You’re a fine jewellery designer. Did you always know you wanted to be in this field?
Not at all. I was initially drawn to fashion and product design was actually my second choice when I applied to polytechnic. In hindsight, I’m glad I chose product design because it gave me a broad foundation and allowed me to explore different materials and ways of making. Fine jewellery eventually became a natural meeting point between my interest in fashion and accessorising, and the technical skills I developed through product design. It feels like a field where I can really spread my wings.
Where does your inspiration usually come from?
I wouldn’t point to any one source because it often depends on what I’m working on. Inspiration can come from anywhere, from nature and the things I notice around me to the work of other designers. I’m especially interested in understanding the intention behind something and seeing how another person has interpreted an idea. Sometimes, even without knowing the full context, one small element can spark curiosity and lead you somewhere completely different.
What skills do you think it takes to be a great jewellery designer?
A good understanding of how things are made is essential. You may be able to sketch or create a CAD model, but you also need to understand casting, construction and how a piece will actually be worn. That knowledge helps you create designs that are not only beautiful on paper, but also technically possible and comfortable in real life. Whatever the discipline, I think a designer needs to understand both the making and the experience of the finished piece.
Has working within a heritage house changed how you see your own role as a maker?
It has made me much more conscious of the history that a designer is contributing to. At B.P. de Silva, you see a story of Singapore that stretches back beyond its 61 years of independence, beginning with the founder’s journey from Sri Lanka and continuing through generations of change.
Each generation faced its own challenges, including war and periods of uncertainty, yet the house continued. That makes you realise that designing here is not only about creating something for the present. You are adding to a much longer story and, hopefully, making something that can carry part of it forward.
In the time you’ve been here, what has been the most valuable lesson or skill you’ve picked up?
Becoming more decisive. In design, it is important to recognise when an idea simply isn’t working and to be able to move on. When I was studying and first starting out, I could keep developing an idea without knowing when to stop, which sometimes made the process feel aimless. I’m learning to trust my judgement, let go sooner and focus my energy on the ideas with the greatest potential.
What do you enjoy about the culture in the company?
I enjoy how open and social everyone is. There is a genuine sense of connection, and I feel comfortable expressing my thoughts and speaking honestly with the team.
Even simple things, like having lunch together, give us the chance to talk about life beyond our individual roles and learn more about one another’s personalities and interests. Those relationships naturally influence how we communicate and collaborate, so the human connection ultimately becomes part of the work too.
How do you switch off or recharge creatively when you feel stuck?
I step away from the subject completely and avoid consuming anything too closely related to what I’m working on. Creating some distance allows me to return with fresh eyes and look at the problem from another angle.
I also ask myself what I can simplify or remove. Our instinct is often to keep adding when something isn’t working, but I’ve learned that the solution may be to take something away. When a design becomes too complex, stripping it back can reveal what is truly essential.
What are your hopes for the team?
I hope we continue to carry forward the good spirit we already have. I enjoy working with everyone because communication feels open, the energy is positive and I’m not afraid to voice an idea or concern. My hope is that we preserve that sense of ease and trust as the team continues to grow.
