Places Of The Heart: Celebrity designer Peter Tay lives, works and plays in Beach Road

Who: Interior designer Peter Tay, 52, is best known as the designer to the stars. His love of parlaying reflective surfaces such as mirrors and glossy surfaces into decor accents that add depth and create optical illusions is a calling card.

After graduating in architecture from the prestigious Architectural Association in London in 2000, he focused on designing interiors to pursue his concept of “the hidden poetry in living spaces”, and established Peter Tay Studio here in 2001.

He has worked on the homes of some of the biggest local and global names in entertainment and business, such as Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, America-born Mandopop singer Wang Leehom, and home-grown personalities like actress Zoe Tay and billionaire Peter Lim.

Mr Tay, who is married with two sons, was named Designer of the Year in 2014 at the President’s Design Awards. In 2021, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Interior Designers Singapore. And in December 2024, he was awarded Design Firm of the Year by the Interior Design Confederation Singapore.

“Although my office, home and after-hours haunts are all around Beach Road, it has become more than just a work-live-play precinct to me.

Every morning, I wake up to its fresh air and, every night before I sleep, I reflect on the energy this place infuses in my daily life. The precinct is a perfect fusion of heritage and modernity.

There is Kampong Glam, with its rich heritage and cultures, encompassing Arab Street, Bussorah Street, Haji Lane, Bali Lane and Muscat Street. These areas offer a unique charm through their vibrant street art, architecture and fashion.

Some of my biggest projects are also around the Beach Road thoroughfare.

I’m currently working on the redesign of the lobby, sky terraces and rooftop terrace for South Beach Tower. I’ve also recently completed part of the interiors of The Concourse and the interior spaces for Midtown Bay luxury residences.

After a long day at work, I take a leisurely stroll past the shophouses of Haji Lane near Arab Street, enjoying the pedestrian experience that includes the fragrance of saffron steaming in cooked rice wafting from the Turkish restaurants, and also the faint scent of oud wood escaping the perfumeries of Jamal Kazura Aromatics shops embedded in the shophouses.

There is nothing like a piping hot glass mug of black tea at one of the outdoor spots along bustling Bussorah Street to melt away the tensions of the work day.

Walking through the winding streets of the precinct is how I connect with design – not just to see it, but also to understand and feel it. Every step reveals layers of a dynamic cityscape, where architecture and atmosphere intertwine to create something that is alive.

This is what I call a ‘living city’, a universe in itself.

A place so vibrant and complete that you never feel the need to leave to experience something new. Every corner tells a story, blending design, culture and life in the most beautiful way.

But Beach Road also has an ultra-modern facet, as seen by South Beach Tower, designed by iconic British architect Norman Foster through his global practice, Foster + Partners.

It integrates a five-star hotel, the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, which was conceptualised by French designer Philippe Starck.

Just a stone’s throw away is Guoco Midtown, which stands as a testament to the future – a dynamic and innovative attraction in the Central Business District comprising Grade A offices, public and retail spaces, residences and the former Beach Road Police Station, which is a conserved building.

I have a deep emotional connection to Beach Road also because it is a living gallery of modern masterpieces created by some of the greatest minds in architecture.

Gateway was designed by the late Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, while The Concourse was the vision of American architect Paul Rudolph.

Add to that, more icons such as Norman Foster, who designed South Beach Tower, and German architect Ole Scheeren, who conceived of Duo Tower.

While the enclave showcases the visions of influential global icons of modern architecture, it also includes the Beach Road Police Station, built by the British in the 1930s, just to add a dash of nostalgia.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Golden Mile Singapore – comprising the newly conserved Golden Mile Complex and a new residential unit called Aurea – represents the next chapter of the urban nook’s ‘new versus old’ story.

Golden Mile Singapore, designed by Singapore’s modern masters, DP Architects, attests to the country’s forward-thinking outlook while preserving architectural memory and identity.

These structures inspire me every day, reminding me why this area is a ‘place of my heart’.

It’s more than just a locus of urban design excellence. Beach Road is a space where design, history and emotions converge.”