Can you briefly describe your own personal design philosophy?
My design philosophy centers around the idea of creating functional ‘art’ for everyday life. Furniture and objects should not just serve a practical purpose but also possess an enduring aesthetic appeal. This means paying close attention to craftsmanship, materials, and the cultural context within which a piece was created. I believe that through design objects should be able to inspire emotions, tell stories, and connect with people in addition to serving a functional purpose. I aim to produce work that resonates with people and enhances their living spaces and their well-being.
What’s your thought process like when you’re incorporating art into a space?
Can you tell us a little bit about your time working at B&B, Herman Miller, Duxiana, and Ariake to starting your own studios?
Working at these renowned companies was an invaluable experience for me, as I got to collaborate with some of the best product developers and craftspeople in the industry. At B&B Italia, I had the chance to work with some of the best leather and steel specialists which enabled designing even the smallest details. Quiet Lines, a four-piece bedroom collection for B&B Italia debuted at Milan Design Week this April and was a result of our research into serenity.
The prototyping process with Herman Miller taught me about the intersection of design, ergonomics, and engineering. My recently launched inaugural collection with Herman Miller – The Luva Modular Sofa Group, and The Cyclade Tables which were studies in modular and organic design. With Duxiana, I came to understand the significance of quality sleep and its relation to furniture design. Ariake allowed me to explore the fusion of traditional Japanese woodworking with contemporary aesthetics. Each experience has contributed to my holistic approach to design, which I carry into my other work at Gabriel Tan Studio, Studio Antimatter, and with my own craft-led design brand Origin Made which I co-founded with my wife Cherie Er.
Often, art will lend personality and soul to the space, and even divulge what type of person owns the art and the space.
Often, art will lend personality and soul to the space, and even divulge what type of person owns the art and the space.
How do you get an idea or feel for your client’s tastes and needs when choosing the artwork, furnishings, and accessories for a home?
I have open conversations with clients, asking questions about their lifestyle, preferences, and even their past design experiences. I try to get a sense of their personality, values, and aspirations. Then I do some research on their background, their culture, and their history. It is also crucial to be present in the space, to take into consideration its architecture, and sources of natural light. When designing a space and selecting items that will inhabit that space, it is important to create a personalized narrative that will resonate with the client and enhance their daily life.
Do you collect art or any kind of objects yourself?
I like to surround myself with things that inspire me, challenge me, and make me happy. When I consider purchasing a piece, I look for several things: originality, authenticity, and meaning. I appreciate pieces that tell a story. The materiality of the piece, and the emotions evoked are also important factors.
Established by Gabriel Tan in 2016, Gabriel Tan Studio is a design practice working at cultural intersections, based in Singapore and Porto. Often exploring new ways to reinterpret tradition, craft, and technology, we have designed furniture and products for B&B Italia, Herman Miller, Duxiana, Design Within Reach, Menu, Blå Station, and Abstracta, while creative directing Japanese furniture brand Ariake and design-craft brand Origin Made. Our interior design department, Studio Antimatter works on selective residential and hospitality interior projects.
A former navy man who made the switch to industrial design, Gabriel Tan’s ability to redefine existing archetypes and sensitivity to details are key to his work. Being based in both Singapore and Porto allows him and the team to draw on influences from both Asia and Europe, informing the studio’s design process and inspiring new discoveries.Â
The works of Gabriel Tan have won the Industrial Designers Society of America’s IDEA Award, Japan Good Design Award, the Singapore President’s Design Award and have been exhibited at design fairs globally. Tan has guest lectured at Lasalle College of the Arts, the National University of Singapore, University of Oregon, Pratt Institute, and also served as a jury member at the Cannes Lions Festival and Core77 Design Awards.
