For the second series of Design Insiders we catch up with Fathanah Paijan whose career has been enriched by leading creatives, including Jean Marie Massaud, Patricia Urquiola and Lee Broom, and insights which Fathanah adds, 'help us to understand how design influences the way we live'.
Hi Fathanah, thanks for joining us for Design Insiders. Can you tell us about your design journey so far?
I have a background in interior design and kickstarted my career designing systems furniture. It was truly rewarding to witness my first set of kitchens come to life and it motivated me to expand my knowledge into home furnishing. So that's how I landed at Space. Working here has sparked my interest in not just design but also in art and styling.
When did you join the Space team, and can you describe your role?
Since I began in 2017, I don’t think I’ve ever had a mundane day at work. Being in the retail sector, it gives me the opportunity to meet many different personalities of varying backgrounds and interests. It is an intimate process and I love to indulge our clients in our immersive showroom in search of their ideal design pieces.
What is it like working in the design industry, and what have been some of the memorable moments?
I have had the opportunity to meet some of our designers including Jean Marie Massaud, Patricia Urquiola and Lee Broom. It's fascinating to understand how design influences us and the way we live, so it is always a memorable experience to meet the people behind a design.
What do you enjoy most about sharing your design knowledge?
When you get the opportunity to exchange ideas with a customer or a designer who has their own fair share of design knowledge, you begin to understand that design is an endless learning journey of discovery. I guess that’s the beauty of its language.
"When you get the opportunity to exchange ideas with a customer or a designer who has their own fair share of design knowledge, you begin to understand that design is an endless learning journey of discovery. I guess that’s the beauty of its language."
Fathanahl Paijan
Fathanahl Paijan with the Bocci 28. Portrait @ Franz Navarrete.
The Bocci 28 Semi-Rigid suspension system allows lights to be loosely assembled or composed in close-knit groupings. Photo c/o Bocci.
The Bocci 28 Random suspended using coaxial cable. Photo c/o Bocci.
The Bocci 28 Table Lamp. Photo c/o Bocci.
Portrait of designer Lee Broom with Fathana Paijan at Space Singapore for the opening of Broom's exhibition 'Park Life'. Photo c/o Space.
Architect Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan, is described by Fathanah as 'truly extraordinary,' with a silhouette that flows inside 'creating a unique experience on every turn'. Photo c/o Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre.
Fathanah describes the Bocci 28 as unique, 'each has a character of its own with colour adding another layer to their personality'. Portrait © Franz Navarrete.
"I have a weakness for products with strong sculptural form so I instantly fell in love with Bocci’s 28 series, along with every other model in the Bocci collection!"
Fathanahl Paijan
What is your favourite piece in the Space collection, and what is it about it that caught your eye?
I have a weakness for products with strong sculptural form so I instantly fell in love with Bocci’s 28 series, along with every other model in the Bocci collection! Every sphere is unique and each has a character of its own with colour adding another layer to their personality.
Who are some of your favourite designers and artists?
Jaime Hayon’s designs are truly animated and unpredictable. Everything he creates evokes joy and playfulness through the whimsical characters, forms and bold colours. Yet, he portrays them with sophistication. I really like his exhibition 'The Tournament', which was a life-size chess set installed in London's Trafalgar Square, featuring ceramic pieces designed with his signature characters. I also share a similar sentiment when it comes to Patricia Urquiola’s pieces which are mostly organic and imaginative with beautiful details. My favourite would have to be the Tufty-Time sofa.
What’s your favourite design or art book... and are you reading anything interesting right now?
I prefer photographs over text, hence I find myself flipping through design magazines to see the latest home features and trends.
And your favourite design destination?
Zaha Hadid’s architecture on Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre is truly extraordinary. I love how the external silhouette flows into the interior spaces, creating a unique experience on every turn. It’s refreshing and exciting to view something so unorthodox.
Design is an extension of who we are, it's very personal. What is the best piece of advice you give clients when choosing a piece of design?
Just like art, you have to take the time to admire and appreciate design from different angles and then you can tap into how it makes you feel.
And finally, what exhibitions are you looking forward to in 2022?
Anything designed and curated by Jaime Hayon!
Thanks Fathanah, lovely to chat.
