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HH Archive
Ask Your Peers Series
- Min Sheng -
About Series
A series of questions was exchanged within the studio.
Each member receives fifteen questions from the rest of the team. Some explore design, craft, and practice. Others wander into memories, routines, influences, and personal reflections.
Unscripted and candid, these conversations document the individuals behind Hock Hoon — their perspectives, values, and the experiences that shape the work we do.
Min Sheng:
Scale model making has had a significant influence on my work since I was young. The hobby taught me the importance of precision, patience, and attention to detail. It also encouraged creative problem-solving, as working with limited materials and resources often requires innovative solutions. These skills have translated directly into my design practice, where balancing creativity with practical constraints is a key part of the process.
Alvin:
What hobby has unexpectedly influenced your work?
Min Sheng:
I would likely have been a commercial pilot, flying to destinations, exploring foreign cities and reeling in the city’s charm.
Ci En:
What would you do if you are not a designer? Why?
Min Sheng:
I pay close attention to alignment and technical feasibility from the earliest stages of a project. While aesthetics are important, I believe that thoughtful planning and early resolution of technical challenges are what ultimately create a cohesive and well-executed space. Without these considerations, even the most visually appealing design can feel makeshift and lack the refinement that comes from careful attention to detail.
Xin Hui:
What do you pay most attention to when designing?
Min Sheng:
My favourite part of the design process is the finishing stage, as it is where all the hard work, coordination, and the vision come together. It is always rewarding to see the design and furnishing take shape and watching every detail fall into place as intended.
Alvin:
What is your favourite part of the design process? Why?
Min Sheng:
What motivates me are the different challenges we face daily and coming up with new creative solutions that could solve these diverse problems different client face.
Ci En:
What motivates you carry on in this career? Why?
Min Sheng:
I believe one of the biggest misconceptions about design is that it is purely an aesthetic or creative pursuit. While creativity is certainly an important aspect, effective design is fundamentally about solving problems. Every project starts with understanding the user, navigate technical and practical constraints, and develop solutions that are both functional and visually compelling. Good design is not just about how something looks—it is about how well it works for the people who use it.
Alvin:
What design rule do you think is often misunderstood?
Min Sheng:
When I travel, I pay close attention to local craftsmanship and understanding how it is shaped by a region's culture, environment, architecture, and way of life. I am fascinated by how different communities adapt available materials and techniques to create something unique and meaningful. These observations often inspire my own work and deepen my appreciation for design as a reflection of place and identity.
Ci En:
What do you appreciate and observe when you travel? Why?
Min Sheng:
When I first started in design, I focused primarily on aesthetics and taking them at face value. However, after entering the industry, I gained a deeper appreciation for the technical, functional, and experiential aspects that make a design successful. This shift in perspective taught me that great design is not just about how something looks, but how it feels, performs, and connects with its users.
Alvin:
How has your perspective on design changed since you first started?
Min Sheng:
Wood is my favourite material because of its versatility and character. Depending on the species, cut, and finish, it can express a wide range of textures, grains, and colour. It is also a timeless material that can feel both refined and natural, making it highly adaptable across different design styles and applications.
Ci En:
What is your ONE favourite material? Why?
Min Sheng:
My favourite project is Childhood Home Reimagined because it exemplifies how thoughtful design can be deeply rooted in a client's lifestyle and personal story. The project involved integrating the client's existing furniture and art collection into a refreshed space, exemplifying that meaningful design does not have to be extravagant. Instead, it should reflect the owner's character, lifestyle, and aspirations in an authentic way.
Ci En:
Which project is your favourite project in HH? Why?
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