Before launching Singapore-based practice Architology at the end of 2010, co-founder Terrence Quah studied architecture at the University of Singapore and graduated with a Masters in Architecture after 5 years of what he describes as ‘intensive architectural training balanced with an intentional stint in practical experience’. At a time when the building industry is taking a long needed look at its impact on the planet, one of the key objectives for the firm is the minimisation of waste and resources across their projects. Here, we catch up with Quah to discuss projects including an academy for snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan and the Bespoke Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, as well as Architology's two recent Tatler Design Awards.
More Space: Hi Terrence, congratulations on winning two 2021 Tatler Design Awards. Can you describe Architology's design philosophy?
Terrence Quah: Boldness, purity, elegance and liveability. These four words distil the essence of our design approach.
What's the best thing that has happened to the studio recently?
Receiving a Top Interior Designer (Contemporary) Tatler Design Award, plus another win for Best Bespoke Concept for the Goodwood Residence.
What type of clients and projects do you like to take on?
I’m always looking for a good design challenge. We like clients and projects that challenge our design approach and experience in a positive way that is clearly defined. When a design brief is unclear or constantly changing, it is very draining to work on design iterations for a moving objective.
What has been a defining project for your practice?
A defining project for us is the Bespoke Hotel lobby in Kuala Lumpur. We challenged ourselves to deliver a unique and iconic design on a budget. We did this by using inexpensive materials that, like elegant thread work in a bespoke suit, we elevated. It was defining for us because we challenged ourselves to create a strong design concept and space by using industrial materials like raw rebar in a new way. We also took on the role of lighting designers. We taught ourselves how to calculate lux levels manually to ensure that our lighting scheme for the vaulted ceiling would achieve the correct luminance.
Architology's work with a century-old shophouse involved digging deep into its history to develop a design that would draw from the past while addressing the contemporary needs of their client. Photos c/o Architology.
Could you describe a few projects that have pushed the studio in new directions?
The interiors for the technology company New Future Holdings involved using the floor plan overlay of a well-known garden compound in Shanghai. We selected this approach because of the complex brief from the client that required us to manage the power play between the two CEOs who use the office. One is locally based and the other is from China, and they both had to feel like they were not subjugated to the other and were in charge. So it was extremely challenging. I turned to my experience walking through one of Shanghai's traditional Chinese gardens. I was extremely intrigued by how a single garden can be viewed multi-dimensionally and yet make the viewer feel as if they were looking into the garden privately. We did as much research as we could and overlaid it with all the functional requirements of the tech office. It has worked so well that both CEOs favourite pastime is pacing the office's circulatory path, just like you would in a Chinese garden.
Another project was the conservation of a century-old shophouse that involved overcoming restrictions to the extensions and additions the client was requesting. We dug deep into the history and transitions the shophouse had undergone through the decades which gave us a real appreciation of the responsibility of our intervention and how it would best serve future inhabitants. We felt that the history of the space should not be completely wiped out but elements of it uncovered, repurposed and reinterpreted. We dug up as many layers of the shophouse plans as we could and using the design of the functional elements, we alluded to the way shophouses were used in the traditional Peranakan manner.
In a Peranakan Matriarchal society screens and views were very important for the ladies of the house to view and see what was happening, directing decisions behind the scenes, whilst making it appear as if the man of the house was the one making those decisions. We loved the complexity and richness that came with designing this space and we repurposed as much of the original materials as we could. Instead of reworking the façade colour scheme, we worked with restorers who had worked with the National Gallery in Singapore, peeling away layers of paint to reveal different tones. It was literally peeling away history. The conservation department was so concerned that neighbours would protest that they polled the surrounding houses. They all gave a resounding agreement that our proposal should be maintained.
The design approach for the Bespoke Hotel by Architology involved the use of inexpensive materials in inventive ways. Photo c/o Architology.
'A defining project for us has been the Bespoke Hotel lobby in Kuala Lumpur. We challenged ourselves to deliver a unique and iconic design on a budget. We did this by using inexpensive materials that, like elegant thread work in a bespoke suit, we elevated.'
Terrence Quah, Co-founder, Architology
And your favourite material right now?
Undoubtedly, a jadeite tone of natural stone. It is a soft pastel green with a layer of translucency that intrigues me and adds a touch of nostalgia. It is very similar to the green faux-marble laminate tops that I remember growing up with in Singapore. I would see them in the coffee shops and in my grandma’s flat. Back then, I did not know that the marble actually existed. Most people in Singapore didn’t. Only recently coming face-to-face with the actual stone I began to appreciate the beauty which had inspired the original.
Any new technologies in architecture that you are excited about?
I am very excited about Mass Timber Construction and the technology behind 3D printed houses. I hope to develop experience with both because I believe the direction is one of the true revolutions in architecture.
Furniture helps shape the story of an interior and also expresses the personality of a client. What are some of your favourite brands from the Space collection?
We love Giorgetti, B&B Italia, Maxalto, Living Divani and Bocci because we feel they infuse a classic timelessness with modern materials and sensibilities. The elegance of their proportions are the result of the rigour in their design. This resonates with us.
Are there particular design pieces that stand out in the collection?
The Bocci Hawthorne Outdoor lamp stood out to me and we are exploring having it installed in the entry courtyard of a project for one of our clients. We think that it is quite meaningful as a reminder of the Chinese proverb written by Guan Zhong, a politician and statesman back in 770 BCE–476 BCE.
十年树木, 百年树人
The translation: It takes 10 years to grow a tree, but 100 years to cultivate people. It’s a reminder of their Chinese roots and that it takes more time and effort to educate and build character, which translates to lasting wealth, more than immediate and directly visible results. This modern interpretation of something organic and in line with contemporary design aesthetics, is an example of the qualities we look out for in brands. When we can infuse contemporary design elements with a deeper layer of meaning, that is what we enjoy most.
The offices for New Future Holdings bases the floor plan on a well-known traditional Chinese garden compound that Quah had experienced in Shanghai. Photo c/o Architology.
The Nathan Place apartment won Architology a 2021 Tattler Design Award. Photo c/o Architology.
The Bocci #16 Tree lighting system is one of Quah's favourite design pieces that he describes as infusing contemporary design elements 'with a deeper layer of meaning'. Photo c/o Bocci.
The Brass Lion Distillery by Architology. Photos c/o Architology.
The shophouse by Architology. Photos c/o Architology.
'We dug deep into the history and transitions the shophouse had undergone through the decades, which gave us a real appreciation of the responsibility of our intervention and how it would best serve future inhabitants.'
Terrence Quah, Co-founder, Architology
For the shophouse project by Architology, original floorboards were restored and used as an 'internal' façade. Photo c/o Architology.
Have you developed any new skills to help with wellbeing that have stuck?
I picked up road biking and bouncing on the rebounder over the course of the pandemic, and purchased a wood-fired oven. I am still enjoying success making Italian style pizzas and grilling steaks!
What projects is Architology currently working on, and something you have always wanted to design?
We are working on Good Class Bungalow for clients who are unafraid to allow us the space to create something new for them, and a project for Ronnie O’Sullivan the snooker icon and multi-award winning champion. His first snooker academy is located here in Singapore in a space that spans 20,000 square feet and we have the opportunity to work in one of the city's most unique spaces.
I have never designed a 3D printed house and I would really love to be involved in developing one. Other than that, we have been very privileged that our portfolio has allowed us to cover a very wide gamut of projects so far. But I feel we can always do better with the next project. So we are happy to design another hotel, resort or church!
Thank you Terrence, great to chat with you.
