DESIGNER
Hafizan
Having completed his diploma in Animation & 3D Arts back in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Hafizan found immense interest in creating spaces for his animated characters to live in. During his 3 years there, he soon realised how much space & interiors can influence characters. His curiosity and fascination in regards to how spaces affected humans in real life became the catalyst, which eventually led him to pursue his BA(Hons) degree in Interior Design at Lasalle College of the Arts.
Hafizan continues to seek, understand and unravel the potential of spaces, in hopes to better the lives of the society. Through embarking his journey together with BuildBuilt, he is determined to sharpen his skills and mature into a charismatic designer, bringing impact to one’s life through creating meaningful spaces for home owners.
What do you do to relax?
Simply being in the presence of my family & friends is pure bliss.
I enjoy watching Korean variety shows. I am a loyal fan of the Runningman series and I also do follow a few other shows. The idea of taking up a new challenge and missions every other episode excites me. If I were to live a second life, I’d want to be a cast member on a variety show!
I am saving up for a gravel bike to go night cycling with my friends. Cruising on a bike through the empty streets in the middle of the night is a form of escape and release for me, even though I know my thighs will burn & ache the next morning. But no regrets.
I am a plant parent and I have a few plants in my collection. I can't recollect when I started getting them - most probably during the lockdown period - but watching them grow and be healthy is a pleasure to witness.
What’s top on your Bucket’s List?
Going on a long caravan/ road trip across a country.
What does work mean to you?
As much as I want to attain & strive to the ideal concept of "doing something you love & not have to work another day", being in the Interior Design Industry comes with its unexpected obstacles and problem solving on a day to day basis. Maneuvering through these challenges can be exhausting, but knowing that you can make change and have an impact on one's life overshadows it.
Why do you do what you do?
There's so much potential & power in being able to design, to make change for the better. Therefore, "With great power comes great responsibility" (Cue Marvel Opening Music)
Where is your next travel destination?
Japan! I want to experience anything and everything there. Swiss Alps, taking the panoramic train to view the stunning mountainous landscape.
If you have unlimited resources, which world problem would you wrestle with?
War. It disgusts me the fact that children, women, the elderly, homes, hospitals, animals & trees are innocently killed and destroyed in the process.
What's a good film/series/book/podcast to recommend?
Shawshank Redemption, Interstellar & the Harry Potter Movies. Especially Prisoner of Azkaban, where the story starts taking a darker turn. FRIENDS Series. All of these recommendations are insanely rewatchable!
A book titled The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom.
If you could only eat this for the rest of your life - what would it be?
Hands down, Nasi Padang. Cause I'll be having the plethora of dishes together with the rice on my plate. Therefore, I'd pick & choose what I feel like eating on that day. Feels kinda cheating though. On the other hand I'm pretty sure I'd get all the necessary nutrients!
Why is good design important to you ?
I strongly believe that the definition of good design is when there is equilibrium between function & aesthetic. Therefore, good design has immense effect & influence on people, both on a major & the smallest of scale.
Describe the best experience that comes to mind.
It was 2010, Sabah, hiking Mount Kinabalu at the age of 15.