Chiang Mai, Thailand: a city known for deep-rooted local traditions, cultural heritage, and artistry - Hairizan Harun, Wan Shahira, and Tasha Halim were the selected representatives from Scalable Malaysia to participate in Atap’s second edition of the international DesignVoyage. For Hairizan, it was her second visit to the vibrant city but a first for Shahira and Tasha. Now, it’s become one of the most memorable events for the team this year.

Atap is a platform that hosts architecture and interior design firms to showcase projects, allowing homeowners and businessowners to browse and connect with firms of their choosing. Annually, Atap hosts a local and international excursion called the DesignVoyage, allowing designers to explore and exclusively connect with relevant suppliers and vendors to collaborate with. Through our membership with Atap as Atap Elite Club members, Scalable is able to participate in the annual international DesignVoyage. The first edition of Atap’s DesignVoyage in 2024 took place in Saigon, Vietnam attended by former Head of Scalable, Emelia Tan with Paramount Property’s Assistant General Manager of Product Development and Innovation, Lily Soon.

In the latest edition, from 10^th to 13^th December 2025, participants explored the city of Chiang Mai, discovering the concept of Lanna heritage in contemporary applications, all the while immersed in the rich landscape of Northern Thai architecture and design. We took up residence at Burirattana Hotel for the duration of our stay; a local boutique hotel in Chiang Mai’s Old Town that is an elegant showcase of Lanna in minimal-contemporary design. The warm hospitality of the hotel staff was the icing on the cake.

We kicked off the first day with a visit to Sher Maker Studio, an architectural design studio whose process involves uncovering and showcasing the meaning behind the designs and construction, with application of local technology and materials. Co-founder Patcharada Inplang shared insights regarding the methods and purpose behind their process, revealing their team’s nature excursions for exploration and connection that strengthen their abilities and expertise. This session allowed us the opportunity to better understand the planning and execution of their popular projects, such as Aesop Thonglor Store and Ptt Saraphi Gas Station.

Our next stop was Kalm Village – an Art, Craft, and Culture Center that aims to empower local artisans, showcase curated artwork and objects, and host creative community events, serving as a contemporary space and platform for expression. It comprises multiple buildings that serve unique functions linked by communal spaces and courtyards. We were taken on a guided tour by co-founder and creative director, Achariyar Rojanapirom, where we explored Kalm Village's architectural and interior designs that celebrate contemporary Asian and traditional Thai elements. Our favourite spot here was the Kalm Glass Pavilion: a contemporary Lanna pavilion with a transparent roof overlooking Old Town with the historic Wat Chedi Luang Buddhist temple in view.

Day Two began with a visit to Chiangmai Life Architects (CLA), specialists in sustainable architecture and design – integrating natural materials with modern engineering knowledge and techniques. We had the pleasure of conversing with founder, Markus Roselieb who shared of CLA’s proudest projects as well as their latest works that demonstrate their commitment to creating spaces that are not only conducive to wellbeing but also bring happiness to inhabitants, whilst pursuing a low to zero carbon footprint in their projects. Our conversation continued over lunch, allowing us the opportunity to get to know Markus on a personal level and learn of his journey into sustainable architectural design.

Our last destination on the DesignVoyage was PERN BAAN, producers of artisan-made lighting and home décor that applies roots in Thai craft to the design process. We met with founder, Robert Sukrachand who took us on journey through PERN BAAN’s studio which exhibited products from collaborations with design partners based in the United States and Thailand. This creative blend showcases stories of cross-cultural collaboration, communicating mutual respect and cooperation. The tour included a viewing of Above PERN BAAN, a private apartment above the studio that is available as an Airbnb stay. It was an immersive experience of PERN BAAN’s creations – to view them as part of an everyday space rather than as display items on the shelves of a furniture design studio.

It was an insightful and inspirational end to the year for the designers that participated on this trip. The destinations selected by Atap’s organising team were not only enjoyable but sparked a light in us to explore materials, concepts, and methods for our projects at home in Kuala Lumpur. We look forward to what 2026 has in store for Scalable and are already excited for Atap’s third edition of their international DesignVoyage!