In a global city where business moves at the speed of innovation, Singapore’s office interior design scene has evolved into a realm where form seamlessly meets function. No longer merely utilitarian spaces, contemporary offices in Singapore are carefully curated environments designed to foster collaboration, wellbeing, sustainability, and brand identity. At the forefront of this evolution are a handful of elite interior design firms, renowned for translating corporate visions into compelling, productive spaces.
This article explores three of the most influential and respected office interior designers in Singapore. Their groundbreaking projects reflect not just design excellence but a deep understanding of the changing dynamics of work and human experience.
1. DB&B Group: Pioneering Design with Purpose
Overview
With over 25 years of experience and a formidable presence across Asia, the DB&B Group is widely considered one of Singapore’s most prestigious workplace design firms. Founded in 1996, DB&B has built its reputation on the foundation of bespoke, human-centric design solutions that align seamlessly with each client’s organisational culture and operational objectives.
Signature Approach
DB&B’s strength lies in its integrated design-and-build model, which combines consultancy, design, project management, and construction under one roof. This holistic approach ensures both design integrity and efficiency in execution.
Their design philosophy is rooted in strategic functionality — ensuring that every square metre contributes to both business performance and employee wellbeing. The firm’s designers work closely with HR departments, brand managers, and even behavioural consultants to deliver spaces that are not only aesthetically compelling but also responsive to the way people work.
Notable Projects
- LinkedIn Asia-Pacific Headquarters: DB&B’s work on LinkedIn’s regional office in Singapore exemplifies their talent for creating intelligent spaces that reflect corporate ethos. The workplace balances open-plan collaboration areas with quiet zones, while biophilic elements infuse warmth and vitality into the tech-centric design.
- Shopee HQ @ Science Park: Designed to support rapid expansion and flexible working arrangements, the Shopee headquarters features dynamic open areas, integrated tech hubs, and informal breakout zones, illustrating DB&B’s ability to adapt design to the scale and speed of today’s digital economy.
Why They Stand Out
DB&B’s consistent ability to balance business needs with design creativity makes them a perennial choice among MNCs and fast-growing firms alike. They do not merely design spaces—they engineer environments that evolve alongside their occupants.
2. ID21: Humanising the Workplace Through Design Innovation
Overview
ID21 is a homegrown firm with a strong reputation for pushing boundaries in workplace design. Founded in 1996, the studio has earned accolades for its dynamic and thoughtful approach to interior architecture. ID21’s strength lies in its commitment to human-centric design, where the wellbeing, experience, and productivity of users are prioritised from conceptualisation to execution.
Signature Approach
At the heart of ID21’s methodology is a deep engagement with the client’s unique culture. Their designs are rarely formulaic; instead, they emerge from a detailed understanding of company values, workflows, and aspirations. Sustainability and wellness are often at the core of their projects, with many offices incorporating WELL Building Standards, green certifications, and ergonomic considerations.
Another unique trait is their “design empathy”—a deliberate focus on how different people experience a space, from executives to entry-level staff, visitors, and even cleaning personnel. This results in inclusive, intuitive workspaces that transcend traditional corporate design paradigms.
Notable Projects
- Manulife Singapore Headquarters: Tasked with translating Manulife’s global brand into a local context, ID21 delivered an office that radiates both trust and energy. The design incorporates flexible seating, wellness rooms, and natural lighting strategies that reflect the insurance firm’s commitment to transparency and employee health.
- Informatica APAC Office: Emphasising collaboration and agility, ID21’s design for Informatica merges cloud technology motifs with warm material palettes, resulting in an inspiring workplace that encourages innovation.
Why They Stand Out
ID21 excels in translating abstract corporate missions into physical environments that resonate. Their emphasis on user experience, wellbeing, and social responsibility ensures their designs remain relevant in an ever-changing work culture. As hybrid work, sustainability, and wellness continue to influence the future of office spaces, ID21 is well-positioned to lead this dialogue in Singapore and beyond.
3. Conexus Studio: Boutique Brilliance with Global Vision
Overview
Conexus Studio is a relatively newer name compared to DB&B and ID21, but their impact has been nothing short of transformative. Founded with the vision to deliver bespoke design strategies for the future of work, this boutique firm has quickly carved a niche for itself by delivering conceptually bold, detail-oriented office interiors that are both high-functioning and emotionally resonant.
Signature Approach
What differentiates Conexus Studio is their narrative-driven design process. Each project begins with identifying the unique “story” behind the brand or organisation and translating that story into a spatial experience. This can manifest through colour, texture, layout, and even soundscapes.
Additionally, the studio’s compact size allows for a nimble, highly personalised service model. Clients often praise the firm for its responsiveness, creativity, and ability to deliver boutique-level attention with international-grade polish.
Sustainability is not an afterthought at Conexus—it is embedded in their design DNA. They frequently work with locally sourced materials, advocate for low-VOC products, and integrate passive energy strategies whenever possible.
Notable Projects
- Tech Start-up Collective Office, Tanjong Pagar: Designed to house multiple early-stage companies under one roof, this co-working environment cleverly balances privacy and synergy. Movable walls, modular furniture, and a bold graphic identity convey a sense of momentum, mirroring the start-up culture.
- Global FMCG Client HQ, Marina Bay: Tasked with creating a space that reflects both legacy and innovation, Conexus delivered a sophisticated, layered office filled with textures, art installations, and flexible gathering spaces that echo the client’s global footprint.
Why They Stand Out
Conexus Studio represents the new guard of design talent in Singapore. Their ability to blend storytelling, technical excellence, and design intuition allows them to punch well above their weight. As businesses seek more personalised, expressive workspaces, Conexus offers a compelling alternative to larger, more conventional firms.
The Evolving Landscape of Office Design in Singapore
These three firms represent the diversity and dynamism of Singapore’s office interior design scene. While each brings a distinct philosophy to the table, a few unifying trends underpin their success:
1. Emphasis on Wellbeing
The inclusion of wellness rooms, biophilic elements, ergonomic furniture, and ample natural light is no longer optional—it is now standard practice among top designers. Singapore, with its emphasis on health-conscious living, has embraced this shift wholeheartedly.
2. Flexibility & Hybrid Readiness
The pandemic has irrevocably changed how we view offices. From hot-desking to collaboration pods and Zoom-ready rooms, modern workspaces must adapt quickly. The top designers are addressing this with modularity and tech-integrated solutions.
3. Cultural Sensitivity
In Singapore’s multicultural and globally-connected environment, office design needs to be both locally grounded and internationally fluent. The best designers incorporate elements that resonate with both regional identity and global expectations.
4. Sustainability as Strategy
Green design is no longer a trend—it is an imperative. Certifications like BCA Green Mark and WELL are increasingly sought after, and leading firms are responding by incorporating sustainable materials, energy-efficient layouts, and waste-minimisation strategies from the get-go.
Conclusion
Choosing the right office interior designer in Singapore is not merely a stylistic decision—it is a strategic investment in your brand, culture, and people. Whether you’re an MNC seeking a global-grade headquarters, a tech start-up craving a creative hub, or a professional services firm looking to align your physical space with a new way of working, Singapore offers a vibrant ecosystem of design talent.
DB&B Group brings scale and strategic depth.
ID21 delivers with empathy and innovation.
Conexus Studio reimagines the office as a brand experience.
In an age where the workplace is more than a location—it is an ecosystem, a culture, a narrative—these firms are not merely designing offices. They are shaping the future of work itself.