Interior Designer

[TXfour]

Hi,
We will be moving to Singapore for 18 months in January when my husband is transfered. Currently I have my own Interior Design business, specializing in bathroom and kitchen remodels, in addition to also doing furnishing, etc. Is this a sought after service in Singapore? My initial thought when my husband and I discussd moving was that I would take time off from work, but looking at the extensive building that seems to be going on, as well as the updating of older homes and condo's I'm thinking that I may be making the wrong decision! I usually hire out contractors to do the work for me, so I don't need to employ people. I would simply be hired out on consultant basis. Does anyone have any knowledge, experience, opinion, or thought on this?

ANY input would be greatly appreciated.

[thesicks13]

I used to be involved in renovation projects before I moved here and have been looking in to setting up a similar operation in Singapore. However I am still not convinced that there is much of a market for it. Most people who purchase a property are either buying new builds or buying a house for the land. They then knock the property down and build a new one.

Older properties that could do with renovation tend to be rented out and as such the owner is not inclined to spend much money on renovating or updating the premises other than a lick of paint.

It would also take you some time to get a reputable group of contractors to work with. The best ones, given all the housing work, ar full. Then there is the language issue.

Having said all that, I do believe there is an opportunity at the higher end of the market...you will just need to do a great deal of networking and maybe it will pay off. Good luck though.

[sundaymorningstaple]

A trip to IMM in Jurong East would be in order I'd say. Take a portfolio of your work and visit the numerous reno contractors shops that are there and make some enquiries. You may well be able to pick up the freelance type of work you want. Maybe on an ad hoc basis but worth a try?

sms