Recorded onsite in London, we speak with Cliff Tan, architect and creator of Dear Modern, on how a “very Singaporean” path led him to global fame. Cliff breaks down his passion for feng shui without the mysticism, how COVID quarantine sparked his content breakthrough, and explains the ins and outs of his current business which includes online consultations, books and much more. So now you know!
(00:00) Folklory
(01:11) Intro
(03:11) Internet Fame and What 7.5 Million Followers Feels Like
(05:43) Growing Up Singaporean and Wanting to Be an Architect
(07:01) UOB Plaza, Sharp Buildings, and Discovering Feng Shui
(08:21) Feng Shui Is Not an Urban Legend
(10:49) The Desk Position Test That Converts Skeptics
(12:53) Covid Quarantine, TikTok, and the First Viral Video
(16:21) Early Viral Projects and Redrawing the MRT Map
(18:23) Opening Consultations and Getting Fully Booked
(20:08) Learning Through Global Clients and Cultural Differences
(24:18) Realising Content Creation Could Be a Career
(25:02) Feng Shui as Therapy and Emotional Labour
(28:28) Helping Clients Untangle Big Life Decisions
(31:27) Consulting Clients From Over 100 Countries
(34:01) Designing for Americans, Europeans, and Asian Families
(35:03) The Fear of Knowledge Being Lost
(37:18) Why He Feels Responsible to Keep Teaching
(42:06) Design, Psychology, and Reading People Quickly
(48:12) How He Adapts His Advice Across Cultures
(51:06) The Limits of Feng Shui and What It Can’t Fix
(57:02) Final Reflections on Meaning, Work, and Legacy
(59:53) One Shiok Thing
(01:06:22) Post-Interview Reflection
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