Each holiday season, we bring together creative families— from siblings and couples to dynamic collectives—to celebrate the unique bonds that define their relationships. These families remind us that creativity isn’t just about artistic expression; it’s about connection. The magic of the season lies not only in the shared creativity but in the moments where love flows through thoughtful gestures, quality time, and the language that speaks to the heart. Here, we sit down with Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong, the husband-and-wife duo behind OWIU Design, to explore the dynamics of their partnership—both in life and in their celebrated design studio. From balancing work and love to their thoughtful perspectives on gift-giving, the couple shares what makes their bond truly special.
How do you each like to express your love and support to one another?
Amanda Gunawan (AG): I am a gift-giver, [and so] I express my love for Joel by buying him gifts that I think he will like. Oftentimes, it’s less about how much it costs than the fact that he crossed my mind at that moment. Both of us place a high emphasis on intimacy, both physical and emotional. We make sure to always connect deeply with each other so that above all else, there’s a profound closeness between us that nothing can touch. We work together, so this is key.
Joel Wong (JW): Both of us have different love languages, but something we share in common is the need for emotional and physical connection. I often like to check in on how Amanda is feeling so we can discuss and dive into deeper conversations about what we’re each feeling internally. Nothing beats talking about each other’s feelings to establish a deeper love and connection.
Amanda, in three words, how would you describe the relationship you have with each other? And what is Joel’s role in your life?
AG: In three words: symbiotic, resonant and unfaltering. Joel is intelligent, dependable, fiercely loyal to the people he loves but also very nurturing, loving, kind, warm and sensitive. He is my anchor and is my constant foundation and support. He advocates for me through all of my endeavours, big or small. He and I are very different from one another and he therefore challenges me and helps me see the world from a different perspective. Without him, I would only ever be one-sided and have a narrow outlook on life considering I am also extremely stubborn. He gently pushes me to expand my worldview, build empathy and see situations at a greater depth.
Joel, in three words, how would you describe the relationship you have with each other? And what is Amanda’s role in your life?
JW: Synergistic, abundant, progressive. Amanda is dynamic, highly intelligent, and graceful. She has introduced so many things to me that have enhanced my view of the world, both introvertedly and extrovertedly. I would not be half the person I am today without her. She plays the most important role in my life, constantly keeping me in check, breaking me out of inertia, and challenging me to always be a better version of myself. She is the person I turn to for solace, advice, and both physical and emotional connection.
What is something unique or special about the bond you share with each other, that you don’t experience with anyone else?
AG: We have so much history together. We met when we were 17 and have basically grown up together and loved each other since then. It is extremely special to love someone before they had anything going for them, and that was us. It doesn’t get any more pure than that, and I personally think there isn’t a way to recreate this anymore, what with social media and dating apps. It is the most special thing in the world to love someone and be loved simply for being you. Our bond is so soulful that it’s hard to explain to anyone who’s not us; it’s more felt, if that makes sense.
JW: Amanda and I have basically grown up together since high school, so we share a bond that goes beyond superficiality. We have experienced so much together, both good and bad, and, over time, we have developed the ability to truly listen to one another and support each other’s needs and wants. When [we have to hustle] at work, we are amazing complementary partners. On the flip side, when it’s time to rest and relax, we easily revert to our primitive selves, enjoying each other’s company in a goofy and youthful way.
What is one of your favourite ways to spend time together?
AG: A classic night at home with our dogs and a home-cooked TV dinner. We also, in a weird way, love working together just the two of us. I think there’s just a weird nostalgia about how we started out doing that and have grown into where we are today so during the rare moments when it’s just the both of us working on a design together, we get a nice fuzzy feeling from that.
JW: I love going on long walks, holding hands, and talking about our days while spending quality time together. I also enjoy gardening and spending time with our dogs as a family.
What is the most memorable gift you have received from each other?
AG: I have always been an amateur photographer and had wanted a Leica but couldn’t justify the purchase to myself at that time. I was only in my early 20s then, and photography was nothing but a hobby. On my birthday that year, Joel got me a Leica M10 with a note that said, “The best deserves the best.”
JW: Over the years, I’ve been spoiled with plenty of gifts. I feel so blessed to have Amanda in my life—she’s an amazing gift giver, and she does so selflessly. I never ask for anything, but she always manages to surprise me with things I didn’t even know I needed. I’ll randomly open my wardrobe, and there will be new clothes inside. Gifts don’t always have to be tangible, and I would say that her presence in my life is the best gift I receive each day.
What do you look out for when shopping for the perfect gift for someone?
AG: I pay close attention during the time I spend with this person and retain details about them—what they like/don’t like, what their goals are, where they’d like to be, for example— and then I buy a gift based on that. To me, the best gift is something unexpected by the other person (because they’re so pleasantly surprised that you paid attention to such a small detail) and is a mixture of functional and thoughtful. You also have to inject a little bit of yourself and your contribution into the gift.
JW: The best gift you can give someone is one they don’t realise they need. And yes, achieving that is no easy feat. You have to empathise and think deeply about the person.
How do you spend the holidays meaningfully?
AG: We always spend it with family. We have two families, one that we were born to, back in Singapore and the other one that we built, comprising of us, our best friends and our dogs in LA. In some ways it’s sad to have to choose, but another way to view it is that most people have one—and yet we have two.
JW: Holidays are usually spent with loved ones and family, creating traditions either passed down from parents or family or starting new ones for future generations. I’m still figuring this out, but what I enjoy most is spending quality time together—whether it’s cooking a meal, sharing a delicious dinner, or watching a movie and capturing those moments to savour forever. Life is short, and time passes faster than we can imagine. So, live every day fully, with gratitude and abundance.
This story first appeared in the December/January 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
BY CHERYL LAI-LIM, DANISHA LIANG AND PAMEYLA CAMBE
PHOTOGRAPHY ZANTZ HAN
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
STYLING KELLY HSU
HAIR SVITLANA KLYN/THE SUBURBS STUDIO, USING KEVIN MURPHY
MAKEUP SOPHIA SOH/THE SUBURBS STUDIO, USING DIOR BEAUTY
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS ALEX NG, MICHELLE YAP
FASHION ASSISTANT LAURA LOUIS
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