elements and from there I found my direction and interest in Interior Design.

What inspired you to become an interior design tutor?

I was inspired by my lecturer who did his best to guide us as students during our days in college. It triggered me during my days as a fresh grad, when colleagues in the company weren't as willing to share their experience or knowledge, instead keeping everything to themselves.

I became the opposite to this as I gained more experience, and the company started to let me manage and guide the interns. I will always do my best to teach them things they don't learn in school.

What are some essential skills or qualities that every interior designer should possess?

Hand drawing or computer skills are important, but being good at both is even better to achieve competency as a professional interior designer.

Being able to visualise things in your head is what every designer should be able to do. Whether it be the outcome of the design, issues that may arise in the future or actions having a different impact vs client expectations.

What are some favourite projects you have worked on?

I personally prefer residential projects compared to other kinds of interior design work such as commercial, FnB, retail or offices.

I feel the excitement and accomplishment in residential projects accommodating a range of clients with diverse preferences in style. This makes each project unique and their satisfaction with the work makes me happy.

What is your teaching philosophy when it comes to interior design?

I was a student once so I understand that not all students have Interior Design related backgrounds or may not be tech-savvy or able to communicate in English fluently. My philosophy is always to be patient and do my best to explain their queries and motivate them to move forward instead of giving up halfway.

What are some key skills and knowledge areas you focus on in your courses?

My focus is more on space planning, scale, and proportion hand drawings or computer-drawn assignments. My observation is that most students struggle with these particular assignments compared to the rest.

How would you describe your design style and where do you draw inspiration from?

My primary style would be modern contemporary as I feel that it is a more timeless kind of design style. I drew inspiration from my experience in different renovated houses where the client wanted a complete makeover after just 4-5 years. Their reason for change was feeling that their interiors were outdated or because their kids didn’t like a certain cartoon character anymore. For child bedroom interiors, I will always tell my client it is not about going full out with a pink and white colour scheme with rooms with "hello kitty" laminates for carpentries and wallpapers because your kid likes them. As one day, if they don't like it you will need to demolish and change everything again.

So I always propose something modern, contemporary and neutral; and suggest decorating the room with the characters the kids love in the form of loose items and not built-in ones.

Who are your biggest influences in the field of interior design?

Zaha Hadid's work. Since my college days I have always admired her works in architecture, interior or even prototype products. Organic, Simple, clean design and colour schemes. I find it a good challenge in my local country where apartments are small where I derived my style as "function follows form" which is the opposite as well.

What is your favourite part about being a tutor?

Being able to be there for students and guide them through till they have completed the course without giving up.

What advice would you give to new students?

My advice is perseverance. The course may not be easy, certain students may have no experience or some with limited experience in certain areas. Be it getting into the course as an interest, hobby, career switch, or a new startup. Push yourself throughout the course and gain experience as an all-rounded designer then focus on the particular interior design field. In interior design, it is important to be all-rounded for you to plan the entire project efficiently. Tutors are always here to help and guide so don't give up as we won't give up on you.