Interview with Aamer Architects

As a studio, we refrain from commercialism and focus instead on Individual houses where every project is custom-designed to the client/site and location.

Design is the understanding of purpose and the creation of 'Beauty' that inspires the soul.

Private residents, especially for eccentric clients who understands that a Architecture is much more than a house.

That's difficult, as every new design is my favorite. So in a way the most favorite is yet to be.

My first house(completed in the early 90s) had a slide that circles around the house from the second level to the garden pool below. It was playful, totally unique and satisfied the client well.

I like natural materials like stone and timber. And plants, lots of plants.

When I'm able to relax and dream.

My creative mind multi-task between function and form. And spaces that evoke an emotion.

Excited when an idea starts taking shape.

In my Architecture, like my Art, I never quite achieve the completeness of the vision. Seems like there is always something that could be improved. Hence the feeling of trepidation in seeing the completed work.

When all concerns are achieved in the best possible way.

The Beauty and the feeling you get from it.

While a lot has been said about sustainability/saving the planet and all that, it is also important to achieve Beauty that uplifts the human soul. Hence to me the most important responsibility of a designer is to make you feel happy and fulfilled.

In the future we have to further the cause of design and find the bridge between function and beauty in a sustainable way.

One of our community projects, a care home for the elderly was selected as a finalist and exhibited at WAF(World Architecture Festival) in Amsterdam last year.

Inspirations come from imagination/dreams or just noticing the beauty of Nature. I have 'conversations' with nature. ask questions and imagine the answers.

I don't subscribe to any particular style but I do have certain principal approaches that guide my design thoughts. Starting with a thorough appreciation of the site/context and slowly imagining the best solution. I never offer multiple solutions, only the one that has been incubated inside my brain and produced the best design.

I live in Singapore although I travel widely. In the process of progress and developments most of the cultural heritage of Singapore has been wiped out with a few remains, that serves mostly the tourist industry. Hence the pros is you are more open to the international world for inspiration and the cons is that you are constantly questioning your own values.

With our collaborators, we are very cooperative as we truly believe it takes a team to make a successful project.

There must be a good 'connection' between client and designer from the onset. You need to have a good feeling in your gut about the company/person you are going to work with.

First I try to 'speak' to the site/location/context. Then ideas start evolving and slowly falling in place when these mental debates with your own brain comes to a cohesive conclusion.

The full wall of shelves. Filled with books, objects and 'memories'. The easy reading chair by the balcony. The mirrored wall that hides storage but makes the space larger by reflection. The handcrafted Afghan carpet from a past travel. The little clay pot made by myself during a one year break from school in London and the 'yoga' teak deck in my bathroom facing a garden courtyard pond.

one third on the computer. one third thinking/drawing. one third looking after work staff.

When you feel that sense of Eureka, is when you know you got something. Search deep within yourself and find that 'place' where you can be you and then work hard to make "YOU" a success.

The positives are when you get to be yourself and the client likes what you do. The negative is when you try to give the client what they like and in the process you lose yourself.

Be your own difficult critic.

The ability to critic yourself.

Google earth is great for viewing the location/surrounds beyond just the human eye level. This is great in designing 'connections' whether visual. physical or mental. This will give you the clues to start your design process.

Sometimes when you are not able to decide on a certain idea, you need to take a break and restart/refresh. When an idea feels correct/good, you'd be surprise how quickly things go.

For a house, which is the bulk of our work, it take about two to four weeks to arrive at a workable concept. From conception to completion, to build a good house takes about 2 to 3 years.

What is your "Style"? I say again. " I don't have a Style".

Working with good experienced builders and learning a lot from them about the craftmanship involved in the making.

Mostly professionals with young families, who through the process of building their house become life long friends.

No particular type. A new challenge of any sort is always exciting.

Just keep going. When you love what you do it doesn't feel like work.

First iteration is usually my own, then the team joins in to develop the ideas further.

Several. Check out the website for upcoming works www.aamertaher.com

info@aamertaher.com

The journey to a fulfilling life is peppered with obstacles. The more you overcome the better you become.