Loh Hai Yew
Director
Every building has its own unique history. Knowing the original use of the spaces also gives us ideas on how to zone and theme the interiors, adapting them for new uses.
Drawn to how cityscapes can evolve and be stretched by building on existing architecture, Loh Hai Yew is driven to complete projects in a holistic manner and in partnership with consultants, clients and contractors. Having spent more than twenty years in the industry, Hai Yew takes a keen interest in the history and context of the building. He incorporates them as the foundation and inspiration of the project design, reinterpreting the past into the present context while preserving their unique character.
This sensitive and integrated approach to design has allowed Hai Yew to deliver award-winning designs across various typologies such as the URA Architectural Heritage Awards for Sofitel-SO Singapore Hotel and Hotel Fort Canning. He was also involved in the master-planning of numerous historic districts and shopping districts such as Chinatown in Singapore together with the Singapore Tourism Board.
Today, Hai Yew continues to grow his sensibilities and knowledge in the industry. His extensive portfolio includes both local and overseas projects, which cover a spectrum of typologies. Examples of his work are Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Raffles Girls’ Secondary School and Mall of Dilmunia. In addition to running projects, he co-leads DPA’s education typology group where he spearheads research on the next generation of pedagogy-led learning.