Evelina Hu brings with her a set of skills few others in the industry can match – a keen eye for functional spaces and two decades of experience in interior design.
She is the founder and design director of The Plush, an award-winning interior design firm with experience in luxury residential, commercial and hospitality projects across the region. Hu has designed show flats for property developers and has acted as a project designer for Good Class Bungalows (GCBs).
“Over the years, I have interviewed many home owners and developers to understand their needs and appeal to the evolving trends of the market,” says Hu.
Despite achieving success in her design business, Hu is hungry to do more. Since becoming a property agent, the Taiwan-born Singaporean has won multiple prestigious awards for her services in the landed residential and commercial market.
Hu is a discerning professional who uses her deep understanding of property layouts to guide clients toward homes that truly suit their needs. (Picture: Evelina Hu)
“I realised that I wanted to have a greater impact, not just in designing homes but in helping people find the right properties to begin with,” she explains. “I am motivated by seeing the joy in my clients when they find the perfect property.”
Having spent many years catering to the business and aesthetic needs of her high-end clients, Hu is keenly aware of the advantages and limitations of the layouts of the properties she sees — and how to work with them.
However, rather than moulding the properties to fit her clients’ vision, Hu feels that her unique skillset can better serve her clients by helping them select the best property for their needs.
Since becoming a property agent, the Taiwan-born Singaporean has won multiple prestigious awards for her services in the landed residential and commercial market. (Picture: Evelina Hu)
Starting off on the right plot
Transitioning into her role as a property agent, Hu specialises in much the same type of property she used to design for: high-end residential and commercial properties such as landed housing, shophouses and Grade-A offices — particularly those with strong investment potential.
“My clientele ranges from homeowners looking for their dream homes to investors seeking good returns,” adds Hu.
Given her background in interior design, Hu can help her clients visualise the potential use of a space in a home or office before they purchase it. Armed with this knowledge, buyers are better able to make informed decisions about selecting the right properties and avoiding potential complications with design decisions down the road.
Hu reflects, “Ttis skill has been a game-changer in my career. Clients constantly tell me that my sharp eye for detail unveils possibilities they never considered. Many buyers admit they would have overlooked key design elements—but they love how I bring a home’s details to life, making every space feel more inspiring and filled with potential.”
Her prior experience is also able to aid her clients in realising the redevelopment or refurbishment potential of a property; from minor but impactful alterations that can help an older building meet its new owner’s needs to how a full rebuild could look like.
“Sometimes, I would draw up a quick sketch for my clients so they can visualise how a space can be best utilized if that is what it takes,” says Hu. By painting a clearer picture for her clients, she can help her clients unlock a property’s full potential.
Hu: “I realised that I wanted to have a greater impact, not just in designing homes but in helping people find the right properties to begin with.” (Picture: Evelina Hu)
Seeing value beyond the obvious
Hu’s creative and architectural insights can also help her clients save on renovation costs. Her keen eye for workmanship and materials, coupled with her experience, can help her clients achieve their vision of a dream home, office or shopfront with minimal expenses.
“I’ve had clients who were willing to pay hundreds of thousands to even a million more for a property with newer or more recent renovations, but when I add up their potential renovation costs, I can help my clients realise that the same quality of works can be achieved for cheaper,” she explains. “Moreover, they can renovate their property to their exact tastes rather than settle for something close.”
Moreover, Hu highlights that older landed properties can be thoughtfully retrofitted to suit modern households. Instead of facing the soaring costs of a complete rebuild, she identifies homes that need only minimal modifications to align with her clients’ needs.
For instance, by engaging Professional Engineers to calculate the load, owners can reconfigure columns and beams to optimize space, accommodate a lift, or recommend more cost-effective lift options—unlocking potential while keeping expenses in check.
As interest in commercial properties – especially commercial shophouses in prime districts – remains strong, Hu helps investors maximize capital and rental yields. (Picture: Evelina Hu)
Understanding the landed market and its clientele
Fully understanding the landed market requires a deeper understanding of property value appreciation, market timing and investment strategies, says Hu. “Buyers in this category often look beyond price — they consider location, future developments, and lifestyle benefits.”
Since the pandemic, Hu has noticed buyer sentiment shifts towards well-located properties with good rental yields, especially among investors. She foresees buyers becoming more selective, prioritising long-term investment potential and lifestyle needs.
Amid global uncertainties, Singapore remains a rock-solid haven for investors, thanks to its stable environment and visionary long-term planning. With the URA’s 50-year Long-Term Plan and the actionable Master Plan, the city continually evolves—balancing growth, sustainability, and livability. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Singapore stays resilient, adaptable, and primed for investment opportunities in the decades ahead!
As interest in commercial properties – especially commercial shophouses in prime districts – remains strong, Hu helps investors maximize capital and rental yields. By identifying units that require minimal renovation costs, investors can command higher rents without incurring hefty ABSD on additional properties.
Having already built a successful company from scratch, Hu is once again planning to build a team of agents who share her values and commitment to excellence. (Picture: Evelina Hu)
Building a new team
Having already built a successful company from scratch, Hu is once again planning to build a team of agents who share her values and commitment to excellence. She is looking for those who are driven, resourceful and eager to learn
“My background in both real estate and interior design allows me to provide insights beyond just sales,” explains Hu. “I can mentor them in how to analyse properties holistically, market effectively, and build lasting client relationships.”
While many agents in Singapore use a data-driven approach as their primary sales tactic, Hu goes beyond that as she also specialises in combining aesthetic value with a viable investment strategy to maximise a property’s appeal.
“Many agents focus solely on numbers, but understanding design and functionality can help close deals faster,” she adds.
However, in Singapore’s fast-paced and ever-changing property market, she sees no substitute for an agent’s ability to adapt, learn and innovate under pressure.
“Perseverance is crucial — rejections and challenges are part of the job, but those who stay committed will thrive. Most importantly, integrity builds long-term client relationships. Trust is the foundation of real estate success.”
For more information,
Contact Evelina Hu | 89098868
Associate Division Director (R067214J)
Huttons Asia Pte Ltd
