Overview
Offers innovative, sustainable and smart architecture to achieve national aspirations
The contribution of the architecture industry is imperative towards Singapore’s economic development, sustainability and standard of living. The industry’s ability to combine world-class innovative designs with advanced technological solutions and create sustainable architecture offers a competitive advantage for Singapore against other leading cities in the world. This has played a vital role in establishing Singapore as a well-planned city, a renowned business hub, a smart nation and one of the best places to live in the world.
Singapore’s high-rise buildings with unique designs and iconic landmarks stand as proof of the excellence of the country’s architecture industry. Its architecture helps to craft and strengthen the brand image of the country in the global arena, which drives leading international firms to choose Singapore as their preferred business hub.
The architecture industry also supports Singapore to develop various creative artificial tourist attractions, landscapes, and well-designed hotels and resorts, which assists the growth of hospitality and tourism in the country. The diversity of Singapore is reflected in the architecture of the country, where a blend of various cultural influences offers distinctive designs.
In addition to the aesthetics of the design, sustainability aspects such as effective use of resources and energy efficiency, use of smart technologies in buildings and inclusion of greener spaces are some of the key focus areas of architectural services in the country. The humid climate of Singapore makes architects focus on proper ventilation and create greener urban environments. Further, limited and expensive real estate spaces and the dense population of the country necessitate effective designs and extensive architectural planning to maximize the benefits of the available space.
Leading global, regional and domestic firms operate in the industry
Many leading global, regional and domestic firms operate in the Singapore architecture industry. As per the data from the Board of Architects Singapore, as of December 2019, Singapore housed around 156 registered architecture firms with licenses. Many reputed leading architecture firms in the world have chosen Singapore to establish their regional offices. On the other hand, leading domestic players also work on architecture projects outside of Singapore, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
Ease of doing business across borders and mobility of talent between countries support the Singapore architecture industry. Singapore is part of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Architectural Services and the APEC Architect Project, which facilitate streamlined cross-border registration of talent and architectural service offerings within the Asia Pacific region. The Board of Architects regulates the architecture industry in Singapore, and maintains a record of the architecture professionals and architecture firms in the country.
Key Trends
COVID-19 impact on construction projects leads to negative impact on architecture firms
Closure of construction sites, restricted construction site activity and a shortage of labor due to COVID-19 safety measures resulted in delays to construction projects during the pandemic. In addition, many of the new construction projects were re-evaluated, deferred or canceled, as organizations were making cautious investment decisions. These had a significant negative impact on the architecture industry.
Meanwhile, travel restrictions during the pandemic also caused additional complications and delays to cross-border projects and movement of talent. All these challenges led to a decline in cash flows and lower profitability among architecture firms during the pandemic. As per the statistics published by SingStat, the total value of construction contracts awarded in 2020 was down 37% YoY to SGD 21 billion, from SGD 34 billion in 2019. Though this recovered by 42% YoY to SGD 30 billion in 2021, it is still below the pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.
From 2022 onwards, relaxed COVID-19 restrictions and reduced uncertainty should encourage a pick-up in construction activity and investment appetite in Singapore, which would accelerate the recovery of the architecture industry.
Increased emphasis on sustainability and wellness-centric architecture
The pandemic has led to higher demand for healthy real estate structures with greater focus on natural ventilation and access to fresh air, and increased the emphasis on a human-centric perspective to architecture designs in Singapore. Preference for building designs that promote physical, mental and social well-being, and offer the best living or working experience for people, is growing within the country.
Emerging trends such as urban decentralization and self-contained urban neighborhoods that bring commercial activities and essential services closer to residential areas are gaining popularity in Singapore. These new dynamics in the market require additional planning in terms of creating appropriate architectural designs, which is essential for Singapore to successfully continue its growth as a key business location and attract migrant talent with high-quality living standards.
Improving the biodiversity of the environment, offering sustainable architectural solutions and creating greener spaces are becoming top priorities in the architecture designs in Singapore. The latest construction designs use creative ways to include more plant life in buildings. Green rooftops with plants and vertical gardens are some examples of this trend in Singapore.
Singapore aims to green 80% of the floor areas of buildings by 2030. The country is offering incentives to encourage energy efficiency and green cover of new and existing buildings. Further, the latest projects demand resilient architectural solutions that are more flexible to adapt for changing future requirements. On the other hand, renovating old buildings and implementing new design solutions to incorporate the latest trends is gaining momentum in the country. Singapore is also witnessing an increasing interest to include automation and artificial intelligence in building and infrastructure designs. This is in line with the country’s vision to become a smart nation.
Recent trends in the construction industry and changing design preferences are transforming architectural solutions in Singapore. These new requirements increase the importance and value addition of the architecture industry in building the future of Singapore and achieving the country’s key national aspirations. Architecture firms are upskilling their staff to accommodate new industry dynamics and improve digitization in the industry in terms of the work and processes to offer enhanced architectural solutions.
Key Statistics
- As per the data from the Board of Architects Singapore, as of December 2019, Singapore had around 2,148 registered architects and 1,727 registered practitioners.
- Data from SingStat shows that total construction output was down 30% YoY in 2020 to SGD 20 billion, from SGD 28 billion in 2019. Subsequently in 2021, this recovered by 32% YoY to SGD 26 billion.
Top Singapore MNCs in Architecture Sector
ARUP SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED
Headquartered in London, Arup Group Ltd. is a firm that provides engineering, design, planning, advisory and architectural services across every aspect of the built environment. It is the parent company of Arup Singapore Pvt. Ltd. which was incorporated in 2001. The Singapore Sports Hub is one of the firm's most well-known projects. The company was in charge of the stadium's architecture, master planning, and engineering. The stadium holds a Guinness World Record for its dome. The Singapore Sports Hub also earned the 2013 World Architecture Festival Award in the Future Projects, Leisure Category, for Arup Singapore's multifunctional sports facility design and engineering scope.
KPF (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), based in New York, is an architecture firm that provides architecture, interior design, programming, and master planning services to both public and private sector clients. Its subsidiary, KPF (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., was incorporated in 2008. KPF was ranked 5th on Archello's list of the best architecture companies in Singapore. The firm’s work in the country spans multiple types, from a boutique office tower to tailored workspaces for Estée Lauder’s many brands. KPF is also designing the Changi Airport Terminal 5 expansion, which will provide additional capacity for 50 million passengers each year at the airport.
P & T CONSULTANTS PTE. LTD.
P&T Group is a global design agency that helps clients create unique, commercially successful, and long-lasting designs. P&T Group, located in Hong Kong, is the parent company of P&T Consultants Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in Singapore in 1982. P&T Consultants specializes in architecture, engineering, interior design, and urban planning. P&T Consultants has completed many projects in Singapore, including The Brownstone, a proposed executive residential complex. This is an award-winning Modular Integrated Construction project. Another of the firm's projects, the German European School Singapore (GESS) institutional building, received a Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) award in 2016.
SCOTT BROWNRIGG SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE. LTD.
Scott Brownrigg South East Asia Pte. Ltd. is an international studio which was launched in Singapore by the British architectural firm Scott Brownrigg in 2013. The Newcastle Research and Innovation Institute (NewRIIS), Newcastle University's facility in Singapore, was designed by Scott Brownrigg South East Asia. The firm has earned recognition for its architecture and interior design with the construction of the Strata House, a Singapore family home with an indoor trampoline, which was featured in CNA Luxury. The project has the distinction of winning the WAN Award in 2021.
HASSELL ARCHITECTURE (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Hassell is a multidisciplinary architecture, design, and urban planning firm based in Australia. Hassell Architecture (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is its overseas studio, and was incorporated in 2012. The firm works on projects ranging from boutique retail store interior design to significant public architecture and strategic city planning. The Hassell-designed GlaxoSmithKline's Asian headquarters, GSK Asia House, which was purpose-built for the global healthcare company, received the 2019 Singapore Landscape Architecture Awards’ Silver Award in the Commercial Landscape category. Another award-winning project that is designed by Hassell includes the ATLAS Bar in Singapore.
GENSLER SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Gensler is an international architecture, design, and planning firm. It is the parent company of Gensler Singapore Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 2009. Gensler Singapore provides an array of consulting, designing, and architectural services across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In 2014, the Gensler-designed Changi Singapore International Airport Terminal 4 was recognised at the Spark Awards with Platinum and Gold Awards in the categories of Transport and Concept, respectively. The firm also received the European Healthcare Design Award 2021 in the Future Healthcare Design category, for the construction of the National University Hospital in Singapore.
WSP CONSULTANCY PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
AEDAS PTE. LTD.
Aedas is a British architectural firm that practises both nationwide and worldwide, making it the parent company of many studios across the globe, including the Singapore-based Aedas Pte. Ltd. which was established in 2008. It designs solutions that are tailored to the needs of cities and communities all over the globe. Interior design, landscape design, and urban design are just a few of the services provided by Aedas. Marina Bay Sands, situated in the heart of Singapore, was one of Aedas' award-winning projects, and it quickly became a symbol of the city. This project's lead consultant was Aedas.
JACOBS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS PTE. LTD.
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., headquartered in the United States, is a technical professional services firm. Its subsidiary, Jacobs International Consultants Pte. Ltd. was incorporated in Singapore in 2008. Jacobs International Consultants offers a wide range of technical, professional, and construction services, including architectural, engineering, and construction, operations and maintenance, as well as scientific and niche consulting. The Tavistock Station and Tunnels are part of the Cross Island Line Phase 1 project in Singapore, and the firm was assigned as the design consultant for the project's design and construction.
AECOM SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per client
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Architecture Sector
ONG & ONG PTE. LTD.
Established in Singapore in 1972, ONG&ONG Pte. Ltd. offers a 360-degree solution that covers design, engineering, and project management to meet the needs of its clients. The company strives to develop talent for the architectural community through education, hence it established the ONG&ONG Travelling Fellowship. Undergraduates are provided with opportunities to pursue knowledge of the built environment through independent travel. ONG&ONG is a practice that is ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO14064, and ISO 19650 certified. In addition to this, the firm has received certifications for OHSAS18001, SGBC Certified Green Services, and bizSAFE STAR.
RSP ARCHITECTS PLANNERS & ENGINEERS (PTE) LTD
Incorporated in 1956, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd. is a global multidisciplinary architectural and engineering design firm. Headquartered in Singapore, RSP specializes in designs that are creative and original in their concept. The master planning, mixed-use, retail, office, education, residential, civic, hotel, industrial, transportation, and healthcare sectors are all part of RSP's portfolio. The company was the first to construct Singapore's only high-rise structure at the time, the Straits Trading Building. RSP-built East Shore Hospital was the first Asian hospital to achieve the ISO 9002 international quality certification. Another major project of RSP is the Jewel Changi Airport entertainment and retail complex in Singapore.
DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD.
DP Architects Pte. Ltd. is an international architectural and industrial design firm headquartered in Singapore. Incorporated in 1967, the multi-disciplinary design firm has been involved in large-scale urban projects with a growing range of functions. The Dubai Mall, Resorts World Sentosa, and Singapore Sports Hub are just a few of the firm's notable projects. Each project is seen as another step in the firm's continuing research on how to shape the public realm. DP Architects clinched the Green Good Design Award 2022 under the Green Architecture category, for its project HometeamNS Khatib, a recreational clubhouse in Singapore.
CPG CORPORATION PTE LTD
Repeated as per client
SURBANA JURONG PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeated as per client
SAA ARCHITECTS PTE LTD
Since 1970, SAA Architects Pte. Ltd. has been a full-service architectural firm. The Singapore-based company specializes in design and build practices, delivering architecture that focuses on individuals and links communities to their urban surroundings. SAA creates conventional designs within an increasingly complex, technology-driven world, bringing innovative and enduring solutions to all its projects. Today, the SAA consultancy has grown to include Master and Urban Planning, Interior Design, and Medical Planning to its list of services. At the 2019 World Architecture News (WAN) Awards, SAA's nursing home project, St Joseph's Home in Singapore, received a Silver Award in the Healthcare category.
Top Singapore SMEs in Architecture Sector
SPARK ARCHITECTS PTE. LTD.
Spark Architects Pte. Ltd. is a multi-disciplinary practice based in Singapore that specializes in architecture, urban planning, interior design, landscape design, research, and branding. Its work ranges in scale from boutique shops, and mixed-use waterfronts, to residential, and civic buildings. Spark Architects has a reputation for innovative building transformations and has received numerous honours for its projects, notably the transformation of Clarke Quay in Singapore. GR.iD, which sits at the heart of Singapore’s Arts District, is another example of an existing building being transformed into a youth and education focused hub for the district.
K2LD ARCHITECTS PTE. LTD.
Established in 2005, Singapore-based K2LD Architects Pte. Ltd. is an international architecture and interior design practice. K2LD works on projects of all scales, single or multi-residential and commercial developments, through to public and private education and infrastructure projects throughout the region. K2LD designed Pascoe Vale Community Centre, which had been awarded the 2020 SIA Architectural Design Award by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA). The firm was also conferred the 2020 SIA Architectural Merit Award for a hotel tower project, 399 Little Lonsdale St, in Melbourne, Australia.
WOHA ARCHITECTS PTE. LTD.
WOHA Architects Pte. Ltd. was founded in 1994. The Singapore-based firm specializes in developing integrated architectural and urban solutions to address issues such as climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanization. WOHA works on projects of different sizes, from interiors and architecture to public spaces and regenerative master plans, and applies a systems thinking approach to each. The firm’s rating system for assessing building performance is being integrated into construction laws worldwide. WOHA has received several architectural awards, including the 2019 CTBUH 2019 Urban Habitat and Best Mixed-Use Building, and the 2018 World Architecture Festival’s World Building of the Year Award.
ARCHITECTS 61 PRIVATE LIMITED
Architects 61 Pte. Ltd. was founded in 1974, in Singapore. Since its inception, the firm became increasingly involved in large-scale, complex developments, and has focused mainly on the Central Business District. With the collaboration of international design consultants, the firm worked on many landmark projects in the CBD. Architects 61 expanded its capability to be entirely responsible for a project, from design to documentation and overseeing construction. Today, Architects 61 has broadened its portfolio across multiple sectors with wide-ranging projects, upon the completion of notable works of Marina One and Tanjong Pagar Centre.
AGA ARCHITECTS PRIVATE LIMITED
Established in Singapore in 1979, AGA Architects Pte. Ltd. is an architectural practice that also offers professional design consultancy. Each design starts with a thorough grasp of the program and the environment. AGA Architects collaborates closely with its clients and partners to develop appropriate techniques to meet the program's requirements. The firm promotes an understanding of the environmental aspects through working at various scales. AGA's designs are influenced by modern architecture, which emphasizes the importance of inquiry and exploration in the design process, resulting in originality and creativity in each project.
TOPOS ARCHITECTS PTE. LTD.
TOPOS Architects Pte. Ltd. is an architectural firm, established in 2005 in Singapore. Apart from creating, planning, and managing the use of large spaces for interiors, it also engages in architectural design of government, commercial and residential projects. Moreover, the firm provides project management services to ensure that its clients' properties and developments comply with local regulations, as well as staying on track and budget with the builders. The firm's achievements include a $2 billion budget project to design the interior of the World's Largest Racecourse Grandstand and the World's First 5-Star Trackside Hotel at Meydan in the UAE.
HYLA ARCHITECTS
HYLA Architects is an award-winning boutique architectural firm that was established in 1994, in Singapore. HYLA’s specialization lies in designing high-end, landed residential projects. The firm has received numerous awards, including the 6th Singapore Institute of Architects’ Interior Architecture Award for the commercial interiors of the corporate headquarters and operational centre, for the telecommunications company Starhub Centre. The Architectural Heritage Awards by the Urban Redevelopment Authority are among the accolades received by the practice. HYLA's art has been published in monographs and magazines all over the world.
AAMER ARCHITECTS
AAMER Architects is a cutting-edge boutique architecture business in Singapore, which was founded in 1994. AAMER offers one-stop professional architectural services such as master planning, interior design, and landscape design. AAMER has sculpted a variety of residential projects in Singapore, including good-class bungalows, inter-terrace properties, conservation storehouses, restaurants, a private cluster housing complex with a Malay-village charm, and healthcare facilities. The company has also planned and completed projects in other countries. In addition to its architectural work, AAMER Architects provides various art pieces for its clients' homes.
MING ARCHITECTS
Established in 2015, Ming Architects is a design-driven architecture business based in Singapore, which specializes in designing well-crafted, contemporary luxury homes for modern living. The firm's architectural expertise has quickly gained a reputation, with articles appearing in publications such as Singapore Tatler Homes, Cubes, and D+A, as well as international architecture journals Archdaily, Houzz, and Habitus. Ming Architects places high emphasis on both building architecture and interior design. Ming’s Carve House project achieved the Homes Design Award for Best Architectural Concept.
WALLFLOWER ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Established in 1999, Singapore’s Wallflower Architecture + Design brings together a diverse range of commercial and residential development experiences. The firm has won multiple accolades for design quality, and has been featured in numerous local and international publications. Singapore's Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts, recognized Wallflower as one of the country's important design players. Wallflower’s initial projects included simple renovation works; today, its portfolio is a balanced mix of commercial interiors such as restaurants and private homes.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Architecture Sector
JACOBS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS PTE. LTD.
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., headquartered in the United States, is a technical professional services firm. Its subsidiary, Jacobs International Consultants Pte. Ltd. was incorporated in Singapore in 2008. Jacobs International Consultants offers a wide range of technical, professional, and construction services, including architectural, engineering, and construction, operations and maintenance, as well as scientific and niche consulting. The Tavistock Station and Tunnels are part of the Cross Island Line Phase 1 project in Singapore, and the firm was assigned as the design consultant for the project's design and construction.
NEW SPACE ARCHITECTS PTE. LTD.
New Space Architects Pte Ltd. is a mid-sized architectural firm, which was incorporated in 2003. Headquartered in Singapore, it provides personalized services and collaborates closely with clients to understand their needs and achieve their goals. In Singapore, China, and South-East Asia, the firm has built up a diverse portfolio of mixed-use projects: private dwellings, commercial buildings, hotels, and resorts, as well as township master planning and urban design, are all included. From programming, planning, and conceptual design to project management, construction phase services, and contract administration, New Space Architects provides a full range of architectural services.
ECO-ID ARCHITECTS PTE. LTD.
ECO-ID Architects Pte. Ltd. is a multidisciplinary practice which was established in Singapore in 1996. The firm's broad spectrum of services includes everything from master planning and architecture, to interior design and branding, with project types ranging from high-rise luxury condominiums and detached homes, to retail boutiques, hotels, and resorts. The company has won several prestigious international awards. The Ivy Bound International School project in Bangkok was conferred a Highly Commended Award at the 2015 World Architecture Festival, and the President's Design Award 2008/2009 went to the Naumi Hotel project in Singapore. Since 2001, ECO-ID has been an ISO 9001 certified company.
HASSELL ARCHITECTURE (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Hassell is a multidisciplinary architecture, design, and urban planning firm based in Australia. Hassell Architecture (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is its overseas studio, and was incorporated in 2012. The firm works on projects ranging from boutique retail store interior design to significant public architecture and strategic city planning. The Hassell-designed GlaxoSmithKline's Asian headquarters, GSK Asia House, which was purpose-built for the global healthcare company, received the 2019 Singapore Landscape Architecture Awards’ Silver Award in the Commercial Landscape category. Another award-winning project that is designed by Hassell includes the ATLAS Bar in Singapore.
RDC ARCHITECTS PTE LTD
Since it was established in Singapore in 2008, RDC Architects Pte. Ltd. has focused on research and development, specializing in design and project management. RDC keeps its design technique, manufacturing, and management practices updated by participating in local workshops, seminars, conferences, and international excursions. The firm incorporates BIM technology into its projects, which are frequently subjected to Quality Assurance Procedures to assure on-time completion, budget compliance, high construction quality, and value for money for RDC’s clients. RDC has received BCA certification in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. It is also a founding member of the Singapore Green Building Council.
GENSLER SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Gensler is an international architecture, design, and planning firm. It is the parent company of Gensler Singapore Pte. Ltd., which was incorporated in 2009. Gensler Singapore provides an array of consulting, designing, and architectural services across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In 2014, the Gensler-designed Changi Singapore International Airport Terminal 4 was recognised at the Spark Awards with Platinum and Gold Awards in the categories of Transport and Concept, respectively. The firm also received the European Healthcare Design Award 2021 in the Future Healthcare Design category, for the construction of the National University Hospital in Singapore.
DESIGN LINK ARCHITECTS PTE. LTD.
An architectural consultancy firm, Design Link Architects Pte. Ltd. was founded in November 1988 in Singapore. Its scope and diversity have expanded considerably since then. Design Link Architects provides full professional services in architecture and master planning, including feasibility studies, urban design, interior design, and landscape services. It has a background in the development of both large and small residential, industrial, and educational projects, from conception to completion. The Housing and Development Board of Singapore recently honoured Design Link Architects with the Innovative Design Award (2020) and the Design Award (2021).
ARCH'LAB PTE. LTD.
Established in 2004, Arch'lab Pte. Ltd. is a multi-disciplinary firm of architects, interior designers, planners, and technology consultants in Singapore. The firm provides solutions for healthcare facilities, research and analytical laboratories, biosafety containment and high containment facilities, as well as construction technologies. Arch'lab specializes in planning with clients on new development placement in challenging locations, and redevelopment while the facility remains operational. Arch'lab worked in collaboration with Basler & Hofmann on several projects since its inception, and later merged with Basler & Hofmann (Singapore) Lifesciences. Today, it is also recognized as a subsidiary of Basler & Hofmann Switzerland.
STUDIO MILOU SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
StudioMilou is an award-winning international architectural firm based in Paris, Singapore, Hanoi, and Melbourne. StudioMilou Singapore Pte. Ltd. was formed in 2008, to oversee the design and construction of Singapore's National Gallery. Since then, StudioMilou’s Singapore branch has concentrated on the development of new projects in Singapore and in Asia. It offers integrated services in public, cultural, heritage, and exhibition design projects, as well as high-end residential, interior architecture, and landscaping. The studio has recently completed its first luxury condominium in Singapore - the Avenir.
AJ+J ARCHITECTURE PTE. LTD.
AJ+J Architecture Pte. Ltd. is a rapidly expanding architectural practice, since it was established in Singapore in 2017.The firm was founded to assist building owners, both locally and internationally, with unique architectural solutions. AJ+J Architecture strives to provide innovative solutions to its clients through a process of intensive collaboration, as well as drawing on the firm's experience to ensure that projects are completed to the client's specifications, on time and within budget, as well as within the constraints of statutory requirements. Blu world warehouse and the ESR building are among two of its newly completed projects in Singapore that are in the spotlight.