Winy Wijaya: From Blueprints to Pilates
Meet Winy Wijaya: A Visionary Designer Who Dances Through Life
With a career spanning over 24 years and projects across Asia, Winy Wijaya is more than just an interior designer—she’s a creator of experiences. From luxury hotels and retail spaces to healthcare and workplaces, Winy transforms visions into elegant, functional, and inspiring spaces. In 2023, she founded her own firm, W+ Associates, driven by a passion for collaboration and a desire to challenge herself beyond the conventional.
But Winy’s creativity doesn’t stop at design. A certified Pilates instructor, ballet and pole dance enthusiast, and student of traditional Chinese music, she blends movement and artistry into every facet of her life. Her story is one of balance, innovation, and relentless curiosity—proof that design is not just about spaces, but about the experiences they evoke and the lives they touch.
What inspired you to pursue a career in interior design, and how did your journey begin 24 years ago?
It all started with the courses I considered after high school. Several options came to mind, but somehow Interior Design stood out, and I wanted to give it a try. I enrolled in an Interior Design course, where I learned and enjoyed the fundamentals—History of Art, Photography, Batik, Printing, Pottery, and more.
You recently established W+ Associates in Singapore—what motivated you to start your own design firm, and what vision drives your company?
I wanted to create my own opportunities and challenge myself beyond my comfort zone. Our vision at W+ Associates is rooted in collaboration—creating spaces that inspire, engage, and empower. Clients’ visions are our mandate, and we deliver elegant, creative solutions from concept to reality.
Your projects span hospitality, retail, workplaces, healthcare, and more—how do you approach designing for such diverse sectors?
It begins with understanding the project type and client requirements. For hospitality, we consider brand standards, target market, local culture, and sustainability. For healthcare, the focus is on infection control, functional efficiency, circulation, and materials that are easy to clean. Each sector has unique needs that guide the design process.
Working on large-scale projects across Asia comes with unique challenges—what have been some of the most memorable lessons?
I’ve learned a lot from working with teams of professionals across different trades and countries. Their expertise, experiences, and innovative solutions for challenges have been invaluable in shaping my approach to regional projects.
How do you balance creative innovation with practical functionality in your projects?
It starts with understanding the client’s vision, budget, site surroundings, and target market. For example, designing a luxury villa by the sea requires interiors that exude sophistication through space planning, materials, and lighting. Materials must also be carefully chosen for durability and resistance to environmental factors like corrosion.
Alongside your design career, you are a certified Pilates instructor and practice other physical and artistic disciplines. How do these activities influence your creativity and work-life balance?
They’re essential outlets for stress and keeping my sanity. When I return to design work, I feel recharged and ready to create.
What role does collaboration play in your firm, especially with teams based in the Philippines and Indonesia?
Collaboration is key. Inspired by my previous firm’s experience working with geographically diverse teams, I lead and mentor our architects, draftspersons, and interior designers via regular Zoom sessions, connecting Singapore with teams in Indonesia and the Philippines.
In a fast-evolving industry, how do you stay updated with design trends, technologies, and client expectations?
By keeping an open mind and continuously learning—through travel, attending design workshops and seminars, visiting galleries, and exploring innovative spaces.
Your motto is “Live life to the fullest and have faith as an anchor in my life.” How does this philosophy shape your professional and personal decisions?
It drives me to fully embrace experiences, relationships, and opportunities. I strive to grow through challenges, find joy in the present, and live authentically without regrets.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave in interior design, and what excites you most about the future of your firm?
I hope to build a strong brand rooted in innovation, mentoring, sustainability, and empowerment. Contributing to the community and industry through education and philanthropy excites me, and I aim to inspire future generations of designers.
