In 1999, Nathan started his first retail store called Air Division, selling his own creations made by Asian craftsman.
Air Division rapidly grew and claimed commercial success in both Singapore as well as with the overseas market. Nathan subsequently sold Air Division and pursued a Masters degree from the University of New South Wales, Australia, which he subsequently graduated with a distinction in Master of Design.
For two consecutive years (in 2006 & 2007), Nathan won the prestigious Red Dot Concept Design Award with his conceptual designs of a mass production coffin and a portable room heater and then in 2008, he received the prestigious Singapore President’s Design Award; Designer of the Year, (the highest honor accorded to designers from all creative disciplines in Singapore).
His work is inspired by simple visual memories and pared down with the lightness of restraint. Instead of superfluous details, he captures the poetry of products through rigorous research and engineering, creating fresh styles and functions that fit effortlessly into the user’s life.
Nathan Yong studied at Temasek Polytechnic graduating with a diploma in Industrial Design in 1991 and began his career not as a designer, but as a buyer and product developer for various companies in Singapore. Through these jobs, he travelled widely to various countries including India, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Through this exposure, he learnt various production techniques and crafts which he has made use of in his new consultancy.
Nathan’s work has been exhibited globally in design centers in Singapore, Shizuoka, Milan, London, Koln and Taipei. He has appeared in international magazines including Wallpaper, Monocle, Surface, Dwell, On Office and with our own publication Habitus.
His clients include Design Within Reach (USA), Ligne Roset (France), Living Divani (Italy), Opinion Ciatti (Italy), Sphaus (Italy), Domicil (Germany), Ethnicraft (Belgium), Grafunkt (Singapore), FOLKS furniture (Singapore) and many others.