Merging Thai heritage with global expertise at JARKEN

Fusing a Thai background with extensive time in the West, Sasivimol Sinthawanarong has forged a unique architectural identity via JARKEN, her award-winning practice

Sasivimol Sinthawanarong received two pieces of wisdom on the day she started university. The first was from a professor welcoming the new students with advice on splitting their day into three eight-hour windows for study, socialising, and sleep.

The second came immediately after from her department head, who apologetically explained that school life for architecture students was more likely to be “work, work, and work”.

“Architecture is a very demanding profession,” Sasivimol says. “You must forget about weekends, making plans with friends is just a bad idea, and sleep is a luxury.”

We strive to create architecture and design rooted in reality, aesthetically pleasing, delightful for those who encounter it, and uniquely tailored for different people

Despite these downsides, the co-founder and principal at JARKEN adds that she cannot imagine enjoying anything more than immersion in her chosen field.

After earning her bachelor of architecture from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, she pursued a post-graduate diploma in Interior Design from Milan’s Domus Academy and a postgraduate diploma in Design Management from Parsons in New York. Fresh from her studies, Sasivimol launched the award-winning JARKEN in 1999 and has seemingly not stopped since.

What started as just two people has grown into a multidisciplinary firm with a staff of more than 100, providing architectural, design, and construction services, as well as branding and consulting. Based in Bangkok, the teams primarily work with overseas clients across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, instilled with a simple philosophy of “bridging art and design”.

“Art creates questions, design creates answers,” Sasivimol says. “Design solves problems and meets needs. We strive to create architecture and design rooted in reality, aesthetically pleasing, delightful for those who encounter it, and uniquely tailored for different people.

This approach has garnered JARKEN numerous accolades over the years, including recognition as one of Asia Pacific’s most promising young interior designers by the World Federation of Interior Architects in 2009.

The firm received the Design for Asia Award in Hong Kong in 2017, honouring outstanding design projects across various disciplines. The D’Luck Cinematic Theatre project was also shortlisted for the World Festival of Interiors in the Civic, Culture & Transport category in the same year.

JARKEN has also been awarded the Singapore Good Design Mark Award in the Social Communication Category and the IAI Design Award Asia 2015 for its commercial endeavours.

And the firm’s ability to adapt to new trends and client expectations has been crucial to this success. It has transformed from a small operation into a structured system, continually embracing new clients, technologies, and methods of client interaction.

“Every year is a milestone,” Sasivimol says. “We continuously grow and adapt to meet the needs of new generations of clients.”

A pivotal project highlighting this evolution was its first hospital design. Leading a team that included experienced doctors, specialists, and technicians, JARKEN navigated the complexities of healthcare design with a blend of humility and determination.

It learned and adapted on the go, to deliver a project that has since established JARKEN as a specialist in the field.

“Taking on the hospital project was a significant challenge,” Sasivimol recalls. “But it also proved to be one of our most rewarding endeavours, pushing us to new heights and solidifying our expertise in this niche.”

Sustainability is another key component of JARKEN’s philosophy. Since its inception, the firm has implemented Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and green design practices, ensuring projects are both innovative and environmentally responsible.

A prime example is the “Private Modern Residence” project, where the team adopted a minimum-waste approach, combining existing infrastructure with new, lightweight materials to create an eco-friendly living space.

This project embodies a green design approach, prioritising non-invasive methods and environmental harmony, according to Sasivimol. “Environmental awareness significantly impacts society and the environment. It reduces design costs, fosters innovation, and benefits clients who value sustainability.”

Combining her Eastern background and Western experiences, Sasivimol continues to refine an approach that fuses the ideals of both worlds. She emphasises the importance of understanding clients’ needs, whether for residential projects, where she delves into personal details to tailor the design, or commercial projects, where identity is key.

“It’s crucial to know our clients’ characteristics to create spaces that enhance their quality of life, especially for residential projects,” Sasivimol explains. “For commercial properties, our research-driven approach ensures we meet organisational needs effectively.”

Looking ahead, Sasivimol hopes to continue developing the newer disciplines of the company, including fashion and product design, and most recently the branding agency, alongside the highly successful architecture and design business. Indeed, more than a quarter of a century on from that first day at university, it seems Sasivimol has never quite shaken that “work, work, work” mantra.

“Despite the demands and challenges, architecture has always been my passion,” she says. “It’s a profession where the balance of art and design continually inspires and drives us to create spaces that meet needs, but more importantly enhance lives.”

D’Luck Cinematic Theatre, Bangkok

The Singha D’Luck Cinematic Theatre marries the concept of magic illusions with authentic Thai craftsmanship. The stage features a simple curtain backdrop depicting mountains, forests, and battlefields, the main themes of the performances. Sustainability was a priority, with JARKEN adhering to LEED guidelines and using primarily local materials.

Key design elements include textured black stone walls and a dynamic interior façade and ceiling, creating a tunnel-like flow. The main theatre embellishments enhance live shows and CG effects, with dark-toned, soundproof materials covering the seats and stage. Meanwhile, the ticket office and souvenir shop, inspired by Thai literature, feature semimirrored floors and curved hidden lighting, simulating a river leading into the theatre.

“The lobby is the most dramatic part of the 4,000-squaremetre space,” notes Sasivimol. It includes a restaurant, rest area, and themed souvenir shop, surrounded by pillars of LED screens and illusion sculptures. “This area was designed to captivate visitors from the moment they enter, setting the tone for the immersive experience inside the theatre.

SLC Clinic, Bangkok

The design philosophy embodies a fusion of fresh, modern, and contemporary styles focused on beauty and art. This approach weaves a narrative that echoes the style and embraces the essence of the space.

By incorporating textures, natural materials, and a minimalist lighting colour scheme, the design adds depth, sustainability, and lasting allure, creating a carefully curated palette that elevates the space, according to Sasivimol.

“Crafting spaces that feel like an extension of beauty is our design forte,” she explains. “Our designs honour the butterfly as a metaphor for personality, resonating with the building’s character and evoking the sophisticated vibes of quiet luxury. This approach ensures that the space looks stunning while also feeling like an extension of the beauty it represents.”

CP Tower Conference Room, Bangkok

The conference room at CP Tower showcases a modern oriental interior design, blending Eastern and Western styles to transform a 30-year-old space into a stylish sanctuary. Emphasising natural materials, a muted colour palette, and soft lighting, the design fosters a sense of calm and tranquillity. The lotus leaf serves as the core motif, extending into every element of the space.

“We wanted to create a space that looked modern but also felt inherently peaceful,” says Sasivimol. “The use of natural materials and diffused lighting creates a serene environment, while the lotus leaf motif adds a touch of elegance and harmony, seamlessly integrating tradition with contemporary design.”

Private Modern Oriental Residence, Bangkok

This private client project tackles the challenge of crafting a distinct identity for a contemporary boxy home by incorporating regionally sourced stone panel siding. The façade’s form and character showcase strong rectangular shapes juxtaposed with subtle curved lines and wood panelling, evoking a modern oriental ambience inspired by the thousand-year heritage of Feng Shui.

“Our goal was to create a residence that resonates with modern and traditional elements,” says Sasivimol. “We used regional stone and wood to craft a structure that feels timeless yet contemporary. The extensive windows and open design allow for a fluid connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a unique living experience honouring the cultural heritage.

House of Rising Sun, Bangkok

This two-storey house in the heart of Bangkok combines nature and luxury to create a modern residence and a comfortable nesting place. The standout design of the living space makes this home unique. The ground floor is designed to offer a relaxed environment while maintaining a connection with a semi-outdoor area that serves as a family gathering place.

This space features a large dining table and a food preparation area, making it a focal point for common activities. “We intentionally emphasised open, airy spaces and incorporated a semi-outdoor area to enhance family interactions. The ground floor’s relaxed design encourages communal activities and aims to strengthen family bonds.

The Residences at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel, Bangkok

The design of The Residences creates a timeless look by incorporating elements that transcend trends and evoke elegance and sophistication. “The living space combines the grandeur and elegance of luxury design with the clean lines and minimalist sensibilities of modern styles,” Sasivimol says.

Traditional and new materials, like wood, stone, wallpaper, and metal fabric with stainless steel, add visual interest and depth to the design. Meanwhile, a neutral palette with subtle accents, including creams, whites, beiges, and soft pastels, provides a subtle backdrop, while pops of colour in upholstery, artwork, or accessories add a contemporary touch. “It’s this vibrancy that keeps the space feeling fresh and sophisticated,” Sasivimol adds.

This article was originally published on asiarealestatesummit.com. Write to our editors at [email protected].