A designer may employ personal and artistic approaches to a project, but he or she remains a problem-solver,” declares Molina Hun, cofounder, with Sujono Lim, of the design practice Sujonohun. “The aesthetic and the functional are inseparable, not as a ‘fifty-fifty’ equation, but more of an amalgamation. So, although there is no single approach or formula that works for every project, an ideal solution is one that addresses its unique context and specific requirements.”
Established in 2014, Sujonohun started with a vision to create personalized concept propositions, implement the designs mindfully, and execute the built spaces meticulously. The studio is based in Singapore where five creatives are running it; another team of seven, based Indonesia, runs their own projects and helps out the Singapore team, as well.
The growing number of projects that the teams handle, and the corresponding increase in team members, occasionally divide their attention. But Hun assures that they only take on projects that are close to their hearts and passion – the ones that they can deal with on a personal level.
“More than a style or a design language, which varies according to the specific context of the project and the people with whom we collaborate, Sujonohun is explorative and attentive in terms of execution,” Hun says. “So, anyone looking at our portfolio will find our style to be a bit more diverse, but one common trait that is present across our projects is well-executed design detail.”
- GATHERING THE ELEMENTS
- ALWAYS START FRESH
- THE FULL POTENTIAL
- THE WAY FORWARD
Gathering the Elements
Furniture and objects are integral to any good interior design. “We appreciate well-designed, high-quality furniture, which often becomes the pièce de résistance of the space,” observes Hun. “We do special custom pieces, ranging from coffee tables to sofa and whichever piece a project may require.” Otherwise, they work with furniture brands and suppliers who can execute whatever they need for the design of the space.
“It will be a dream come true to have our own line of furniture,” Hun admits, “but it won’t happen very soon.” She shares that they have been working with Southeast Asian artisans on a collection of decorative objects for the past two years. The collection is still in the prototype stage, and they are moving slowly and deliberately to ensure that everything is as they envision before they progress to production. “We like the idea of combining luxury that is rooted in Asian culture,” she says, by way of providing a clue to what the collection will be.
- GATHERING THE ELEMENTS
- ALWAYS START FRESH
- THE FULL POTENTIAL
- THE WAY FORWARD
Always Start Fresh
For the piece they use in their projects, Sujonohun works with different contractors and fabricators in Singapore and overseas. With most of their projects requiring highly personalized design, such as private homes and show units, they are not compelled to use furniture and objects that are produced in bulk. “We design and fabricate for every individual project, and then we move on to the next one and begin again from scratch.” This way, clients are assured that they are not only getting uniquely designed spaces and complementing pieces, but they are also receiving design solutions that are created for their own unique situation and requirements.
The firm also eschews working with just one particular brand, preferring instead to collaborate with local fabricators and furniture shops. “We don’t stick with a particular brand; it is essential for us to create the perfect look for a project, and for this, we work with whoever can deliver to our specifications – whether it is someone we have collaborated with previously or someone new,” Hun says.
- GATHERING THE ELEMENTS
- ALWAYS START FRESH
- THE FULL POTENTIAL
- THE WAY FORWARD
The Full Potential
“Our firm does not have a signature style or a flourish,” Hun says. “By designing with a carte blanche, we remain unrestrained by trends, gestures, or even design idioms. We are, therefore, able to create something long-lasting, original, and highly appropriate to the site context and project brief.”
Hun defines good design as something that realizes the full potential of the space. “It is one that sits right in the middle of being pretty and being functional. What we like emphasize a lot on is the execution. A good concept often gets diluted and weak along the way due to factors such as budget, client pressure, timeline, etc. On the other hand, a good design concept supported by a proper execution can bring forth a great and tasteful result, regardless of the style.”
Working with homeowners requires a modicum of sensitivity, Hun points out. “As much as we want to inject our own creativity or even go overboard, we have to adapt our design to the client’s lifestyle, brief, and budget. The most successful projects are often those that strike a balance between our creative input and the client’s expectations.”
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- GATHERING THE ELEMENTS
- ALWAYS START FRESH
- THE FULL POTENTIAL
- THE WAY FORWARD
The Way Forward
The past two years have presented Sujonohun with challenges, but they also gave the firm tremendous growth. “We are moving towards more exclusive and luxury homes, which require more attention, coordination and, therefore, time. The level of design is higher, but so is the satisfaction and affirmation that we derive from them.
“Although it was not planned or intended, our growth has been organic so far. Most of it has been based on word of mouth. We are now getting into a more niche market, working with clients who want the best design solution perfectly married with the aesthetics. We are definitely happy with where we are going because we can continue to pour our passion into what we do. As a creative studio, we embrace whatever surprise comes our way."
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