Sacha Leong Returns to Redesign Odette a Decade After Launch

Renowned Singaporean designer Sacha Leong is set to return to the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Odette in December 2025, a decade after he originally crafted its pastel-hued interior. Leong, now co-founder of the London-based design studio Nice Projects, will reimagine the space that has become a staple of Singapore’s fine dining scene under chef Julien Royer.

Leong’s journey into design began at the age of 12 when he accompanied his parents to architect meetings during the construction of their home. Captivated by the design process, he even organized a competition among his schoolmates to create a front gate for their house. “I thought it might actually get built but then realised how bad all the proposals were, including mine!” he recalled. This formative experience ignited a lifelong passion for spatial design, leading him to create a portfolio that encompasses restaurants and hospitality spaces across multiple continents.

Odette opened its doors at the National Gallery in 2015, marking a significant shift in Singapore’s dining landscape, which had previously leaned towards darker, more traditional aesthetics. Leong’s initial design utilized a pastel palette of pinks and creams, reflecting Royer’s culinary philosophy of presenting ingredients in their purest form. “I have great fondness for Odette as it was the first restaurant I designed in Singapore,” Leong stated. “I’m so proud of what Julien has turned it into.”

Transforming Tradition with Contemporary Elegance

The redesigned Odette will retain its foundational elements while embracing a more sophisticated and contemporary approach. “It’s an evolution,” Leong explained, highlighting the space’s familiar structure contrasted with a fresh, vibrant aesthetic. The once pastel colors will be replaced by warm timber marquetry, celebrating the 90-year history of the former Supreme Court building. The dynamic curved screens will also undergo reinterpretation, featuring intricate patterns that nod to French art deco.

Leong aims to enhance the tactile experience within the restaurant, incorporating materials like mohair velvet banquettes and cast mirrored glass panels. The entrance will showcase a new installation by artist Dawn Ng, utilizing seasonal botanical and culinary themes, further emphasizing the connection between art and dining.

“Working with local craftspeople, we’ve created bespoke marquetry that emphasizes craftsmanship and plays with the different tones and textures of timber,” Leong noted. This focus on local collaboration is a testament to his commitment to blending cultural influences while avoiding pastiche.

Leong’s design philosophy has evolved through his extensive experience. After earning his degree from Carnegie Mellon University, he honed his skills at Universal Design Studio alongside esteemed designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. The transformative Ace Hotel project in Shoreditch ignited his passion for hospitality design, teaching him the importance of collaboration and innovative thinking.

A Lasting Impact on Culinary Spaces

Since founding Nice Projects in 2020 with Australian designer Simone McEwan, Leong has worked on several notable projects, including Odette, Claudine in a restored chapel, and Fico, inspired by Puglian masserias. His partnership with Lo & Behold Group has proven fruitful, as they share a vision for creating spaces that resonate with the essence of Singapore.

Leong’s influences range from celebrated architects like Gio Ponti to contemporary designers such as Max Lamb. His admiration for cities rich in artistic heritage, like Milan and Paris, informs his approach to crafting spaces that evoke a sense of beauty and depth. He prefers to create environments that will “age beautifully” rather than follow fleeting design trends, ensuring that each project stands the test of time.

Reflecting on his journey, Leong remains dedicated to creating spaces that balance serious craftsmanship with elements of joy and surprise. The reimagined Odette embodies this ethos, combining refined elegance with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, ultimately designed to foster a sense of community.

As he prepares for this new chapter, Leong’s return to Odette signifies not just a personal milestone but a celebration of growth and evolution within the culinary and design landscapes of Singapore. The anticipation surrounding the restaurant’s redesign promises to deliver an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new, continuing to captivate guests as it has for the past decade.