The D&E-Scholars recently had the privilege of visiting The Standard, Singapore, for an engaging and insightful session that offered a rare behind-the-scenes look into the hotel’s distinctive design philosophy and spatial innovations.
Arranged by Prof Joshua Comaroff from Department of Architecture, NUS and hosted by Mr Colin Seah, Founder and Director of Ministry of Design (MOD) and the creative mind behind The Standard’s interiors, the visit guided D&E-Scholars through the property’s guest rooms, commercial spaces, and public areas. Throughout the tour, Mr Seah shared valuable insights into the creative process, design intent and practical considerations that shaped the hotel’s distinctive character from concept to completion.
The session began with an introduction to the historical and cultural context underlying The Standard’s architectural and aesthetic identity. It also highlighted how the brand is to be kept as close as possible to The Standard in New York, including through design features such as the floor-to-ceiling windows that mirror the New York property’s distinctive openness and urban connection. Mr Seah illustrated how heritage and brand storytelling informed key design elements, most notably the reception counter featuring a built-in terrarium that reflects The Standard’s playful and experiential ethos.
As the tour continued, D&E-Scholars learned about the design considerations and spatial constraints that influenced the project’s final layout. Mr Seah explained how limited space can inspire inventive solutions, highlighting that each feature in the guest rooms serves multiple functions to achieve creative efficiency and visual harmony.
In the restaurant Kaya, The discussion also showcased how tropical influences were thoughtfully woven into the interiors, such as the woven fabric wall design adorned with vibrant floral motifs. The embroidered flowers, handmade from textured fabric that protrudes slightly from the wall, add both dimension and warmth. This detail was carefully calibrated with greater density introduced higher on the wall to preserve longevity, while anticipating that guests may feel drawn to reach out and touch the fabric out of curiosity, turning interaction into an element of design appreciation.
The D&E-Scholars extend their sincere appreciation to Mr Colin Seah for his generous sharing and to Prof Joshua Comaroff for coordinating the enriching visit. The experience offered invaluable insight into how thoughtful design can transform constraints into creative opportunities, blending cultural storytelling with modern hospitality to shape spaces that are purposeful, engaging, and inspiring.
The Standard Singapore has garnered 17 international design awards:
- Winner, The Social Space, 2025 at INDE Awards, Australia
- Winner, Interior Design, Hospitality: Hotel and Resort, 2025 at Built Design Awards, Switzerland
- Winner, Hotel, 2025 at FX Design Awards, United Kingdom
- Winner, Excellence in Interior Architecture, 2025 at German Design Awards, Germany
- Luminary, Best in Hospitality Design, Hotel Communal Space, 2025 at Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA), Singapore
- Gold, Best in Hospitality Design, Hotel Communal Space, 2025 at Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA), Singapore
- Gold Winner, Hotel Space, 2025 at Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards, Hong Kong
- Gold Winner, Hospitality Interior Design for Hotels & Resorts, 2025 at IDA Design Awards, USA
- Silver Winner, Hospitality Interior Design for Restaurants, 2025 at IDA Design Awards, USA
- Silver, Best in F&B Design, Restaurants, 2025 at Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA), Singapore
- Silver, Hotel, 2025 at FRAME Awards, Netherlands
- Finalist, Restaurant, 2025 at AHEAD ASIA Awards, Singapore
- Finalist, Hotel, 2025 at AHEAD 100 List, United Kingdom
- Finalist, Lobby Upscale, 2025 at Gold Key Awards, New York
- Finalist, Restaurant Upscale, 2025 at Gold Key Awards, New York
- Honoree, Hotel, 2025 at ID Best of Year Awards, New York
- Longlist, Interior – Hotel & Short-Stay Interior, 2025 at Dezeen Awards, United Kingdom