Meet Jake, a third-generation business owner leading ZLC, a boutique interior renovator in Singapore specialising in wet works, carpentry, and universal design. With a strong heritage in craftsmanship and innovation, Jake continues to uphold the family legacy while modernising the business to meet contemporary needs.
Beyond renovation, ZLC also offers impartial site assessments, validation, and appraisals to ensure high-quality interior solutions tailored to each client. Under Jake’s leadership, the company remains committed to delivering functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable spaces, making ZLC a trusted name in Singapore’s interior renovation industry.
What inspired you to start ZLC, and how do you carve out a niche in interior renovation?
We focus on wet works, carpentry, and universal design. ZLC is actually a three-generation family-based business that started with my grandfather, passed down to my father, and is now run by me. My father is semi-retired, so I’ve taken over the reins.
When I took over ZLC, I came from a government background. I wanted to incorporate the best aspects of government processes—such as regulations and compliance—into a nimble SME business while maintaining the flexibility and personal touch that smaller enterprises offer.
How does universal design play a role in modern interior renovation, and why is it important for homeowners and businesses?
Universal design is a design philosophy that ensures equitable use of space for everyone—whether young, elderly, or physically disabled. It focuses on accessibility without discrimination. A simple example is the height of light switches.
In older HDB flats, the standard height was 1.4 metres. Over time, this was adjusted to 1 metre in newer BTO flats to make it accessible for people in wheelchairs. In today’s world, the concept of freedom in space usage is critical.
Universal design ensures that all individuals, regardless of their mobility or physical condition, can navigate and utilise a space effectively. It’s a long-term, sustainable design approach that is essential for modern housing and commercial spaces.
What are some key challenges in the renovation industry today, and how does ZLC address them?
The biggest challenge today is the overwhelming amount of information available. With platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and social media in general, clients are bombarded with ideas—but there is very little quality control.
Many homeowners assume they understand renovation processes based on what they see online, but they often don’t realise what they don’t know. This creates unrealistic expectations, and we end up spending a lot of time educating and clarifying misconceptions.
We tackle this challenge through multiple approaches. One example would be to ask for authentic reviews. Genuine client reviews help establish trust and showcase our technical expertise.
We also actively partner with groups like Property Lim Brothers and real estate agencies to conduct workshops on key topics such as A&A (Addition & Alteration), reconstruction, construction costs, and guidelines like plot ratios. Knowledge is power, and educating clients helps them make informed decisions.
Your company offers site assessment and validation. What are some common issues you’ve encountered in existing interiors, and how do you help clients resolve them?
I’m privileged to be a Chartered Building Surveyor accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in Ireland. This qualification allows me to serve as an independent assessor in court or tribunal cases.
Our site assessments involve a thorough technical inspection of a property—HDB, condo, or landed—before a client commits to a purchase. In just an hour or so, we can pinpoint structural issues, material degradation, and potential renovation costs. This helps clients make informed decisions before finalising a deal.
Many homeowners assume they understand renovation processes based on what they see online, but they often don’t realise what they don’t know.
What sets ZLC apart from other interior renovators in Singapore, and how do you maintain high standards in your work?
What makes ZLC unique is our hybrid design-build model. We are neither purely contractors who just execute blueprints nor purely designers who focus on aesthetics without technical expertise. Our foundation is in construction—we started as builders.
Over time, we have invested in continuous education, attending institutions like NAFA, LaSalle, and various industry programs to strengthen our design expertise. This means we can foresee potential pitfalls and advise clients accordingly before they embark on their renovation projects.
Every fortnight, we conduct learning journeys with our team, visiting vendors across Singapore—from sanitary ware and lighting suppliers to regulatory agencies like PUB and SP. Staying updated on industry innovations helps us refine our expertise.
We bring a modern, educated approach to the industry, simplifying complex methodologies for clients who are increasingly knowledgeable and sophisticated.
Can you share a memorable project where your expertise played a crucial role in transforming a space?
One standout project was a landed property renovation for a professional magician. Given his profession, he wanted numerous concealed spaces, hidden compartments, and a dynamic performance stage that could transform at a moment’s notice.
This project required a perfect blend of technical know-how and creative design. We designed a mystical, mosaic-tiled bathroom that enhanced the illusion of a hidden space, providing a unique transition experience for both performers and guests.
The magician’s performance stage was another challenge—it had to be highly adaptable, with custom lighting and concealed storage for props. Our in-house carpentry team crafted a multi-functional stage setup, ensuring smooth transitions between different acts.
This project was a true testament to our ability to merge design, engineering, and craftsmanship to bring a unique vision to life.
What are your future plans for ZLC, and how do you see the renovation industry evolving in the next few years?
Our goal is to cement ZLC as a technical authority in the renovation industry. In the next five years, we aim to develop specialised subsidiaries focusing on waterproofing, interior design, tiling & flooring solutions.
Each subsidiary will be led by highly skilled individuals within our company. Industry trends indicate that consumers are becoming more discerning, preferring specialists over generalists.
Our approach aligns with this shift—we want to develop centres of excellence in key renovation disciplines. Internally, we are also nurturing future leaders to take charge of these specialised divisions.
Where do you see yourself, and what’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
Personally, I see myself transitioning into an educator and consultant. My long-term aspiration is to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, interior designers, contractors, and building surveyors.
I envision Singapore remaining a hub for innovation and knowledge in construction. While fabrication and production may take place overseas, our HQ for R&D, training, and industry leadership should remain here. Singapore should continue setting benchmarks for best practices in construction and interior design.
Ultimately, I want to play a role in shaping the industry—ensuring that the next wave of professionals is equipped with practical knowledge, technical skills, and business acumen to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Connect with Jake: ZLConstruction, Facebook and LinkedIn.
