The GRAZIA Game Changers initiative honours visionaries who challenge the status quo across fashion, beauty, technology, the arts, and sports. Embodying the spirit of women uplifting women, last year’s trailblazers have personally selected this year’s honourees.
Ahead, we speak to Amy Lim, the founder of Pupil Office and studio director of Studio Periphery. The interior designer has reimagined retail stores, fitness studios and apartments with natural textures and artisanal touches, creating modern spaces with a soul.
What inspired you to pursue this path? Was there a defining moment that set you on this journey?
I always knew I wanted to do something in design, but in hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t jump into it too early. I don’t think I had the maturity or level-headedness to really stick with it back then. It would’ve been premature. There wasn’t a singular “this is it” moment, but more of a persistent, nagging feeling that never really went away. Eventually, an opportunity presented itself, and everything aligned—financial stability, emotional support, and the will to just drop everything and go for it. I was just in the right place.
What motivates you to challenge the status quo in the world of design?
For me, it has always been about pushing past the notion of “good enough”. That phrase really gets under my skin. If I know something could be more—more refined, more considered, more impactful—why wouldn’t I push for it? Maybe it’s the desire to prove people wrong, maybe it’s just my own restlessness. Either way, the drive comes from wanting to create something meaningful rather than just settling.
Have you ever faced a moment of self-doubt? How did you push past it?
Everyday. Usually around 9 am, then again at 2 am (laughs). I think self-doubt is just part of the process. My dad used to talk about the 10-90 rule—10% is what happens to you, 90% is how you react to it and how you let it affect your day or life. I don’t think I’ve fully conquered self-doubt. I’m a massive overthinker, but I’ve learned to compartmentalise it. Some things are beyond your control, and wasting energy on them just takes away from the things you can control.
Have you ever been told “no” along the way? How did you turn that into fuel for success?
Constantly. When I was starting out, every pitch was a no, every idea was a no, every design decision was challenged. It still happens. I think if this had happened when I was younger, I might’ve just walked away from it all. But now, I take it as part of the process. The belief in what I do—and probably my own stubbornness—keeps me going.
What does success mean to you, and has that definition evolved over time?
For sure. When I was younger, success meant recognition, validation—being in the limelight. I think I craved that in my early 20s. Now, success is about maintaining my peace. It’s about being firm in my beliefs, surrounding myself with like‐minded people and doing the work I genuinely want to do, in the way I want to do it. It’s about having clarity—knowing what I want, how I want to do it, and who I want to do it with.
What’s a belief or idea you held at the start of your career that you’ve completely rethought?
I’ve rethought my old belief that external validation mattered more than internal clarity.
What’s a failure that turned out to be a blessing in disguise?
Not being recognised in my previous job—that was about the time I decided to leave.
What’s one habit or ritual that keeps you grounded amid chaos?
My dry humour and sarcastic retorts? They are relentless. Every evening, I have an unwind session with my husband and business partner, Marc Tan (from Studio Periphery). We call it our “Daily Board Meetings,” and we talk about everything—work, the nonsense of the day, where we want to take the businesses, cars, music, Visvim, films. It’s a bit of a ritual now, and it helps keep things in perspective.
What’s a system, standard, or stereotype you hope to completely rewrite?
Trends, and the need to follow them.
What’s next for you? How do you plan to keep changing the game?
I’ve got a few projects in the works that are somewhat unrelated to interior design. It’s a bit of a reprieve from the day-to-day design process, which, let’s be honest, can sometimes feel repetitive. I never want to get to a place where I start resenting what I do, so keeping things fresh is key. It’s a running joke that I might secretly be a masochist, given how many things I take on. But it does keep things interesting.
PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN GABRIEL LEOW
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
STYLING KELLY HSU
PRODUCED BY CHERYL LAI-LIM, DANISHA LIANG, AND PAMEYLA CAMBE
HAIR SVETA KLYN/THE SUBURBS STUDIO
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT MELVIN LEONG
FASHION ASSISTANT NUR ASWANI
This story first appeared in the March 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
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