Every project begins with listening.
This foundational belief guides Joseph Wong, Principal Architect of JOW Architects, and his firm in designing spaces that are considered, crafted, and built to stand the test of time—from new builds to hospitality environments.
Could you tell our readers about your firm?
JOW Architects is a boutique practice founded in 2014, dedicated to creating spaces that are well-crafted, purposeful, and built to endure. Our work spans from bespoke private residences to 500-room hotel refurbishments, with every project guided by the same commitments: clarity, proportion, and material integrity.
Through close dialogue with our clients and a genuine curiosity for each site, we distil their aspirations and functional needs into environments that are precise, intuitive, and lasting.
Could you share your journey into the world of interior design?
I’ve always been fascinated with how people live and interact with their surroundings—how a well-defined space can provide subtle, unspoken cues that engage the senses and quietly shape the way we move and feel. Architecture and interior design felt like the natural discipline for that curiosity, a field where intuition, rigour, and craft come together to create something that genuinely affects how people experience their lives.
What was the biggest challenge in balancing Balis deep-rooted heritage with modern comforts for the Novotel Bali Benoa project?
The challenge was to retain the project’s authenticity, so our strategy was to re-interpret the spaces through a contemporary lens. This led us to a guiding question throughout the process: not what looks Balinese, but what actually feels Balinese.
Materiality was central to expressing that feeling. We visited local markets to source textures indigenous to the region—timber, stone, woven elements—and thoughtfully integrated them with refined, contemporary detailing. The aim was to define a modern Balinese aesthetic on our own terms.
How do you translate your design philosophy to meet the distinct needs of different project types?
We build narratives to craft a unique identity for each project, exploring design opportunities through spatial and material curation. While the project type may change, our core philosophy is grounded in universal principles. We believe the very purpose of design is to serve people—to elevate living and ultimately bring about joy. This aligns with the three tenets defined by Vitruvius: strength, utility, and beauty. A space only brings joy when it is well-made, serves its purpose, and is beautiful to inhabit.
Above all, we seek to imbue our work with clarity and sensitivity, so the spaces we create connect physically and resonate emotionally with the people who use them.
What’s next in the pipeline?
After a 12-year journey, we feel the practice has reached a maturity and confidence that opens us up to new challenges and uncharted territories. As we move forward, we will continue to evolve as a studio by bringing greater creative value to our clients, engaging in deeper collaborations, and extending our presence across Southeast Asia and the broader Asian region.
Ready to be the next Top 50 and stand out among SEA’s most notable designers?
