For Patricia Ho Douven, Principal/Founder of White Jacket, design is not just about aesthetics—its about attitude and feeling.
She approaches each project as a storyteller, crafting narratives where spaces unfold with character, drama, and emotion. Her philosophy is clear: reduce the unnecessary to enlarge the experience, shaping spaces that are as personal as they are memorable.
Could you tell our readers about your firm?
Established in Singapore in 2010, White Jacket is an integrated, multi-disciplinary design studio focused on shaping the language of contemporary hospitality and F&B environments.
Our approach is research-led. Each project begins with a deep exploration of its specific context, culture, and intent. Instead of adhering to a rigid style, we focus on interpretation, allowing us to design unique environments that evoke emotion, atmosphere, and memory. This ensures that no two projects are alike; each is defined by its own distinct identity and character.
How do you define good design?
To me, good design is something you feel before you fully understand it. It is not loud, but it stays with you, lingering in your memory long after you have left the space. It is not about decoration or creating something instantly recognizable. I move away from what could be called ‘cut-and-paste design’. When design becomes too literal or derivative, it loses its depth and authenticity.
Ultimately, good design creates emotional resonance. It is an instinctive connection in which narrative, materiality, and atmosphere come together to form something personal, enduring, and powerful.
How do you translate your design philosophy to meet the distinct needs of different project types, such as residential, commercial, and hospitality?
My design philosophy remains consistent across all project types, as it is always rooted in narrative, emotion, and a deep reading of context. Every project begins with research to uncover a unique story, allowing the design to respond authentically to its purpose and users.
For hospitality, we create immersive worlds that feel like a sequence of scenes, where storytelling, atmosphere, and identity merge to leave a lasting impression. In residential design, it becomes more intimate and personal—a framework that allows life to unfold, evolving with its owner. For commercial projects, we balance function with character, ensuring the environment feels distinct rather than generic.
What do you believe the sophisticated traveller of tomorrow is truly searching for, and how does that understanding shape the way you approach your work?
Today’s travellers are no longer impressed by superficial aesthetics; they seek resonance. This is coupled with a growing awareness of environmental and social responsibility. Therefore, in our South Palms Resort & Spa project in Bohol, we chose not to impose a style, but instead engaged with the local environment and its stories to create something more authentic and unique.
The goal is not to ‘please’ the modern traveller in a conventional sense, but to craft something honest, specific, and emotionally resonant.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Our pipeline continues to expand across both hospitality and residential sectors. We are currently working on an upcoming Kimpton hotel in Japan and an InterContinental resort in Vietnam. We are also growing our residential arm, Studio P, which includes a home collection that brings our design philosophy of materiality and storytelling to bespoke furniture, lighting, and rugs.
Ready to be the next Top 50 and stand out among SEA’s most notable designers?
