MSDO works across a range of project types. Every projects starts with an over-arching design narrative, framework and context for our design thinking and approach. From there, we create unique design outcomes and beautifully crafted interiors.
The team is responsible for creating award-winning projects such as Manhattan Bar, which is featured in the list of World's Best 50 Bars. Manhattan Bar and 28 Hong Kong Street are also on the list of Asia's 50 Best Bars. Other projects are Michelin-Star Hamamoto Restaurant and the classic Malmaison by The Hour Glass, which is Singapore's first residential-inspired luxury retail emporium.
Clients come to us to create uniquely tailored spaces and solutions that bring joy. We have an international view, and this coupled with our detailed industry knowledge and experience allows us to explore a variety of design themes that translates the brief into a singular design solution. Our current projects are located in Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, Melbourne, Sydney and London.
Matthew Shang
Creative Director
Matthew is the creative visionary who guides our team to produce work of exceptional quality. A passionate and inspired interior designer, Matthew approaches each new commission as a journey of discovery. Informed by context, brief requirements, personal intuition, experience and culture, he works with clients to create lasting impressions for customers and guests.
As creative director with some of Southeast Asia’s leading design practices, and a founder of MSDO and former Singapore-based Distillery (which he established in association with Paul Semple in 2008), he has amassed an impressive portfolio of work.
Through a process of research, exploration and solid planning, he leads his team in design thinking from the macro scale (narrative creation) to the micro (the application of finishes).
Prior to pursuing a career in interior design, he was active in production and art direction for television and film. It is this visual and narrative sensibility that he brings to his hospitality projects.
Paul Semple
Project Director
Paul is project and client leader for the MSDO team. He is highly respected by clients for his practical construction experience, attention to detail and strong project management skills.
As a chief point of communication between the team and the client, Paul’s main objective is to attain clarity in the development of the brief and ensure high quality work is consistently achieved, from design to delivery.
Paul has worked through Southeast Asia, China and Australia, and since 2004 has been based in Singapore. He has overseen and lead projects ranging form opulent luxury retail spaces through to large scale hospitality venues, city hotels of varying scales and resort properties. He has honed his skills with a diverse range of firms, from boutique design studios to one of the world’s largest shopping centre developers. Paul has had the opportunity to work with global hotel brands including Capella, Aman, GHM, Alila, Hyatt, IHG and Hilton.
Ben Quarrill
Associate
Ben has a close working relationship with Matthew and Paul, and also leads the studio team in the day-to-day delivery on all projects.
Ben is an interior designer and project lead with a demonstrated history of delivery in workplace and hospitality design, specialising in cross typology projects. He works across the whole life cycle of projects, from strategic engagement and briefing to documentation and delivery, in both design and project management roles.