Step inside the award-winning creative world of Elvin Tan

Written by

17 October 2023

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4 min read

In the bustling city of Melbourne, where eclecticism meets sophistication, resides a design studio making award-winning waves in the architecture and interior design industry. Led by designer Elvin Tan, the studio is a symbol of luxury with a twist, as it strives to recreate the Melbourne cityscape one unique project at a time.

Elvin Tan, Director of Elvin Tan Design.

Born to design; destined to succeed

Founded by visionary Elvin Tan, Melbourne-based interior design practice Elvin Tan Design is renowned for delivering bold and ingenious design concepts in the business world.

The studio specialises in commercial projects, from restaurant and cafe design, retail, commercial, and hotels to furniture design. The practice has won multiple awards for crafting functional and captivating spaces and pieces, including five at the 2021 Melbourne Design Awards.

“I’ve always been intrigued with forms and colours for as far back as I can remember, and by the age of 15, I knew I wanted to be an architect,” says Elvin Tan, Director of Elvin Tan Design.

“After graduating with a Master of Architecture in 2011, I gained valuable experience through established and well-known practices during my early career of designing hotels and restaurants internationally and locally,” says Elvin.

A manifestation of creativity

Elvin Tan's primary focus is creating design outcomes that are compelling and refreshingly out of the box while staying true to the project's essence and purpose.

“About six years ago, I decided to take a leap of faith to start my own little practice with big ideas and never looked back. I have been enjoying every day of it, and today, I’m proud to say I have an amazing team of nine that inspire me in every aspect of business and design,” says Elvin.

At the core of the studio’s philosophy lies a dedication to producing interiors that blend meticulous space planning, thoughtful detailing and a selection of materials that resonate with the project's exclusive concept. Their ingenuity knows no bounds, with each project undertaken by Elvin Tan personalised through close collaboration with clients and the project team, resulting in a showcase of design diversity.

“My love for interior design is driven by a preference for a simple yet refined aesthetic with a particular taste for hospitality and commercial design,” says Elvin.

Winner of the 2021 Melbourne Design Awards for Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar.

A portfolio as diverse as Melbourne itself

Elvin Tan’s portfolio speaks volumes about its versatility, covering an eclectic range of projects that include hospitality, residential and commercial ventures. The team takes pride in approaching each assignment as a canvas, with the client's ideas and requirements as catalysts for meaningful design dialogues.

“Every project comes with a set of challenges and opportunities. From its inception, we pursued a hands-on approach to all projects and believe in the power of design and the inherent value it can create regardless of the size or type of project,” says Elvin.

Nouveau furniture collection by Elvin Tan Design.

A successful project is one that creatively addresses a distinctive set of constraints while creating a unique and memorable experience that engages and delights the end user.

Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar – Doncaster

Master Lanzhou Beef Noodle Bar encapsulates a contemporary approach to celebrating traditional north-west Chinese culture and its famous hand-pull noodles. Inspired by a traditional courtyard house, the design blends undeniably Chinese imperial elements, imbuing the space with sleekness and elegance, punctuated by unexpected but humble oriental detail.

Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar was inspired by a traditional courtyard house.

Elvin Tan's design blends undeniably Chinese imperial elements.

Humble oriental details are featured throughout.

DeMaria’s Grocer – Richmond

DeMaria’s Grocer is a contemporary spin on a traditional European marketplace. A welcoming space that allows the customer to dwell and explore, like strolling through their local markets, creating a novel retail experience.

A welcoming space at DeMaria’s Grocer.

DeMaria’s Grocer in Richmond.

Offering a relaxed shopping experience.

Kot Nails – Boxhill

Kot Nails is a destination nail salon and beauty spa with a touch of whimsy. The design approach embodies the transformative process of the sensory experience. A nail spa reimagined as a form of escapism where customers can relax, dwell, be pampered and walk out with a new, energetic vibe.

A nail spa reimagined as a form of escapism.

Trending curves and arches offer a relaxed and sophisticated space for clients.

A touch of whimsy awaits.

In each design, Elvin Tan ensures that functional needs are met through innovative and detail-conscious solutions and is driven to create spaces people genuinely enjoy by always making the end-user experience central to their overall design philosophy.

As Melbourne continues to evolve, Elvin Tan Design studio stands ready to leave its mark on the city, one awe-inspiring project at a time.

“A successful project is one that creatively addresses a distinctive set of constraints while creating a unique and memorable experience that engages and delights the end user,” says Elvin. “Fundamentally, it’s always about the client.”

Discover more projects by Elvin Tan Design on ArchiPro.

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