MATERIAL MAGIC

Award-winning interior designer Joyce Wang discusses sustainability, making inroads in innovation and her keynote speech at FIND - Design Fair Asia

- Asih Jenie

“You eat with your eyes first”—so goes the old adage about the dining experience. But if you zoom out from the plating of the food, you’ll find the design of the space itself plays an equally crucial role in shaping that experience. Interior designer Joyce Wang understands this dynamic better than most. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s architecture and materials science programme, Wang is renowned for her innovative approach to materiality and her ability to fuse luxury with unconventional design elements. She is also celebrated for her distinctive, narrative-driven interiors in the hospitality and F&B sectors, with standout projects such as Ammo at the Asia Society and Belon in Hong Kong. Recently in Singapore as a keynote speaker at FIND – Design Fair Asia, where she discussed material experiences, Wang spoke to Tatler Homes about her approach to materials and her vision for the future of interior design.

What do you hope the audience at FIND will take away from your keynote?

I want to broaden the conversation beyond selecting sustainable materials. There are many ways to approach sustainability. For instance, designing interiors that can last 20 years rather than five, or ensuring that the business we’re designing for is sustainable in its operations. It’s not just about materials, but also about creating spaces that contribute to long-term success.

Of course, materials are a key starting point for us as a studio. We don’t just select them as an afterthought; they play an essential role right from the beginning when we’re thinking about a space. We choose materials that inherently feel right and that align with the space’s overall narrative.

How has your background in materials science in uenced your practice over the years?