Utilitarianism

Tell us about yourself!
I’m Andy. I’m from Myanmar and I’m studying design in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), specifically graphic design, and I’m also taking an elective in interior design.

Is this something that you’re looking to pursue as a career?
Interior design, yes. I’m all about functionality rather than just aesthetics. I want to do something within the F&B or hospitality space, like designing really functional bars or restaurants.

Honestly, Singapore is an interior designer’s paradise. There’re a lot of design categories present here—it’s really wonderful to see.

Is it then easy for you to find inspiration?
I would say I can get inspiration from anywhere, especially buildings. Even where we’re standing right now, the concrete is giving me inspo with the red and grey.

I do have a favourite place and that’s the toilet at Bras Basah MRT. They have steel panels that are grey and black so it’s all monochromatic, which really speaks to the brutalist in me.

Is that your style when it comes to interior design?
Yeah. My favourite material to design with is straight up concrete. I was born in an Asian household which has a lot of colours and it just tires me out. So now I want to do something opposite—minimalistic, monotonous, and concrete.

What do you like to do in you free time?
I’m a musician and I go by Andy Jupiter—I produce, mix, and master my own tracks. I started about eight years ago when I was in secondary school and I do mainly melodic rap and alternative rap, the latter is a mix of rap and rock. Actually, I just got verified on Spotify, so do check my music out!