Art At Work

Once an old warehouse, the newly renovated White Jacket office is now a unique, soulful and vibrant space that celebrates local artists and culture

- Sasha Gonzales

When multi-award-winning interior designer Patricia Ho Douven first set foot in an old warehouse in Singapore’s Central Business District, she knew that she had found the perfect space for her new studio and office.

She wanted a place that was one-of-a-kind and in which the works of homegrown artists could be viewed and appreciated. She also wanted to be able to curate unique interior experiences for everyone who walked through the studio, and the warehouse’s open plan allowed her to do just that. As she toured the expansive property, she envisioned “a series of interconnected and layered spaces that fostered a sense of intrigue and wonder among visitors as they moved through each room”.

Seven months later, the White Jacket office opened its doors and Ho Douven’s vision was finally brought to life. The soulful and vibrant space, which celebrates local artists and the communal spirit of public housing estates in Singapore, features bespoke furniture, statement lighting, and locally produced paintings and murals that are carefully curated by Ho Douven and her team.

In 2022, the White Jacket office picked up the Best in Workspace Design award at the Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDS).

social spaces inspired by her childhood

Ho Douven fell in love with the ’80s vibe of the Upper Circular Road warehouse. Having grown up during that decade, she says that the space transported her back to her days growing up in Malaysia and Singapore.