A simple truth lies at the heart of true luxury: the most memorable spaces are rarely the most expensive or elaborate.
Instead, they are the ones thoughtfully tailored to their owners. For Michael Tan, Principal of MX DESIGN, this means designing with authenticity rather than focusing on excess. Drawing on over twenty years of experience, he prioritises listening deeply to understand his clients’ lifestyles, bypassing trends to craft timeless, sophisticated interiors that effortlessly enhance the way people live.
Could you introduce your firm?
Established in 2003, MX DESIGN specialises in bespoke residential environments. Our approach is highly personal: we believe a home should reflect the people who live there, rather than a designer’s signature style. We oversee the entire journey from concept to construction and final styling. By prioritising quality over quantity, we devote our full attention to crafting spaces that balance beauty and functionality, ensuring every home is built to stand the test of time.
After decades in the industry, how have the shifting priorities of today’s clients reshaped your approach to design?
Today’s clients are more informed, well-travelled, and design-conscious than ever before. While aesthetics remain important, there is a stronger emphasis on functionality, wellness, sustainability, and how a home supports daily living. This shift has encouraged us to take an even more holistic approach. We spend more time understanding how our clients live, entertain, work, and recharge. The focus is no longer simply on creating beautiful spaces, but on designing environments that improve quality of life. Ultimately, our role has evolved from being designers of interiors to curators of experiences.
What is the goal you set for yourself in every project?
My goal is to create a home that feels as though it could belong to no one else. I believe the highest compliment is when a space feels completely natural to its owners—when every detail reflects their lifestyle, aspirations, and personality. Beyond aesthetics, I strive to create environments that continue to bring joy, comfort, and relevance many years after completion. If a project remains timeless and meaningful long after trends have passed, I consider it a success.
What is the next frontier you want to explore in your own work?
I am increasingly interested in exploring the emotional dimension of design—how spaces influence well-being, behaviour, and the way people connect with one another. As lifestyles continue to evolve, I see opportunities to create homes that are not only visually refined but also deeply restorative and adaptable. I am also driven to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and materiality, finding new ways to blend innovation with timeless design principles. The future, for me, lies in creating spaces that are both beautiful and profoundly human.
Ready to be the next Top 50 and stand out among SEA’s most notable designers?
