Designing with Purpose and Care

haven sened was founded in 2018 when designer Sarah Lim recognized that Singapore residents often struggled to find design services that truly listened to their needs. Having worked in corporate design firms where efficiency sometimes overshadowed individual attention, she envisioned a different approach—one where each client's lifestyle and preferences guided every design decision.

The studio's name reflects our core philosophy: creating havens where people feel comfortable, inspired, and authentically themselves. We started in a small shophouse in Tiong Bahru, working with homeowners who wanted spaces that functioned better while reflecting their personal style. Those early projects taught us valuable lessons about the importance of patience, listening, and flexibility in the design process.

As word spread about our collaborative approach, we grew steadily, moving to our current location in Keong Saik in 2020. Today, our team includes designers with diverse backgrounds—from residential architecture to hospitality design—bringing varied perspectives to every project. What unites us is a genuine interest in understanding how design choices impact daily routines and overall wellbeing.

We've learned that the most successful projects happen when clients feel genuinely involved in the process. Rather than presenting finished concepts that clients must accept or reject, we prefer to explore options together, explaining the reasoning behind different approaches and adjusting based on feedback. This takes more time than traditional methods, but it results in spaces that truly work for the people who live in them.

Over the years, we've developed particular strengths in several areas that serve our Singapore clients well. Understanding tropical climate considerations allows us to recommend materials and finishes that perform reliably in humidity while remaining easy to maintain. We know which fabrics resist fading from intense sunlight and which wood finishes hold up best in local conditions.

Space optimization represents another core competency, especially valuable in Singapore's compact homes. We've learned numerous strategies for maximizing storage, improving traffic flow, and making rooms feel more spacious through clever planning and visual techniques. This expertise proves particularly helpful when working with HDB flats or smaller condominiums where every square meter matters.

Our experience with multi-functional spaces helps families adapt their homes as needs change. A guest room that also serves as a home office, a dining area that accommodates homework and crafts, or a living room configured for both entertainment and quiet reading—these flexible solutions become increasingly important in homes where space serves multiple purposes throughout the day.

We understand the nuances of working within Singapore's building regulations and common condominium restrictions. This knowledge helps us design renovations that proceed smoothly through approval processes, avoiding delays and unexpected complications. We can often identify potential regulatory issues early and adjust plans accordingly.