He may not be a PhD graduate. He may not have a millionaire father. But he possess guts, creativity and determination-and lots of them. Steve Lim Kim Hai, 45, an interior designer of 14 years, have experienced ups-and-downs in his life but he strived hard to overcome every hurdle.
Steve Lim-Queenstown's proud interior designer
His first interior design firm was located in Queenstown. Although he was overseeing a team of multinational workers who are young designers, construction workers and architects, Steve explained that his entrepreneur path was not easy in the beginning. Having worked for his father as a fruits wholesaler for twenty over years, Steve decided that he wanted to start his own career. He franchised the first Swensens outlet in Singapore at Ginza Plaza (Now West Coast Plaza). However, his business failed and he wound his shop when he was 30 years old.
He did not give up. He applied for many design courses and found his calling. He then worked in his friend’s renovations shop in Queenstown. He studied for various diplomas and obtained a BSA in building. His firm, Esthetix Design Pte Ltd located in OCBC Building, specialises in the design and construction of innovative and stylish environments, while developing creative yet practical means to fulfill each of his clients’ individual requirements. Steve focuses on ‘selling design concepts’ to his customers, and has since completed many high profile portfolios for his clients which include condominiums, landed property and office developments.
His Showroom at OCBC Building
In the morning, Steve meets up with his workers and distributes the various tasks to them. Having some projects in hand, Steve gathers feedback from them and finds out if there are any difficulties in handling the work. As ‘clean cut modern’ designs are the trend now, the team work together and brainstorm for new creative concepts in that area.
An example of Clean Cut Modern Concept
In the afternoon, Steve will follow up with his clients by phoning them and offering quotations and advices. Marketing and sales is an important factor in the industry as there is where the deals come in. Steve also publishes some of his work in interior design magazines. He also spent some time in completing his sketches of the next landed property construction.
Steve drawing sketches
At around 5.30pm, some of his clients took a tour around his showroom. Steve offers a complete package where he even assists his clients in the selection of furniture, lightings, tiles and many other aspects of interior design.
An example of a material board
Steve takes pride in his work and often sees himself building a ‘dreamhouse’ for his clients. He does not view monetary satisfaction from his job as important as in the past. He treasures the experience gained and satisfaction in the completed artwork more. His most satisfied moment is when he hands the house over to a satisfied and smiling client.
He built this firm from scratch
Steve enjoys spending time with his family. Having 3 teenage children, he would often spend his weekends with them and bring them for overseas trips. Steve also enjoys photography. He would often capture ‘beautiful interior concepts’ of places he visits. He describes it as a job hazard.
With his passion in the industry, Steve would like to continue being an interior designer while taking small steps towards his dream of being a developer. He vividly explains how it is possible to buy a piece of land, build a concept dreamhouse and sell it to a client.
Aim high, work hard and your dreams will become reality. =)
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4 comments:
Painting the walls makes a huge difference in your interior design.
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The information that you provided was thorough and helpful. I will have to share your article with others.
Clean cut modern concept looks great. Thanks for sharing those interior designs. Find the best interior designers in hyderbad at Wallsasia
I really like this blog, it shares lots of information about this. Keep sharing this type of helpful post with us.
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