Q&A with Lim Cheng Kooi, AR43 Architects: Less is more, less is beautiful
You have a prolific portfolio of residential projects. How have you managed to keep inspired while working in this space all these years? We always get excited each time we have a new commission to work on. It is the adrenaline that keeps us going all these years. To get inspired, we need to look beyond architecture, to different sources, in the most unexpected of ways; while having a walk in the park, a jog in the evening or listening to music. At times, even a chat with the clients or driving to a meeting could spark an idea. What more can be done to push the boundaries of residential design in Singapore? To push boundaries, by my definition, is to build less, as houses here are getting humongous. I hope we can live more by the maxim of less is more, less is beautiful! Let’s not be obsessed about maximising the permissible GFA of a house. This is a mindset issue that I hope homeowners can overcome. Which three designers, from the past or present, do you most admire?…
Q&A with Wu Yen Yen, Genome Architects: Design is the visualisation of values and positions
You’ve said before that you go through phases where you test different ideas in residential projects. What are examples of ideas you’ve tested and can you share how they turned out? There are some design ideas that fit and benefit certain projects and hence make it worthwhile to consider. For example, we have designed staircases…
Q&A with Pauline Ang, CPG Corporation: Is building demolition always necessary, especially in view of the climate crisis?
You’re teaching a workshop at Archifest 2023 titled “Showflat Afterlives”. Can you give us a summary of what it is about and why our readers should be interested in it? Showflats are a staple feature of real estate developments in Singapore. Given the temporal condition of showflats, how can we rethink their design to better…
Q&A with Ong Ker Shing & Joshua Comaroff, Lekker Architects: Design is a means to an end
Lekker Architects was specially commissioned to do an installation for Singapore Design Week 2023 and you came up with FI&LD. Please give a short summary of what it is about and what you would like visitors to take away after experiencing it. FI&LD is an interactive exhibition exploring the state of practice in inclusive design,…
Q&A with Arthur Aw, Kimen Group: I am passionate about creating exceptional real estate through critical design thinking and processes
Why is design such a central pillar to the boutique-scale projects the Kimen Group develops? At the Kimen Group, we believe that design is paramount in inspiring how we live, work, play and learn. I was motivated by a famous quote by Sir Winston Churchill to take up architecture as my formal training. He once…
Q&A with Carl Lim, Czarl Architects: Architecture is an art form that tells a captivating story
In your practice, you factor in the socio-historical context and heritage where possible. Why is this so important to you?Architecture is not only a visual and experiential pursuit but also an art form that tells a captivating story. By delving into socio-historical heritage, geography and collective memory, we unearth layers of inspiration. This approach allows…
Q&A with Loh Zixu & Evy Sutjahjo, ZIVY Architects: We continually question and challenge ourselves
You believe that all great design has a story to tell. Share with us some examples of stories you’ve told through your design work. In the east of Singapore, within a small unassuming terrace house lies a grand indoor garden. The owners of the house, a very much private, elderly couple, dream of spending their…
Q&A with Wang Linfeng, DM Interior Design: The ultimate goal is to achieve a perfect fusion between bespoke, luxury and creativity
You have an impressive portfolio of luxury projects. What is your secret to ensuring they are opulent without being garish? I place a big emphasis on coordination. An opulent living room with marble features, huge crystal chandeliers and adorned walls will need to be paired with a minimalist and sleek sofa set, for example. An…
Q&A with Massimo Mercurio, Mercurio Design Lab: We strive to create a unique design language to call our own
When looking at your portfolio, one word that comes to mind is “iconic”. Why is this important to you? We aren’t actually conscious about wanting to be iconic in our design work. What we do is to be unique, to experiment with design and the media we have at our disposal to build. Our approach…
Q&A with William Ng, Studio Wills + Architects: Consider how a multi-gen family might change while designing their home
Many, if not all, of the landed properties you’ve designed are for multi-generational families. What is one piece of advice you can share about designing one? We observed, in many multi-generational houses, that the family composition and profile of its occupiers change over time; existing family members leave and new family members join the household.…
Q&A with Kevin Lim, Studio SKLIM: We are learning how to do more with less
In addition to an office in Singapore, Studio SKLIM also has a presence in India. What is exciting you most right now about the design scene there? We are in the final lap of completing an 8,000sqm international school and the design development phase of a collective of residential, garage/servant’s quarters and standalone office buildings.…
Q&A with Gwen Tan, Studio iF: I often feel the urge to convey emotions through my works
You are well known for injecting compelling, quirky features into your projects. How do you manage to do it each time? I think it is important to travel extensively to constantly nourish the mind and soul. I have an innate ability to internalise the experiences and details from my travels, as well as diverse exposure…
Q&A with Goy Zhenru, Goy Architects: I find joy in supporting and empowering the local craft industries
Singapore took inspiration from Switzerland during its early nation-building years. How has your education in the European country (ETH Zurich) inspired you to be a better designer? Technically, it has taught me about the refinement of design; culturally, it has reignited my interest in regional crafts and vernacular knowledge. Why are you so keen on…