In 1982, my father founded Yap Kian Hock Contractors. I was still a mischievous kid back then (as you can see above!). 

I remember my father bringing me to some of his work sites. 

As he went about his business, barking out orders and inspecting the work done, I would explore the area like any curious boy would. 

So was it “love at first sight” for me and interior design?

Definitely not!

All the noise. The dust. The chaos. Young me did not like it at all!

Back then, I never would have guessed that I would one day take over the reins of my father’s business. 

In fact, how I got into the ID space is not by the traditional family business way. I took a long, winding road to get to where I am today.

 

My “Lost Years” Figuring Out Life

 

 

When I entered the workforce, I did not join my father at Yap Kian Hock Contractors.

Even though it was the easy choice. Even after he asked me numerous times. 

At the time, my father was already planning ahead for his retirement. He wanted me to join him, learn the ropes and eventually take over.

But I had plans of my own. 

I did not want to be seen as riding on my father’s coat tails. I wanted to be my own man.

So I tried my hand at various different professions. Including sales and even a stint as a cook!

While I enjoyed the variety of experiences, none of them really worked out.

Why? Because they did not give me purpose. Or the sense that I was making a real difference to those around me.

For many years, I jumped from job to job. Trying out this and that. Hoping to find my place in the world. 

Those were my “lost years”. 

Who would have guessed that what I was searching for…was actually so close to home after all?

 

Enter GoDesign…

 

 

One day at a family gathering, my father pulled me aside and said, “Patrick, I’m about to retire in a few years. I want to pass on the business to you. It’s time to come home.” 

I thought about it. And eventually said yes.

What made that time different from the other times he asked? 

I felt that by then, I had earned the right. 

I had gained experience and perspective from other industries. I had something to contribute. To take the business to the next level.

It wasn’t just a father passing the torch to his son for convenience’s sake.

For the next few years, I learned everything I could from my father before he retired. 

On how to run a business. More importantly, how to sustain a business.

Here are some key learning lessons from my father:

 

  • Treat Everyone With Respect – It doesn’t matter their status. Everyone deserves to be treated equally, with courtesy and respect. This is especially important as the boss, so that you will gain the loyalty and trust from your team members.

 

  • Responsibility To The Client – Being a boss doesn’t mean leaving the heavy work to your staff. It’s the opposite. For example, I still go down to my project sites frequently to ensure everything is running smoothly, so that I can fulfil my responsibility to clients. Most ID bosses don’t do this.

 

  • The Extra Mile – Interior design is not a one-sized-fits-all solution. Every client is different, with their own needs and wants. To ensure we always deliver excellence, we go the extra mile no matter their requirements.

 

  • Financial Transparency – There have been plenty of cases of ID firms charging exorbitant “hidden costs” that blindside their clients. Not us. Every financial detail is made clear prior to the project, to avoid misunderstandings down the road.

 

  • Value-For-Money – We keep our rates affordable so that more home owners can benefit from our experience and expertise.

 

Based on these simple but important lessons, Yap Kian Hock Contractors was rebranded to GoDesign…and here we are today!

 

Honouring My Father’s Legacy

 

 

Sadly, my father is no longer with us today.

But his legacy still live on in me and in GoDesign.

To all my clients past, present and future: I’m doing my very best for all of you to honour my father and what he taught me. 

For over 40 years, he established Yap Kian Hock Contractors as one of the leading ID firms in Singapore. 

Now, I need to do justice to his memory, and elevate GoDesign to even greater heights.

Will you join me in this exciting journey, and get the best and most value-for-money ID service in the market today?

I certainly hope so!

Click below to get in touch, and let’s talk more!