Farah Azizan & Adela Askandar
Farah Azizan and Adela Askandar founded Studio Bikin in 2012 and swiftly rose to prominence in Malaysia’s sustainable architecture and interior design industry. Their sustainable initiatives include the use of solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, solar water heaters, and designs that allow for efficient cross-ventilation. They’ve also breathed new life into the remnants of old buildings, repurposing broken bricks from demolished structures into cladding for striking feature walls.
Their impressive portfolio ranges from iconic projects like The Row Kuala Lumpur to APW Bookmark to Else Hotel, showcasing a seamless blend of natural elements and cutting-edge technology in both residential and commercial designs. In 2013, they introduced Kedai Bikin, a sister company offering a carefully curated selection of furniture and home goods crafted by themselves, and other talented Malaysian designers.
Eleena Jamil
Eleena Jamil has gained widespread acclaim for her groundbreaking approach to tropical architecture, with a focus on sustainability and community-oriented design. Upon graduating from the Welsh School of Architecture, she founded her eponymous architecture firm in 2005, specialising in residential and cultural projects that prioritise climate responsiveness and encourage social interaction.
Her notable projects include the Bamboo Playhouse, which blends traditional elements with modern architectural concepts, and the Desa Mahkota School, where she successfully integrated passive solar strategies to reduce the need for mechanical cooling systems. Eleena’s remarkable contributions and penchant for innovation have won her numerous awards, earning her nods on lists such as the Iconic Awards for Innovative Architecture.
Eliz Wong & Yong Wei Lew
Eliz Wong and Yong Wei Lew, the founders of DualSpace Studio, have established themselves in Malaysia’s design scene with their unique approach to spatial design. Since establishing the studio in 2018, the duo has built a strong reputation for their exceptional work in various projects, including private residences, commercial spaces and F&B outlets like Licky Chan and Smol Cafe.
There’s a meticulous and exacting attention to detail that characterises their work: clean, minimalistic, but well thought out, creating spaces that are serene and soothing to the senses. And the international design community is paying attention: DualSpace Studio has won accolades including the iF Design Awards 2024 and Golden Pins 2023.
Amy Liang
If you enjoy spending time café-hopping around the city you might be familiar with Three Years Old café, RaRa Coffee, and Fung Wong. These charming spaces all came together guided by the vision of the talented Amy Liang. Although she prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Liang’s formidable design portfolio includes high-end residences, Instagrammable hipster cafes and boutique hotels.
Liang excels at crafting luxurious yet functional environments that harmoniously combine modern design with cultural elements. For instance, her well-known projects like The Breakfast Thieves in Bangsar draw inspiration from the area’s history as a rubber plantation, leading her to incorporate wood themes into the cafe’s designs.
Sarah Rahman
The visionary leader of Studio Angragogi(y) has had a distinguished career that includes time as a corporate member of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers, and as a lecturer at the Centre of Studies for Interior Architecture at UiTM’s Puncak Alam campus.
The studio’s name is a reflection of the fusion between educational design theory and hands-on methods in interior architecture and design, a realm which Sarah excels in. She is the brains behind Niko Neko, Burrow, and Psyclist - well-known cafes in Kuala Lumpur known for their practicality, clean aesthetics, and beautiful interiors.
Bee Eu Tan
Bee Eu Tan, the founder of BETA has garnered acclaim in the architecture industry for the delicate balance she weaves between innovation and preserving elements of culture and heritage. Tan’s skill set, paired with her academic credentials and hands-on experience, has left a significant mark on the Malaysian architectural landscape.
Her transformation of the Penang Free School headmaster’s quarters into the Penang Digital Library resulted in BETA clinching the prestigious gold medal in the Alteration and Addition Category at the PAM 2019 awards. This achievement positioned BETA as the youngest firm ever to receive such a distinguished accolade.
Tan Wei Ming
After completing her studies in typography in the United Kingdom, Tan Wei Ming started off working as a graphic designer in Kuala Lumpur. But her true passion for furniture and lighting design drew her into the world of three-dimensional artistry, ultimately leading her to launch her own brand, Aureole.
She quickly made a name for herself by achieving remarkable feats such as the Kloe Hotel project, which features her unique bespoke mirrors, rattan wall panels, and pieces from her iconic Dougong bench, which was born from her fascination with wood joinery and pays tribute to the lines and structures of ancient Chinese imperial palaces and temples. She’s also joined forces with the Penan community of Sarawak and Tanoti to craft Ketupat; low seating pouffes inspired by Asian floor culture - a nod to Malaysia’s diverse cultural legacy.
Pamela Tan
As the founder of Poh Sin Studio, Pamela’s work is characterised by its unique ability to blend nature and modern aesthetics seamlessly. A highlight of her career is the Eden installation, an all-white landscape inspired by German zoologist Ernst Haeckel’s plant DNA diagrams, which earned her the Bronze award in the esteemed Design for Asia Award 2020 in the Environmental Design category.
She continues to expand her portfolio with notable projects such as Projection: Kite, commissioned for the Good Vibes Music Festival 2019 and the lively Sunny Side Up installation at Pasar Seni MRT station. Her innovative style is defined by a pioneering approach to creating spaces that challenge traditional perceptions of nature.
