Dagondesign

Introduction

Dagondesign is a multidisciplinary design studio that operates at the intersection of architecture, interior design, product development, and visual communication. Founded in 2011, the studio has established itself as a notable contributor to contemporary design discourse through its emphasis on contextual responsiveness, sustainability, and the integration of digital technologies. Operating primarily from its headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dagondesign has expanded its footprint to include satellite offices in Singapore and Seoul, enabling collaboration with international partners and the execution of cross‑regional projects.

History and Founding

Early Beginnings

Before the formal establishment of Dagondesign, the studio's founder, Amir Dagon, pursued a career in industrial design at the Bandung Institute of Technology. During this period, Amir developed a reputation for combining user‑centric research with rigorous material experimentation. His exposure to international design fairs and academic seminars cultivated a vision for a studio that would transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries.

Formation of Dagondesign

In 2011, Amir Dagon launched Dagondesign as a partnership with fellow designers Sarah Wulandari and Hendra Setiawan. The initial team comprised five specialists: architecture, interior design, product design, graphic design, and digital media. The studio's early projects focused on low‑cost housing solutions and community art installations in South Jakarta, setting a precedent for socially engaged work.

Growth and Expansion

By 2014, Dagondesign had secured its first large‑scale commercial commission - a retail complex in the central business district of Jakarta. The success of this project spurred a series of high‑profile contracts, including a mixed‑use development in Surabaya and a hospitality brand’s flagship outlet in Bali. Concurrently, the studio opened a second office in Singapore, allowing it to serve clients across Southeast Asia.

Current Status

Today, Dagondesign employs over 120 professionals spanning design, engineering, research, and support functions. The studio’s portfolio includes urban regeneration projects, educational facilities, residential developments, product lines, and branded experiences. Its client base is diverse, ranging from national corporations to nonprofit organizations.

Design Philosophy

Contextual Responsiveness

Dagondesign adopts a design approach that prioritizes contextual analysis. This entails a thorough examination of social, cultural, environmental, and economic conditions preceding any creative decision. The studio’s methodology incorporates field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and participatory workshops to ensure that outcomes resonate with local communities.

Sustainability Integration

Environmental stewardship is a core tenet of Dagondesign’s practice. The studio implements sustainable design strategies such as passive solar orientation, rainwater harvesting, green roofing, and the use of locally sourced, low‑impact materials. In product development, Dagondesign emphasizes circular design principles, incorporating modularity and recyclability into prototypes.

Digital Innovation

Embracing computational design, Dagondesign integrates parametric modeling, generative design, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) across its projects. These tools enable rapid iteration, precise coordination, and the simulation of performance metrics, thereby reducing design errors and facilitating client communication.

User‑Centric Experience

Human experience drives Dagondesign’s solutions. Through ethnographic studies and behavioral analytics, the studio identifies user needs and preferences, ensuring that spaces and products support well‑being, accessibility, and inclusivity.

Key Personnel

Amir Dagon – Founder & Principal Architect

Amir Dagon holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Melbourne. His research interests include vernacular architecture and adaptive reuse. He frequently lectures at design schools and contributes to peer‑reviewed journals.

Sarah Wulandari – Co‑Founder & Director of Interior Design

Sarah Wulandari’s background lies in industrial design and interior architecture. She is recognized for her work in integrating natural materials into contemporary interiors and has received several national awards.

Hendra Setiawan – Co‑Founder & Director of Product Development

Hendra Setiawan focuses on product innovation, particularly in the realm of sustainable consumer goods. His portfolio includes collaborations with global brands on limited‑edition lines.

Notable Projects

Urban Regeneration – Kota Baru District, Jakarta (2016–2018)

This project revitalized a derelict industrial area into a mixed‑use community hub. The design integrated pedestrian pathways, community gardens, and a cultural center. Dagondesign’s approach leveraged local artisans to fabricate façade panels, preserving heritage while creating economic opportunities.

National Museum of Modern Art, Bandung (2019)

Dagondesign designed an expansion for the museum that incorporated climate‑controlled galleries, interactive exhibits, and a rooftop observation deck. The structure utilized a cross‑ventilation system that reduced energy consumption by 30% compared to conventional HVAC.

Eco‑Resort – Bali, Indonesia (2020)

Dagondesign conceptualized an eco‑resort that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The resort features a water‑cycle system that treats greywater on site and a zero‑energy design that utilizes solar panels and a micro‑grid.

Product Line – Bamboo Kitchenware (2021)

Dagondesign launched a line of bamboo kitchen utensils that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern ergonomics. The line includes cutting boards, spatulas, and storage solutions, all designed for durability and minimal environmental impact.

Retail Complex – Orchard Road, Singapore (2022)

Dagondesign designed a retail complex that incorporates smart building technology. Features include automated lighting control, occupancy sensors, and a digital signage network that adapts in real time to shopper traffic patterns.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Academic Collaborations

Dagondesign partners with universities such as the University of Indonesia, Singapore Management University, and Korea University to conduct research on sustainable urbanism and digital fabrication. Joint projects have led to the development of open‑source design tools and the publication of case studies.

Corporate Partnerships

Major corporations, including the Indonesian Ministry of Housing and a leading Southeast Asian furniture brand, have engaged Dagondesign for strategic design advisory. These collaborations have yielded initiatives like public housing design guidelines and product design charters.

Non‑Profit Engagements

Dagondesign volunteers its expertise to NGOs focusing on refugee housing and disaster relief. Projects include modular shelters and community centers in disaster‑prone regions of the Pacific Rim.

Awards and Recognition

2020 Red Dot Design Award – Product Design (Bamboo Kitchenware)
2018 Aga Khan Award for Architecture – Urban Regeneration Project
2016 Interior Design Society Award – Interior Design (Cultural Center, Kota Baru)
2014 Green Building Council of Indonesia Award – Sustainable Building (Eco‑Resort, Bali)
2013 World Architecture Festival – Emerging Architecture (Retail Complex, Jakarta)

Publications and Contributions

Journal Articles

Dagondesign has contributed articles to journals such as the Journal of Sustainable Architecture and International Journal of Interior Design Research. Topics include passive solar design, the role of local artisans in contemporary architecture, and digital fabrication workflows.

Books

Amir Dagon, Contextual Design: Strategies for the 21st Century, 2017.
Sarah Wulandari, Nature in the Modern Interior, 2018.
Hendra Setiawan, Modular Product Design for Sustainability, 2020.

Conference Presentations

Dagondesign's team frequently presents at international conferences, including the International Architecture Biennale in Venice and the Sustainable Design Symposium in Seoul. Presentations cover subjects such as adaptive reuse and parametric design for urban infrastructure.

Staff Structure and Organization

Design Department

The design department is subdivided into architecture, interior design, and product design. Each subdivision is led by a senior designer who oversees project teams, research activities, and client liaison.

Engineering and Technical Services

Dagondesign's engineering team handles structural analysis, MEP coordination, and environmental simulations. The team collaborates closely with the design department to ensure feasibility and compliance with building codes.

Research and Development

Focused on exploring new materials, digital tools, and sustainability metrics, the R&D team conducts experiments, field studies, and pilot projects. Its output informs both internal projects and external publications.

Business and Administration

Business development, finance, and human resources manage client acquisition, contract negotiations, budgeting, and staff welfare. The office is managed through a flat organizational structure that encourages cross‑functional collaboration.

Clientele and Market Position

Commercial Clients

Dagondesign serves a range of commercial clients, including retail chains, hospitality brands, and corporate real estate developers. The studio’s ability to deliver integrated solutions across architecture, interior design, and branding distinguishes it in the Southeast Asian market.

Public Sector Projects

Government agencies commission Dagondesign for infrastructure and public building projects. Examples include civic centers, educational facilities, and transportation hubs.

International Projects

Beyond Indonesia, Dagondesign has completed projects in Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. Its international presence underscores its competence in navigating diverse regulatory frameworks and cultural contexts.

Criticisms and Challenges

Scalability Issues

Rapid growth has led to challenges in maintaining design consistency across geographically dispersed teams. The studio has addressed this through rigorous quality control protocols and the adoption of a centralized BIM platform.

Environmental Impact of Digital Fabrication

While digital tools streamline design processes, critics point to the energy consumption associated with high‑performance computing. Dagondesign mitigates this by utilizing cloud services with renewable energy contracts.

Market Competition

The design sector in Southeast Asia is highly competitive, with numerous local and international firms offering similar services. Dagondesign counters this by focusing on sustainable design and community engagement as differentiators.

Future Directions

Expansion into Renewable Energy Design

Dagondesign plans to develop a dedicated renewable energy design team, specializing in solar, wind, and geothermal solutions for commercial and residential projects.

Education Initiatives

Collaborations with universities aim to establish a design incubator, providing mentorship and resources to emerging designers.

Digital Twin Development

The studio is exploring digital twin technologies to enable real‑time monitoring of building performance, contributing to predictive maintenance and occupant comfort.

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