Advancing Design with Impact: NUS Architecture Alumni Recognised at P*DA 2025

It is an honour to celebrate the many NUS Architecture alumni recognised in this year’s President*s Design Award (P*DA) 2025. This year’s recipients underscore the transformative role of design in shaping inclusive communities and resilient environments, enhancing user experience, and safeguarding urban heritage.

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

ALUMNUS AR. ALAN TAY — ONE OF THE DESIGNERS OF THE YEAR

The Designer of the Year, among the honourees, is Ar. Alan Tay. As Principal Partner of Formwerkz Architects, he is recognised for a consistent body of work spanning more than two decades across Singapore, China, and Malaysia. From the award-winning Cloister House in Malaysia to the Al-Islah Mosque in Singapore, he demonstrates clarity of thought and rigorous inquiry to deliver contextual solutions attuned to tropical environments—leveraging architecture to address deeper societal issues and to challenge conventional design norms. Despite his busy schedule, like many fellow alumni, he used to serve as adjunct faculty at NUS, mentoring aspiring architects.

Click here to read more about his reflections on his formative years studying Architecture at NUS, his evolved perspective as a practising architect, and his unique observations upon returning to his alma mater as a studio tutor.

DESIGN OF THE YEAR

Several award-winning projects with alumni involvement highlight how design uplifts communities, creates inclusive experiences, and responds creatively to evolving societal needs. These projects exemplify excellence across key impact areas, including enabling economic transformation, raising quality of life, advancing Singapore’s brand and cultural identity, and achieving breakthroughs in design innovation.

21 CARPENTER – CONSERVED SHOPHOUSES

21 Carpenter (WOHA Architects) – An elegant integration of four conserved 1936 shophouses with a contemporary rear block on the fringe of Chinatown, this boutique hotel masterfully mediates heritage and modernity. Storytelling elements reference the site’s history as a remittance house, enriching the guest experience. Alumni involved: Ar. Phua Hong Wei, Ar. Fu Yingzi, and Ar. Rainbow Lee.

BIRD PARADISE SHELTERED 2,000-SEAT AMPHITHEATRE

Bird Paradise (Mandai Wildlife Group in collaboration with RSP Architects Planners & Engineers) – A world-class immersive wildlife experience that redefines animal conservation within an urban setting, Bird Paradise blends innovative design with education and community engagement—fostering meaningful connections with wildlife and strengthening Singapore’s appeal as a must-visit destination. Alumni involved: Ar. Seah Chee Kien, Ar. Suen Wee Kwok, Ar. Chan Ai Hup, Ar. Samantha Wong, Ar. Ashley Yong, Ar. Teo Nam Siang, and Ar. Charlene Lee.

DELTA SPORT CENTRE RETAINS AND REUSES EXISTING STRUCTURES THROUGH SMALL, DELIBERATE DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

Delta Sport Centre (Red Bean Architects) – A model of adaptive reuse that embraces sustainability and inclusivity, the project stitches standalone facilities into a seamless flow of activities connecting surrounding neighbourhoods. The second-storey thoroughfare creates new links to nearby MRT stations and overhead bridges, demonstrating how thoughtful interventions can transform ageing sports infrastructure into cohesive, inclusive community assets. Alum involved: Ar. Teo Yee Chin, Managing Partner at Red Bean Architects.

SJ CAMPUS LANDSCAPE DESIGNED TO INTEGRATE WITH THE JURONG ECO-GARDEN

SJ Campus (Safdie Architects in collaboration with Surbana Jurong) – Reconceives the traditional corporate headquarters as a campus that integrates harmoniously with the public realm. The project features publicly accessible spaces, sustainable design strategies, and sensitive integration with the existing Jurong Eco-Garden, while preserving mature trees on site. Alumni involved: Ar. Lee Hua Tan, Ar. Lewina Lee, Ar. Ivy Koh, Ar. David Oktavianus, Ar. Laura Tan, and Ar. Huda Farah Huda.

Congratulations to all our alumni whose work advances the social impact, cultural identity, and innovation of design. Your achievements continue to inspire our students and reaffirm the purpose of architecture in improving lives.

About the Award
Established in 2006, the President*s Design Award (P*DA) is Singapore’s highest honour for designers and designs across all disciplines. It recognises the achievements of individuals and teams who make a difference to the lives of Singaporeans and the global community through excellent design. In 2017, PDA was relaunched as a biennial award with a greater emphasis on the impact of design in enabling economic transformation; raising quality of life; advancing Singapore’s brand, culture, and community connections; and achieving groundbreaking advances in design.

P*DA is presented in two categories—Designer of the Year and Design of the Year. It is conferred by the President of the Republic of Singapore and jointly administered by the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Text and images are adapted from materials published by the President*s Design Award (DesignSingapore Council) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).