Perspective Awards 40 under 40 (Hong Kong) – Winner, Interior Designer Category

Matthew Lai graduated from the National University of Singapore, School of Design Environment, Department of Architecture in 2006 as the overall top student & valedictorian of his cohort.

Aside from receiving his Masters of Architecture, he was also awarded the Singapore Institute of Architecture Gold Medal, Board of Architects GoldMedal and the Architectural Alumni Association Book Prize.

DESIGN INTEREST

He established Studio XMSL Pte Ltd in 2009 and has went on to work on numerous Interior Design projects. Specific amongst many of his design interest is the notion of Place & Home.

Matthew believes that the holistic combination of clever planning, interesting spatial strategies, strong aesthetic direction, material sensitivities and meticulous detailing are essential to imbue living spaces with character and identity.

Matthew’s concern about living spaces is extended widely with his explorations in larger scale residential projects and his ongoing interest and fascination with furniture design.

Matthew firmly believes that this is where design truly begins and where it truly matters.

DESIGN AWARDS

Studio XMSL has participated and won numerous design awards in the Asia Pacific region.

Below are several of the remarkable achievements:

2014: Studio XMSL was awarded the Gold Award in the residential category of the Asia Pacific based IAI Design Awards for his project: Gable End Houses on Lynwood Grove.

2016: At the prestigious Hong Kong Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards, Studio XMSL won the silver award for Commercial Show Unit for his project Modern Caribbean on Emerald Bay.

2018: In recognition as an emerging design talent, Matthew himself was awarded the very prestigious award of Perspective’s 40 under 40. It is an award that celebrates 40 emerging designers under the age of 40 from across various design fields.

List of Awards

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• Perspective Awards 40 under 40 (Hong Kong) – Winner, 40 young design leaders under age 40, Interior Designer Category

• The 8th China International Space Design Award (Shenzhen) – Winner, Bronze Award, Commercial Residence & Show Unit Category

2 0 1 7

• BCI Asia Awards 2017 Inaugural Interior Design Award – Winner, Residential Category

• IDEA Singapore Awards – Winner, Silver Award , Best Workplace Design | Local | 2001-5000sqf

2 0 1 6

• Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards (APIDA HK) – Winner, Silver Award for Sample Space Category

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• Registered Architect with Singapore Board of Architects

• BCI Asia Design 21 Capital Competition: 02 X Merit Awards

2 0 1 4

• IAI Awards: Gold Award – Gable End Houses on Lynwood Grove/ Studio XMSL Pte Ltd

• D+A Editorial’s Selection: 21 BOLD & YOUNG design practices

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• National Museum of Singapore Curated: EVERYDAY OBJECTS

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• Founding Director of Studio XMSL Pte Ltd

• Studio Tutor at the NUS School of Design and Environment (2009 – 2013)

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• Board of Architects Gold Medal
  – Awarded to overall top graduating M.Arch student

• Singapore Institute of Architects Gold Medal
  – Awarded to overall top graduating M.Arch student

• Architectural Alumni Association Prize
  – Awarded to best graduating M.Arch dissertation

• Ministry of Design Pte Ltd (2006 – 2009)

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• M.Arch 01 Board of Architects Prize
  – Awarded to overall top student for M.Arch 01

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• Winning Tender Bid for Fort Canning Hill Masterplan
  – Part of Year long Internship experience in DP Architects Pte Ltd

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• B.Arch Graduating Semester Dean’s List

• NUS Hunter Douglas Award for Innovative use of Technology in Design
  – Awarded travel fellowship to Prague, Czech Republic

• Internship with DP Architects Pte Ltd (2003 – 2004)

• URA 10 Public Spaces International Ideas Competition
  – Winning Entry for Clemenceau Site
  – Winning Entry for Selegie Site

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• 2nd Prize, National Library Idea Competition