Cover URA’s ’20 under 45’: Fourth Edition honours 23 Singapore-based architects who have shaped our local landscape and beyond
URA’s ’20 under 45’: Fourth Edition honours 23 Singapore-based architects who have shaped our local landscape and beyond
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URA’s 20 Under 45 returns with its fourth edition, recognising 23 architects whose works have been shaping Singapore’s evolving urban landscape
When the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) unveiled ‘20 under 45’: Fourth Edition on 23 January 2026, it marked both a continuation and an evolution of one of Singapore’s most significant architectural programmes. First launched in 2004, 20 under 45 was conceived to recognise young, Singapore-registered architects whose design excellence, ideas and leadership promise a lasting impact on the built environment. Across three previous editions in 2004, 2010 and 2017, the programme has spotlighted 60 architects who have since gone on to shape Singapore’s architectural identity locally and abroad.
Recognising a new generation
Above House of Trees, a residential project by laureate Lim Shing Hui of L Architects (Photo: Khoo Guo Jie
House of Trees, a residential project by laureate Lim Shing Hui of L Architects (Photo: Khoo Guo Jie
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The fourth edition arrives with a clear acknowledgement of the extraordinary circumstances that have defined recent years. In light of the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic—particularly prolonged project delays that disrupted professional timelines—the programme has expanded its scope.
This year, 23 architects were recognised instead of the customary 20, with the age criterion raised to 47 to ensure eligible practitioners were not disadvantaged by the two-year industry-wide disruption. Following a rigorous selection process conducted by a multidisciplinary panel of professionals and academics from the public and private sectors, all 23 shortlisted architects were unanimously awarded, reflecting a collective commitment to equity and resilience.
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A collective portrait of contemporary practice
Above Damai Primary School, designed by Razvan I. Ghilic-Micu of Hassell together with MKPL Architects (Photo: MKPL Architects)
Damai Primary School, designed by Razvan I. Ghilic-Micu of Hassell together with MKPL Architects (Photo: MKPL Architects)
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Together, the 23 Singapore-based registered architects exemplify the diversity and depth of contemporary architectural practice. Their works span a wide range of typologies and scales, from public infrastructure and community spaces to homes, heritage restorations and mixed-use developments.
Collectively, they demonstrate architecture’s ability to reconnect people with nature, sensitively restore historic buildings, and create memorable, liveable environments that respond to Singapore’s evolving urban needs. Beyond professional practice, many of the honourees also contribute actively as mentors and advocates, nurturing future generations and strengthening the profession from within.
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From recognition to the public realm
Above The bedroom of My Last Home, a residential project for a retired professor by L Architects, led by laureate Lim Shing Hui (Photo: Jovian Lim)
The bedroom of My Last Home, a residential project for a retired professor by L Architects, led by laureate Lim Shing Hui (Photo: Jovian Lim)
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The fourth edition also looks firmly toward the future of public space. At the programme’s launch, Second Minister for National Development Ms Indranee Rajah announced an upcoming design competition open exclusively to the 23 architects. The competition will invite proposals for recreational amenities at a new waterfront park along the Kallang River, offering a rare opportunity for this cohort to collectively shape a meaningful public realm project. The winning architect will be appointed to implement the design, reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on translating ideas into built outcomes that serve the wider community.
Above The façade of Danish Seaman’s church, restored by a team led by laureate Goy Zhenru of Goy Architects (Photo: Khoo Guo Jie)
Above The stunning staircase inside Danish Seamen’s Church, restored by a team led by laureate Goy Zhenru, who heads Goy Architects (Photo: Khoo Guo Jie)
The façade of Danish Seaman’s church, restored by a team led by laureate Goy Zhenru of Goy Architects (Photo: Khoo Guo Jie)
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This initiative forms part of URA’s broader public realm enhancement efforts, which include forthcoming design competitions for shared spaces along key urban corridors. In addition to the Kallang River waterfront park, a pedestrian mall in the Katong–Joo Chiat area is also slated for a design competition. These projects build on URA’s Identity Corridors engagements, where communities expressed aspirations for more inclusive, well-designed public spaces that respond sensitively to local culture, heritage and landscape.
Peeking behind the scenes
Above The dedicated ’20 under 45’: Fourth Edition book is now available at major bookstores
The dedicated ’20 under 45’: Fourth Edition book is now available at major bookstores
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Anchoring the programme is the ‘20 under 45’: Fourth Edition exhibition, held at the URA Centre from 23 January to 31 March 2026. The exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into the personal journeys, aspirations and defining works of the 23 architects, highlighting the role architects play in shaping Singapore’s urban future. It is accompanied by a dedicated publication, now available at all major bookstores, which documents the cohort’s contributions in greater depth.
Above Rumah Kechik, an adaptive reuse project by Kaizen Architecture, led by laureate Melvin Keng (Photo: Finbarr Fallon)
Rumah Kechik, an adaptive reuse project by Kaizen Architecture, led by laureate Melvin Keng (Photo: Finbarr Fallon)
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Complementing the exhibition is a curated series of public talks taking place in February and March 2026. These sessions provide a platform for the architects to share their design philosophies, professional experiences and insights with industry peers and the wider public, extending the programme’s impact beyond the gallery space.
More than a recognition of individual achievement, 20 under 45: Fourth Edition stands as a collective portrait of a profession shaped by challenge, adaptability and shared purpose. In celebrating architectural excellence alongside resilience, the programme reaffirms architecture’s enduring role in shaping Singapore’s built environment—and the people who imagine it.
Here’s the full list of the honorees of URA’s ‘20 under 45’: Fourth Edition programme:
- Eugene Aw, director, Laud Architects
- Chaw Chih Wen, principal architect, Hyphen Architects
- Chia Yu Hsien, director of architecture and digital design, HDB Building & Research Institute
- Chua Liang Ping, senior associate, Look Architects
- Joe Fu, director, Ong&Ong
- Razvan I. Ghilic-Micu, senior associate, Hassell
- Goy Zhenru, principal architect, Goy Architects
- Andrei Johandiputra, senior architect, Multiply Architects
- Kee Jing Zhi, co-founder, Freight Architects
- Melvin Keng, principal architect and founder, Kaizen Architecture
- Koh Sock Mui, director, RT+Q Architects
- Lee Hui Lian, founder, OMG Atelier; associate, Farm Architects
- Leong Lai Ping, senior associate, K2LD Architects
- Cheryl Lim, senior associate, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers
- Lim Pin Jie, partner, OMG Atelier
- Lim Shing Hui, founder, L Architects
- Ng Ching Hsiung, associate director, DP Architects
- Quck Zhong Yi, partner, Asolidplan; associate director, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers
- Tan Cher Ming, principal architect, Ming Architects
- Wong Ker How, founding partner, Asolidplan
- Wu Yen Yen, principal architect, Genome Architects
- Alina Yeo, director, Woha Architects
- Yong Mien Huei, senior architect, Wallflower Architecture + Design
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Based in Singapore, Engracia Ang is an experienced writer specialising in home and living content.
