© Khoo Guo Jie

1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

Since young, I have always been instinctively drawn to materials, colour, and texture. Design and architecture felt like a natural language to me, and by the time I was a teenager, there was no hesitation—I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue with depth and intention. My elder brother, who is an architect shaping the evolving landscape in Cambodia, also influenced my early exposure. In many ways, it feels like a calling more than a choice; design has always been the place where my curiosity felt most at home.

2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

Reaching our 10-year milestone for Sujonohun in 2025 was transformative. We were able to purchase and move into our own studio—a space that represents both growth and grounding for our practice. At the same time, we began receiving more international opportunities, which affirmed that our work resonates beyond Singapore. That combination of stability and expansion feels like a defining chapter for us.

Cuscaden Reserve Apartment, Singapore © Jovian Lim

Rosyth Road House, Singapore © Khoo Guo Jie

3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?

Creativity and business often pull in different directions. I am deeply detail-oriented and always striving to give the project my best, which at times means losing sight of the broader business picture. I am fortunate to have a partner who complements me—Su is both a brilliant designer and someone who sees the industry through a wide, strategic lens. Together, we balance craft with structure, and we’ve built a team that allows us to refine our work collectively. I believe success comes from that blend: clarity of design intention, paired with an honest understanding of how the business should operate.

I always start by speaking with my clients. Understanding their lifestyle, habits, and aspirations is as important as solving the spatial problem itself. From there, I study the site conditions and look for ways to respond with solutions that may be unconventional but grounded in logic. The design evolves through conversation—between client, site, and intention—before form and materiality take shape.

5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?

I don’t subscribe to a fixed style. What matters to me is resolving the composition—ensuring proportion, detail, and movement feel intuitive. A well-designed space should let you feel at ease; it should settle into a rhythm that feels “just right.” That pursuit of harmony, rather than a visual signature, is what guides all our projects.

6. What are your 3 favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?

• Large Calacatta Viola Pilla Lamp by Henry Wilson — I’m drawn to the purity of the stone and the way the piece celebrates materiality in its rawest form.
• Senufo Ottoman in African Walnut by Arno Declercq — There is a quirkiness to this piece; it sits beautifully between sculpture, art, and object.
• Picasso Green Contemporary Marble Dining Table — I am naturally drawn to sculptural forms expressed through natural materials, and this piece embodies that balance perfectly.

7.  Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?

I find myself most drawn to the relationships I build with my clients. The projects I enjoy the most are those where there is strong mutual trust—where clients allow us the freedom to explore ideas and push creativity without hesitation. That trust naturally comes with the pressure to deliver, but it creates a win-win environment where both parties are aligned and excited about the outcome.

8. If you could pick one interior design tip that is important to you, what would it be? 

Proportion. The right size and shape for the right space is the key to a harmonious interior. When a room is well-balanced, it feels right from the moment you step inside.

9. What was the best advice you have received in your path?

The greatest influence in my career came from my first boss and mentor. He taught me the fundamentals—how to understand design deeply, how terminations should be executed, and what quality truly means in high-end projects. Being exposed to such rigorous standards as a fresh graduate shaped the way I practise today, and I remain deeply grateful for that foundation.

10. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

Where you choose to work matters immensely. If you want longevity in this profession, the best way to grow is to learn from those who are masters in the field, whether as a full-time staff member or an intern. The right mentor will shape your eye, your discipline, and your values. Don’t be too quick to start your own practice before you’ve gained substantial experience; patience at the beginning will serve you for decades.

11. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

One of the toughest lessons is realising when we have taken on the wrong client. When values or expectations are misaligned, the process becomes draining for everyone involved. I now prioritise having a few meaningful conversations with potential clients before deciding to proceed, ensuring that the partnership feels right from the start.

12. Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?

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13. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?

We are currently working on several exciting landed homes in Singapore, a large apartment overlooking both the sea and mountains in Shenzhen, and a show villa in Jakarta. These projects will keep our team meaningfully engaged in the coming quarters.

Cuscaden Reserve Apartment, Singapore © Jovian Lim

Rosyth Road House, Singapore © Khoo Guo Jie

Thank you so much Molina, for this lovely interview!