Richard Ho

Richard K F Ho is the principal architect of RichardHO Architects, a practice he set up in 1991. After more than three decades in the practice, he has honed his approach to design. Richard prefers to rethink the meaning of spaces. He reinterprets how spaces relate to one another and let them speak, and not worry about how the building should look like. Style has never been a priority in his works.

He feels that there must be more to architecture than just being a tool. Early on in his career, following three years of practising in Singapore, he went to continental Europe in order to get out of his skin and comfort zone, as well as to learn. He wanted to seek the craft and passion of the practice. For him, architecture is an expression of life. It is also a reflection of the people who use the space.

Deeply inspired by Louis Kahn, Richard believes the process of creating architecture begins with realising the “immeasurable” with “measurable” means and skill into a built form, in order to achieve the “immeasurable” again. The value of architecture should be assigned to the intangible enjoyment of the spaces. Architecture needs to have meaning.

Residential projects are interesting to him, because there is a need to cater for the lifestyle of clients and to give them something to aspire. Richard tries to maintain sustainability in his works. All his projects are naturally ventilated. Clients who appreciate that quality, commission him to do subsequent projects.

For Richard, designers need to constantly question their contribution. The priority should be to maintain a design ethos. It is a given that the practice of architecture is to do good work. It is also important for architects to have the courage to say “No”, to understand self-worth and not be open to exploitation.

Outside of work, three major contributions to the fraternity define Richard’s commitment. His contribution to the architecture community through committee and public service; active participation in shaping conservation of local architectural heritage; as well as his contribution to architecture education in Singapore.

He believes that the education of young and upcoming talents is crucial to long term objectives: to achieve the best living conditions for future generations. The teaching of architecture is to show the way to see things. It invigorates him to be in tune with the younger generation because the architect needs to understand the changes in order to design for people. Knowing what drives the younger generation helps him keep abreast of and in touch with the times.

RichardHO Architects has been practicing four-day work weeks since 2009. Richard believes that all architects need to quieten down to think clearly in order to design. Most of his team members use the “setaside” time to focus. It is quality time for design work to excel. He has not seen anyone abuse the system. Their work environment is very close knit and they operate like a family.