John Lim founded the botanical design studio This Humid House (THH) in 2017 after managing the floral design at his brother’s wedding. The former architect felt that using imported roses and hydrangeas for such special celebrations did not reflect the local flora richness, which is renowned for orchids and palms. John envisioned a design language expressed through plants and flowers that are characteristic of Singapore’s tropical climate, geography and collective culture. He assembled a multi-disciplinary team with experience in fine art, architecture, floristry, horticulture and landscaping.

Sparked by this diversity, THH brings fresh dimensions to floral installations, often by using plant parts that are not regularly thought of for display, like their roots. In 2020, the atelier launched its cutting garden, which provides about a quarter of the material used. Flourishing in Asia, John ventured out and established This Humid House Paris studio in 2021, focusing on special projects, brand activations, and art commissions. He works with local specialty growers and foragers to design with material that is not commercially available.