Autumn 2019

19 Established in 2011, IDEE Architects Bangkok is a design firm offering architectural and interior design services for residential and commercial projects. Earlier this year, the firm was recognised in the ongoing 2019 Leading Designers programme as the ‘Most Innovative Architectural & Interior Design Firm’ in the city. On the back of this well-deserved success, we spoke to Co-Founders Vunnida Chantaraprasit and Dara Khowkachaporn to find out more about their exemplary work. Finding success in architecture is far from a guarantee. It’s notorious for being both highly competitive and incredibly demanding: only the very best architects can thrive in an environment that so often requires the very best. In this environment, it would be fair to say that IDEE Architects Bangkok have flourished, finding success in an architectural style which seems to straddle the lines between the contemporary, the functional, the experimental and the timeless. As Vunnida explains, a key part of this success lies in “an ambition to tell the story of our clients through their spaces.” This ties intrinsically with how the firm have centred themselves around exceptional client service, as Dara discusses in more detail. “Our desire is to work closely with our clients in order to link their spirit and genuine needs into highly functional buildings and memorable space. We strongly believe that “Good Design” for architecture and interiors is not only aesthetic when it is finished, but also for practical use that can be maintained easily and gracefully. In order to achieve that goal, we need to work hard to ensure that the entire process is seamless, following up on any problems that happen during the construction period. Following this, our intention is to keep our company small, so we are always able to focus on each detail in the design process.” “From our experience, to operate a design firm you cannot focus solely on beautiful design. There are so many factors behind a beautiful space. It is about the ability to manage and think of different angles and form them into one cohesive image: Owners, users, constructors, engineers and so on.” - Vunnida Chantaraprasit Vunnida continues on this thread, offering more insight into IDEE’s core team and the role of each member in completing any project. “For our team, putting the right man to the right job is always key. Furthermore, when starting a new project, we ensure we share the initial vision with the entire team, motivating them to be creative. Ultimately, we see each project as a new job every time. We start from scratch. The new project comes with a new story, new people, new problems – which all come together to allow us to discover new solutions and develop as architects. It makes us unique. As we come to the end of the interview, Dara talks for a moment on Thailand’s greater design industry. “The design sector in Thailand has become quite competitive in recent years as it is relatively easy for a new firm to enter the market. However, we consider this a benefit. It means that people in Thailand are not more interested in architecture and interior design. This development will help potential new clients to understand more about our work, and how we can make their lives better and easier.” Inspiring Through Creativity and Collaboration This aligns with a paradigm shift that is occurring in the capital city, as people embrace a new trend towards more traditionally metropolitan living arrangements. “The trend we are seeing now would be the change of lifestyle in Bangkok. Previously, people lived in small detached houses, but now the trend is for people to stay in a condominium or an apartment. The living space tends to be smaller. As a designer, this presents certain challenges and opportunities as we have to learn how to manage a smaller space whilst maximising price per sqm. This has become crucial as the price for a single room in the city is expected to continue to increase.” In their concluding comments Vunnida summarises the firm’s appeal to clients. “We strongly believe that our designs can help and drive users to improve their quality of living in both emotional and practical ways as well as build their enthusiasm and motivation in life.” Company: IDEE Architects Bangkok Name: Vunnida Chantaraprasit & Dara Khowkachaporn Address: 290/216 BaanKlangMuang S-Sense Soi Ladprao 84 Praditmanuthum Road, Bangkok, 10310, Thailand Telephone: +66 9157 67047 Website: www.ideearchitects.com Jul19007