AR43 Architects

Established in 2006, AR43 Architects is an award-winning Singapore practice founded by principal director Lim Cheng Kooi. With almost four decades of architectural experience under his belt, Lim has built a career defined by intellectual rigour, creative exploration and a deep belief in architecture’s positive ability to shape the way people live.

After graduating in 1988, Lim began his career under the mentorship of the late William Lim, one of Singapore’s most influential architectural pioneers. The experience left a lasting impression, instilling in him the importance of critical thinking, social responsibility and design excellence. Before founding AR43 Architects, he was one of three founding members of another award-winning architectural practice, where he spent more than a decade honing his craft.

The decision to establish AR43 Architects stemmed from a desire to create a studio that reflected his own design values. Rather than adhering to a recognisable house style, Lim envisioned a practice where every project could respond authentically to its site, climate, programme and the aspirations of its occupants. Today, that philosophy continues to guide the firm’s diverse portfolio of residential, hospitality, institutional and commercial projects. “Looking back, the timing was simply right, and the stars aligned,” said Lim.

Under his leadership, AR43 Architects has earned a reputation for architecture that is inventive yet grounded, balancing experimentation with practicality. The studio approaches every commission as an opportunity to uncover new possibilities through thoughtful problem-solving, while remaining committed to environmental responsibility, careful resource management and enduring design. Lim believes that exceptional architecture is not defined by extravagant budgets, but by the quality of ideas behind it.

Beyond architecture, Lim is also an accomplished self-taught painter whose artistic practice informs his architectural thinking. His exploration of composition, light, texture and emotion across both disciplines lends a distinctive perspective to his work. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries and private collections, and were featured in Young Contemporary Artists in Singapore. In 2008, he held his solo exhibition, Ebony + Ivory, raising more than $30,000 for charitable causes, including the firm’s pro bono Karuna Home project in India and neighbourhood schools in Singapore.

Throughout his career, Lim’s work has received numerous international accolades, including awards from the Design For Asia Awards, Iconic Awards, and International Architectural Awards. Yet, Lim is not one to rest on his laurels. “Each project represents a different stage of our creative journey, and once it is completed, I prefer to look forward to the next opportunity rather than dwell on past achievements,” said Lim.