Our Team
Our Principal – Ar. Chu Yang Keng
Ar. Chu Yang Keng is the founder of IX Architects Pte Ltd, Singapore, which is established in 2004. Chu has contributed actively to the fraternity through the Singapore Institute of Architects’ Small and Medium Architectural Practice (SIA-SMAP) committee. He is an appointed examiner for the Singapore Board of Architects’ Professional Practice Examinations. Chu places great emphasis on each individual’s professional development in his practice and actively serves as an Advisor to the NUS Architectural Internship Programme.
As a Registered ASEAN Architect, Chu has been practising regionally, especially in Cambodia where he has amassed a diverse portfolio over the last decade. Driven by a keen interest in nature-centric design, Chu aspires to create environmentally-conscious designs that both inspire and enhance the quality of life.
Chu’s commitment to architectural design has garnered his firm numerous recognitions over the years. These accolades include the prestigious Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Awards where IXA emerged as a winner of the SIA Design Award 2023 and a recipient of the Honorable Mention of SIA Design Award 2019. In addition, Chu has led the team in securing both the Gold Award and Special Award in ARCASIA Award 2020, as well as an Honorable Mention for ARCASIA Award in 2025.
Chu believes that a well-crafted architectural design has to account for the physical, social, economical and environmental aspects in its unique cultural context. These principles underpin his aspiration for nature-centric and environmentally-conscious designs that enrich and enliven the quality of life. Emphasising the interconnected relationship between nature and the built environment not only enhances the spatial experience for end users, but also creates a functional, sustainable and harmonious sense of place.
Qualification & Accreditation
2018 – Registered Cambodian Architect
2014 – Registered ASEAN Architect
2013 – Registered APEC Architect
2011 – Corporatized IX Architects Pte Ltd
2004 – Founded IX Architects
2002 – Registered Architect BOA
2000 – National University of Singapore, Masters of Architecture
1997 – National University of Singapore, Bachelor of Arts – Arch Studies
Professional Involvement
Singapore Institute of Architects
SMAP Commitee Member
Board of Architects, Singapore
Panel of Examiner for PPE Examinations
National University of Singapore
Advisor for SDE-AIP Programme
Invited Speaker At
2024 – INNEX Architecture Forum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
2024 – India Council of Architecture’s International Conference, Vellore, India
2023 – Cosentino City TAB Series III
2022 – ArchTalk, Canadian University, Dubai
2021 – BOA Webinar Series: Dialogue with Chu Yang Keng
2020 – SIA Virtual Conference “Architecture Saving Our World”
2019 – SIA Winning Design Philosohpies and Concepts
2018 – International Design Award 2AA Barcelona Architecture Forum
2017 – Cambodia Architect & Décor
2013 – SIA Practice Convention
2012 – SIA Inspiration Talk
2012 – World Bex (Manila)
Our Background
IX Architects or IXA is an architectural practice that was born with an aspiration to create Innovative designs and to strive for an eXtraordinary practice. As such, the name IX was formed, with a vision of flourishing beyond Singapore and creating meaningful architecture with passion to enhance lives.
Since IXA’s establishment in 2004, our works have made significant progress and our professional competencies have seen a steady improvement. Our strong desire to create great architecture is what drives us to constantly upgrade our team’s proficiency and keep up with technology. What kept us at the forefront today is our early adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as well as parametric design softwares. It is this forward-looking mindset that has helped us create an efficient and stimulating work process that has kept us going strong over the last 20 years
Nurturing our team and grooming our designers and architects individually have always been the focus of our ongoing programme. While IXA may be a small practice, we formulate our own trainings and create a unique induction programme for all our new staff. Our series of trainings enable the imparting of fundamental practice knowledge to the new staff, providing them with a solid foundation and ensuring that they feel oriented and more prepared at work.
As hard as we work on creating designs and upholding our standard of works, our life in the office is never short of fun. We make an effort to decorate our office and spruce up our workspaces for the festive seasons, and to celebrate our colleagues’ special occasions together. This practice is our way of extending a small token of appreciation to our fellow comrades at work.
While our practice is based in Singapore, we are actively involved in many projects in the region. This has always been our business direction and it will continue to be, in the years to come. The valuable experiences, which come with our successful accomplishments in the recent years, have provided us with the confidence and wisdom to steer forward in the region.
With the strong leadership of our founder and the dedication of our designers, we will continue to deliver high quality work and keep our flame of passion for architectural excellence burning bright.
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Our Workplace
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Our Office Culture
