20th November 2014,
Under the leadership of visionary founder Pongthep Sagulku, August Design Consultant has flourished into a company respected and coveted for its impressive portfolio which features major companies.
—
Can you tell us a little about yourself? What inspired you to take on a career in architecture?
Born and raised in the north-eastern part of Thailand, I was very passionate about all kinds of art and design since I was young. Whether it is pure art, literature, music; especially during the ’70s, pop art was the main stream at the time. Someone used to tell me if you were interested in these kind of things, there were only 2 ways to go to fulfill your dream. One was fine art and the other was architecture! So when the time came, it’s not difficult for me at all to pursue Interior Architecture (which was considered a very new school at the time) at King Mongkut Institute of Technology in Bangkok during the ’80s. Working briefly in Singapore after graduation, I then set up my own practice in the ’90s. Currently I am running a mid-size firm of approx 40 staff.
What do you like best about design?
I like all aspects of the design process which includes an open-minded point view and creativity without any prejudgment, formula or style. For me, anything can happen depending on the project’s context, brief, client, users, budget, time, regulation and so on, as long as it makes sense within the project parameters.
What is your design philosophy?
My design philosophy? I always believe that good design is only specific to each and every individual project.
Can you tell us some of your recent works? Which one are your favourites and why?
We just finished a small conversion project of a 35-year-old townhouse in Bangkok. We turned this house into a small boutique hotel. It was difficult to deal with the many restrictions imposed and additionally, we are in the construction phase of one of the biggest government projects in Bangkok: the New Thai Parliament by the Chaopraya River. We are part of the interior design team that is responsible for the overall interior architecture of the building (the total interior space is 95,000 m2). Both projects are totally on the opposite in every aspect and to me, that’s a fun challenge.
What do you think about the current interior trends in South East Asia? Where do you think we can improve?
I’m not so sure again that I’m fully aware of any interior design trends in our region because, for me, trend is fleeting and deals with a kind of formulated treatment. I prefer to think of interior design as driven by process. I believe every design has its own unique language. If there is a trend, then, wherever and whenever possible as a designer of environmental space, one should be very passionate about developing as many environmentally friendly yet sustainable properties as possible.
You will be one of the key speakers at IDcon 2014. What would you be presenting during your session?
I will talk about our series of small projects that fully represent our design philosophy.
What is your advice to those who aspire to become architects?
For those who aspire to become an architect or designer, be well prepared for long hard work that comes with modest pay! It means you have to be patient, always keep your design passion alive, and with a little bit help from having a good sense of humour’, I can assure you will finally enjoy your professional life well. Good luck.
