Our Story
A Studio Built on Listening
Tessera was founded on a simple belief — that good design starts with understanding how people actually live, not just what looks beautiful in a photograph.
Back to HomeAbout Tessera
Tessera opened its studio in Subang Jaya in 2017. The name comes from the small tile pieces that form a mosaic — a reflection of how we see interior design: individual choices assembled with care until the whole picture comes into focus.
We work primarily with homeowners, young families, and boutique business owners across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Our client base tends to be people who know they want something considered and personal, but aren't entirely sure how to articulate it yet — and we find that's often the most rewarding place to start.
Over the years we've deliberately kept the studio small. Every project is handled by a senior designer from start to finish. We'd rather do fewer projects well than stretch across too many at once.
Our Mission
To design interiors that serve the people inside them — spaces that are practical for daily use, easy to maintain, and still hold something of the client's character when you walk in.
Design With Purpose
Every element serves a reason. We question decorative choices that add visual noise without adding value.
Open Communication
We share our reasoning, not just our outcomes. Clients stay informed and make decisions with full context.
Honesty About Trade-offs
Budget, time, and aesthetics are always in conversation with each other. We're straightforward about the compromises involved.
The People Behind Tessera
Siew Ling Tan
Principal Designer & Founder
Over 14 years in residential and commercial design. Siew Ling trained in Kuala Lumpur and spent three years working with a hospitality design group in Singapore before returning to Selangor to establish Tessera.
Rajan Kumar
Senior Interior Designer
Rajan specialises in space planning and lighting design. He brings a methodical approach to layouts, ensuring that functionality and flow are considered before aesthetics are layered on top.
Nurul Zahirah
Project Coordinator
Nurul manages supplier relationships, site schedules, and client communication during the build phase. Her network across the Klang Valley keeps projects moving with fewer delays and surprises.
How We Work
The principles that shape every project, from first conversation to final walkthrough.
Written Scope of Work
Every project begins with a documented agreement. Both parties know exactly what is included, what is not, and what the milestones are.
Vetted Supplier Network
We only recommend suppliers and contractors we've worked with directly. Each relationship is maintained based on quality of work and reliability.
Site Inspections at Every Stage
On coordination projects, our team visits site regularly to check alignment with the design intent — not just at the start and end.
Client Data Privacy
Project images are not shared publicly without explicit client consent. We treat all project details and personal data with discretion.
Structured Revision Process
Revisions are handled systematically with documented feedback rounds, so changes are addressed completely rather than piecemeal.
Post-Completion Follow-Up
We check in with clients after they've settled in. If small adjustments are needed once furniture is in place, we address them as part of our commitment to the finished result.
Interior Design Expertise in Selangor
Tessera works across the full range of residential scales — from compact studio apartments in Subang Jaya to semi-detached homes in Petaling Jaya and larger landed properties in Damansara and Shah Alam. Each project draws on the same foundation: careful listening, honest advice, and design decisions grounded in daily use.
Our experience in boutique retail and office fit-outs adds a commercial sensibility to the studio's work. Understanding how a space functions under real conditions — flow, material durability, lighting behaviour throughout the day — informs how we approach domestic environments as well.
We hold membership with the Malaysia Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) and maintain ongoing development through industry workshops and material research. Staying current with local market conditions, supplier capabilities, and building practices across the Klang Valley keeps our recommendations relevant and achievable.
Let's Start With a Conversation
No commitment, no pressure. Tell us about your space and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.
Contact Tessera