For 7 years, Nic & Wes was located in a little shop house unit at 44 Siglap Drive. But like many things in life, change is inevitable. A few months ago, with the knowledge that our rented unit was to be taken over by a new landlord it was only logical that we look for a new office to operate from.

We scoured the east side of Singapore to look for a suitable place that Nic & Wes could continue operations without much disruption. As our company was growing, we needed to look for a place that could accommodate our staff without being too out of the way. With the help from our realtor department, we found our new office. Situated in Paya Ubi, it was still relatively close to our old office at Siglap Drive. As most of our staff resides in the east, it seemed the best solution.

Situated on the top floors of Paya Ubi Industrial Park, it was a bit of a fixer-upper which gave us a playground to make our office look different from the previous place and more importantly become a reflection of the signature style of Nic & Wes being lifestyle living but in this case lifestyle working.

This part of the 2-part series, we bring you on the journey of the conceptualization and build aspect which makes way for the final reveal in next month’s issue. 

For instance, would you imagine a white box with mismatched windows to be the entrée to interesting interiors? I doubt you would. The exterior façade is equally if not more important than the interiors of a home. Similarly, dressing for an event is like second nature to most, so why should dressing the home exterior be any different. It is after all the face of the home which creates the most crucial impression being the first impression. Here are some basics features to take note of when designing your front façade.

 

Having different departments in the office, conceptualization gave room to play and try ideas from the classy to the zany. It was a key goal that each department be distinguished by their theme.

Being well-versed in the tropical theme, it was no surprise not to incorporate it in as the first point of impact on the office on our 7^th floor. An interpretation of the reception area will hold a gazebo-like area surrounded by water atop a wooden decking.

The meeting room next to the reception on the other hand keeps to the classic Chanel black and white concept of minimalism and elegance.

Showing how diverse concepts can still mesh, the realtors department which is located on the other side of the reception area is styled in a Moroccan theme playing with fabrics and colors.

More on the finished designs will be revealed in part 2.

After finally settling on the department themes, it was time to source the materials. Heading out to see the tile samples available, we were spoilt for choice with the new range of metallic finishing and bling mosaic which just oozed statement pieces. Trying our best not to go overboard, mixing and matching bold with neutral pieces was essential for the office to stand out rather than look like a mess.

Incorporating a moat-like water feature for the reception area meant having to custom make a pond to fit into the design structure. Finally finding a specialist, a custom-made fiberglass pond was designed and manufactured. Being a massively long structure, the final product was carefully lifted up 3 storeys to the office floor before being fitted together with the wooden decking.

 

With the reception area being the main attraction when stepping in to the office, it was essential to encompass tropical elements found outdoors and bring it indoors. Wood, stone tiles and man-made rock formations were sourced, designed and sculpted to bring the idea together.

Since physical work began in the unit, every day brought sight to a new stage of progress. Walls went up, tiles were placed and materials were being delivered. Everyone took an active role in the process. From worker to admin person, everyone worked as a team to get each stage of the design and build process to be a continuous movement until its final reveal.

Then the day finally came, it was time to move from Siglap Drive to Paya Ubi. The boxes were packed and we stood by in the respective points of destination to send and receive our things. A week’s worth of packing and months of preparation, it was time to say goodbye.

While it was a relief that the move was over, it was nonetheless bittersweet to say goodbye to a place where Nic & Wes has grown tremendously over the years. But at the same time, moving to our new premises brings the promise of better things to come.