Ong Choon Hou

Interior Design Strategy & Execution

• Carpentry Detailing & Technical Documentation, Interpretation
• Project & Construction Management
• Client Relationship Management (C-suite/Director Level)
• Customer-Centric Operations & Experience Design
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Budgeting, Cost Control & Vendor Negotiation
• Regulatory Compliance , Project Management and Liaising with Building Management.

Associate Director [Mi Assocaite Pte Ltd] – Singapore | 2022 – Present

• Project Lifecycle Management: Spearheaded the end-to-end project lifecycle for large-scale corporate office fit-outs and commercial additions & alterations (A&A), seamlessly directing all stages from feasibility and planning through conceptualization, schematic design, construction, testing & commissioning, to final handover to operations.
• Scope & Program Control: Managed project scope, master schedules, interdependencies, and milestones under tight deadlines, ensuring design briefs and user requirements were fully integrated into the execution plan.
• Procurement & Contract Management: Coordinated the process of procuring and onboarding contractors, consultants, and suppliers; managed tender documents, value engineering, and contract management to optimize cost budgeting.
• Stakeholder & Authority Alignment: Cultivated trusted relationships with C-suite clients and project committees to secure internal business approvals; oversaw regulatory compliance and worked closely with building management and local authorities to secure necessary project approvals.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Chaired regular project meetings to review plans, budgets, and technical documentation; facilitated swift decision-making to resolve design and site issues, reporting progress directly to executive stakeholders.
• Managed and coordinated the comprehensive interior fit-out of the Maybank Tower Grand Lobby ($2M SGD Project value), CIMB auto lobby, Maybank Branch,maintaining strict tracking of progress in accordance with defined objectives.

Head of Design– [Spinnaker Pte Ltd] – Singapore | 2019 – 2021

• Design Brief & Tender Management: Led cross-functional design teams through the conceptualization and schematic design phases for major F&B sector enhancements, ensuring strict alignment with client vision and operational requirements.
• Procurement Documentation: Drafted comprehensive tender documents, including advanced shop drawings, precise carpentry detailing, and bills of quantities (BQ) for project bidding and contractor selection.
• Project Delivery: Successfully controlled project programs and design integration to deliver multiple high-profile commercial fit-out projects for marquee clients including Baker & Cook, Guzman y Gomez, and Udders.

Self employed – | 2017 – 2019

• Independent Project Management: Acted as the sole resource and team player driving progress for commercial consultation and built projects, working under pressure to deliver complex international rollouts within strict deadlines.
• International Framework Coordination: Managed the design brief, procurement guidelines, and localized compliance for Pastamania & Gelatofix international outlets across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Arab region.
• Budget & Milestone Accountability: Monitored construction processes, tracked variations, and controlled expenditures to ensure high client retention and repeat business through transparent project delivery.

Senior Project Designer [Mi2 Pte Ltd] – Singapore | 2014 – 2016

• Large-Scale Project Control: Managed and coordinated the comprehensive interior fit-out of the Maybank Tower in Cambodia ($4M USD project value, 115,000 sq. ft.), maintaining strict tracking of progress in accordance with defined objectives.
• Committee & User Group Presentations: Developed and presented design briefs, technical documentations, and conceptual reviews to senior management and corporate project committees to achieve alignment and sign-offs.
• Risk & Issue Resolution: Facilitated cross-discipline design integration and site issue resolution, acting as the primary bridge between technical consultants and client stakeholders.
• Designed and project managed Maybank tower at Cambodia(115,000Sqft),with a project value of US$4M.

Senior Project Executive[ Iwa Pte Ltd] – Singapore | 2011 – 2013

• Phased Program Management: Successfully project-managed and delivered a 100,000 sq. ft. Courts Mega Store project valued at $3M, flawlessly coordinating implementation across 6 complex phases to minimize operational downtime.
• Team Leadership & Detailing: Led an internal team of 3 designers in translating user requirements into functional layout designs and intricate carpentry details, ensuring compliance with building safety standards and guidelines.
• Vendor & Budget Oversight: Supported senior management in forecasting expenditures, reviewing construction activities, and managing contractor deliverables from pre-qualification to testing, commissioning, and final operational handover.

2001 – 2010

Founder ( Project O)

• Business Operations & Project Strategy: Founded and scaled a design consultancy specializing in optimizing retail and F&B environments, steering end-to-end business goals, cost budgeting, and project programs.
• Multidisciplinary Team Coordination: Managed a dedicated team of 6 staff across design, 3D visualization, and construction drawing production, ensuring adherence to internal business policies and SOPs.
• Key Account Project Management: Maintained full lifecycle accountability for marquee accounts including New Balance, Ya Kun, Poh Heng, and the Dairy Farm Group (7-Eleven, Cold Storage, Market Place).