Five Minutes With Terence Neo, Design Director of EightyTwo
The Design Director of EightyTwo tells us what inspires him
By Gracia Phang - published
Terence Neo
As famous Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto said, “beauty is the harmony of purpose and form.” And so it is with interior design firm EightyTwo’s Design Director Terence Neo’s aesthetics, which are practical and evergreen, with expert touches of flair and creativity. The 38-year-old’s easy tip for turning a house into a home: Bring in plants, which can not only improve air quality, but also cosy up the space and add a wonderful sense of calm and comfort.
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NEXT STOP ON THE MAP
The Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, Japan (Photo: 123rf)
TOKYO, JAPAN - DECEMBER 14, 2012: Pedestrians walk at Shibuya Crossing. The scrambe crosswalk is one of the largest in the world.
“Once travel resumes, I’ll hit Japan—I love the culture, food and weather there.”
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LAST PURCHASE
Culti Colours Diffuser Brown in Tessuto, from $189, CULTI MILANO
“The latest item I bought was a CULTI MILANO diffuser for the office.”
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DESIGN INFLUENCES
The world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, is set amid a terraced garden and takes pride of place in Jewel Changi Airport. (Photo: 123rf)
The Giant water fall HSBC Rain Vortex and beautiful green nature Shiseido Forest Valley in the Jewel Changi Airport, link to terminal Changi international Airport in Singapore; Singapore, 11 May 2019
“I draw from Mother Nature, which can be calming, grounding and wondrous. It not only beautifies, but also brings a sense of zen. Jewel Changi Airport, for instance, is a wonderful example of design that melds space planning, landscaping and nature.”
LOFTY GOAL
Neo (centre) with his current EightyTwo team.
“My vision is to one day build a global team comprising humble, like-minded designers who regard interior design as an art and desire to elevate the profession. We’d all draw on one another’s experiences and cultures to broaden our design horizons.”
INTERESTING TITBIT
Nothing beats the comfort of a noodle dish. (Photo: 123rf)
“I’m obsessed with cooking.”
STYLE ICON
Designer Tom Ford at the 2019 Met Gala (Photo: 123rf)
“I look to Tom Ford for inspiration. His personal style is the ultimate in masculinity and he’s the epitome of sartorial elegance.”
THE ONE GUILTY PLEASURE
A glass of whiskey on the rocks. (Photo: 123rf)
Single Malt Whiskey with Ice Cubes on wooden background
“That’s got to be Nikka or Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky.”
DREAM FURNITURE
The Kennedee sofa designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, available at Poltrona Frau. (Photo: Poltrona Frau)
“I’d love any piece from Poltrona Frau.”
DESIGN AESTHETICS
A clean, minimalist look is what Neo goes for with his designs. (Photo: 123rf)
“My designs, like my personal style, are understated and timeless.”
GO-TO BRAND
“I turn to COS, mostly, for my everyday wardrobe.”