Amber Pan’s journey into the world of interior design is a testament to following one’s true calling. Initially set on a path in architecture, earning a bachelor’s degree focused on buildings, Pan soon discovered her profound passion lay not just in structures, but in the stories they could tell from within. “I realized my true passion lies in interior design, which I see as a kind of stage for mise-en-scène,” Pan explains. “A space can tell a story with a quiet, almost silent power—you can sense who the main character is just from the details around them.” This revelation, sparked by the personal joy of designing her own home, marked a pivotal shift from blueprints to bespoke narratives.
From Blueprint to Bespoke: A Designer’s Evolution
Pan’s understanding of interior design transcends mere aesthetics; she views it as a dynamic medium for narrative expression. Her architectural background provides a robust foundation, allowing her to approach spaces with an innate understanding of form and function. However, it’s the emotional resonance and the subtle cues that truly captivate her. The ability to craft an environment where every object, texture, and light source contributes to an overarching story is what drives her creative process. This pursuit, initially a personal hobby, blossomed into a professional calling when she recognized its universal appeal.
Studio ŪMA: Embracing the Patina of Time
This unique philosophy found its professional home in Studio ŪMA, the London-based interior architecture firm Pan co-founded with Michelle Song. At the heart of Studio ŪMA’s ethos is a profound appreciation for imperfect beauty and the rich patina of time. Here, oxidized metals, weathered wood, and softened edges are not flaws to be concealed but rather cherished records of transformation and history. Pan masterfully balances intention with restraint, creating spaces where diverse cultures, histories, and materials converge in harmonious dialogue.
While her work is meticulously layered, Pan admits her favorite stage is the “messy, chaotic” phase of ideation. It’s in this crucible of trial and error, amidst uncertainty, that clarity eventually emerges, making the final vision all the more rewarding. Looking ahead, Pan envisions translating her aesthetic to the silver screen, exploring how visual stories unfold in film. “In many ways, interior design and filmmaking share that same language,” she observes. “Both are about creating a world through space, light, and composition.”
Amber Pan’s Friday Five: Inspirations Unveiled
Join us as Amber Pan shares five objects that profoundly shape her perspective and creative output.
1. Bleached Tree Vine: Nature’s Sculptural Echo
A striking remnant of nature, this bleached tree vine captivates with its sculptural curves. Pan finds it simultaneously fragile and powerful, its organic form grounding any space with an inherent sense of time and beautiful imperfection.
2. Sculpture by Sasa Works: A Dance of Contrasts
Pan is drawn to the unexpected equilibrium in Craig’s Sasa Works sculpture. The delicate metal leaf and the robust mining chain, elements seemingly at odds, achieve perfect balance through the artist’s masterful manipulation of varied lengths, creating a compelling visual tension.
3. Bořek Šípek Chair: A Moment of Design Awakening
More than just furniture, her first designer chair by Bořek Šípek represents a pivotal “moment of awakening.” It’s where function, raw emotion, and playful craftsmanship converge in an utterly unexpected and inspiring way, marking a significant point in her design journey.
4. Amsterdam School Lamp: Old-World Charm, Architectural Gravity
This lamp, with its substantial form and inviting, warm glow, infuses a room with a distinct sense of architectural gravity and old-world romance. It speaks to a timeless elegance that Pan often seeks to integrate into her projects.
5. “In Praise of Shadows”: The Beauty of the Unseen
Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s seminal work, “In Praise of Shadows,” remains a cornerstone of Pan’s philosophy. It continually reshapes her understanding of space, light, and absence, revealing that true beauty often resides in what is left unseen or subtly suggested.
A Portfolio of Poetic Spaces: Works by Studio ŪMA
Studio ŪMA’s portfolio showcases Pan’s distinctive approach across a range of projects, each a testament to her narrative vision.
Brook Green Flat: An Abstract Urban Canvas
Nestled within a Victorian building in West London, this apartment was reimagined as an abstract, painterly space. Pan thoughtfully preserved its original architectural integrity while introducing a vibrant palette directly inspired by the city’s dynamic energy.
South Kensington Residence: A Victorian Time Capsule
This 1860s Victorian townhouse in South Kensington was transformed into a captivating time capsule. Here, the inherent elegance of the old world gracefully converges with contemporary art and meticulous detailing, creating a dialogue between eras.
Fulham House: An Eastern-Inspired Sanctuary
A classic terraced house by the Thames in London, this project serves as both the new home and studio for Studio ŪMA co-founder Michelle Song. It’s a sanctuary imbued with an Eastern spirit, where life and work seamlessly intertwine, reflecting a profound sense of balance.
Her Room Breathes Showcase: Defining Personal Space
A special curatorial project in Shanghai, set within the historic Guang’er Warehouse on Suzhou Creek. This showcase provocatively asks: what truly makes a room “hers”? It manifests as a living environment where every object plays a role, creating a shared “skin” between the human occupant and their surroundings through the interplay of furniture, lighting, and artworks.
Amber Pan’s work is a compelling exploration of how environments shape and reflect human experience. Through Studio ŪMA, she continues to craft spaces that are not merely beautiful, but deeply resonant, telling quiet, powerful stories that unfold with every detail.
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