DiscoverThriving as aTop 3 BTO reno red flags, & more | Thriving as an interior designer
Top 3 BTO reno red flags, & more | Thriving as an interior designer

Top 3 BTO reno red flags, & more | Thriving as an interior designer

Update: 2025-06-02
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In today's episode Thrive co-hosts Daryl and Estelle chats with Ng Sze Wee, co-founder of interior design firm Office Of_, about top red flags new home owners should look out for, scams in the ID industry, and what he really thinks about trends like Japandi.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Hook

00:40 - Intro

01:08 - Difference between architect vs ID

02:19 - His exact jobscope

04:33 - Long working hours

06:31 - Designing during construction stage

07:58 - Likes/dislikes of the job

09:16 - Honest thoughts about Japandi/arches

12:29 - Need formal qualification to become ID?

16:19 - Scams in the industry

17:13 - 🚩 Red flag 1: downpayment too high

19:03 - Too much built-in??

21:09 - 🚩 Red flag 2: push product too hard

23:27 - 🚩 Red flag 3: cost too low

25:22 - Thoughts on Taobao furniture

27:46 - Most rewarding part of the job

28:38 - High turnover in the industry

30:17 - What made him want to stay

31:58 - Hire contractor = cheaper??

34:53 - Advice to young designers

Credits:

Written by: Daryl Choo and Vivien Shiao

Hosted by: Daryl Choo and Estelle

Edited by: Andrew Wong and Rasuna Azrayl

Produced by: Andrew Wong

Send your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to thrivebt@sph.com.sg

services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

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Top 3 BTO reno red flags, & more | Thriving as an interior designer

Top 3 BTO reno red flags, & more | Thriving as an interior designer

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