What was your rationale and motivation for establishing a firm that has multifaceted offerings?
KulörGroup was founded in 2008 by my partner Sarah Bonsall in Toronto, Canada, specialising in providing technical services for the hospitality industry. Sarah was experienced in this field, having been a consultant to multiple hotel brands. As my close friend, we explored the idea of adding design capabilities to KulörGroup, since it was my specialisation.
We identified a gap in the market with independent, white-label brands and owners that required these two layers of expertise, since they may have wanted to operate the property themselves or develop their own in-house brand. When we were able to meet these clients’ cost efficiency requirements and project timelines, I established KulörGroup’s Design department in Singapore in 2016.
This was the precursor to our expansion and establishment of the in-house Architecture (formed through a strategic partnership with KG Architects) and Interior Design division.
What are the key challenges in streamlining the four different disciplines of brand identity design, architecture, interior design and technical services into a single approach?
Interior design and technical services should go hand in hand. We see them as opportunities rather than challenges. It is through understanding the brand’s unique value proposition and the technical aspects of operations and other factors (such as revenue projections, cost projections, and analysis of the client’s competitors) that we are able to consider design in a holistic way.
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Denne historien er fra Issue 123-utgaven av d+a.
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the natural balance
Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.
inspiring creativity and exploration
The new Hafary House at Lavender reflects the brand’s vibrancy and innovation, as well as provide an inspiring and engaging space for customers.
balancing act: nature and humanity
In this inspiration-led series, we asked Jay Liu and Alex Liu, co-founders of Right Angle Studio, to dream up a unique interior concept using mainly items from Space Furniture.
rethinking, remaking, reframing
Aoki Akio, the founder of DESIGNART TOKYO discusses the importance and legacy of Tokyo's eminent art and design event, particularly for young creatives.
rebuilding communities
Shift2024, the much-anticipated conference returns with a stellar line-up of prolific architects making their mark in Asian urban design.
unparalleled italian craftsmanship
Filippo Arnaboldi, Chief Executive Officer of Frette, tells us how this luxury lifestyle Italian brand is moving forward with times yet not forgetting about its existing legacy.
where the mountain meets the sea
This bespoke hillside residence features modern design elements, natural touches, and panoramic ocean views.
tailored for the curious explorer
The new Alma House at the New Bahru enclave reflects the collaborative spirit of a school environment.
tranquil sanctuary
The recently launched Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, designed by Kengo Kuma, fuses traditional Japanese architecture with modern elegance.
lightness perfected
Apple's first store in Malaysia combines architecture, interiors and hardscape into a floating edifice of precision engineering.
