MU Architects
MU Architects
MU Architects - Architecture | Design | Planning | Project Management

  • MU Architects is a reputable architectural firm established in Singapore. Accredited by the Board of Architects (BOA), it holds the authority to engage in architectural projects within the country.

    MU Architects strives to offer comprehensive architectural consultancy and services to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions that align with the vision and requirements of each project.

    MU Architects was established by the reputable and licensed architect Mr Matthew Lai, who also spearheads the firm towards innovative and inspiring architectural solutions.

  • MU Architects has a wealth of experience working on a wide range of architectural and interior projects across different scales, spanning residential, commercial, and community developments. Our expertise extends to serving a mix of private clients and corporate entities, showcasing our ability to adapt to diverse needs. In addition to our work on local projects within Singapore, we also engage in projects overseas, contributing our design prowess across various locations.

    We enthusiastically engage in architectural exploration by actively participating in a wide array of architectural competitions on both local and international platforms. This dedication to seeking new design challenges and pushing creative boundaries underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of architecture.

    MU Architects maintain a steadfast commitment to embracing a comprehensive design approach for every endeavour we undertake. This philosophy motivates us to engage meticulously throughout the architectural planning, as well as in the intricate realms of interior and landscape design for the structures we contribute to shaping.

  • We specialize in providing a wide array of comprehensive professional architectural consultancy services that are meticulously tailored to meet the specific requirements of our clients with utmost efficiency. Below, you will find a detailed and enlightening overview of the broad spectrum of services that we are adept at offering to cater to the needs of all our clients.

    • Preliminary Studies

    1. PROGRAM & DEVELOPMENT OF BRIEF

    2. SITE ANALYSIS & FEASIBILITY STUDIES

    3. INFRASTRUCTURE REVIEW

    4. BUDGETING & OVERALL TIME SCHEDULING

    5. LISTING OF PLANNING APPROVALS REQUIRED

    • Design Process

    1. SITE STUDIES

    2. DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTS

    3. RECOMMENDATION OF CONSULTANT TEAMS

    4. PLANNING AND STATUTORY SUBMISSIONS TO RELEVANT AUTHORITIES

    5. PREPARATION OF TENDER DRAWINGS & DOCUMENTATION

    • Construction

    1. PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS

    2. TENDER, TENDER EVALUATION AND AWARD

    3. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

    4. REGULAR SITE INSPECTION

    5. ASSESSMENT OF VARIATION ORDERS

    6. MONITORING OF PROJECT SCHEDULES & CONSTRUCTION COSTS

    7. PRACTICAL COMPLETION & HANDING OVER OF PROJECT

    8. APPLICATION FOR TOP & CSC

    9. ASSISTANCE IN FINALIZATION OF CONTRACT ACCOUNTS

    10. ADMINISTRATION OF DEFECTS LIABILITY PERIOD

  • Ar. Matthew Lai is the Principal Architect, Founder and Director at MU Architects.

    Matthew graduated from the National University of Singapore, School of Design & Environment, Department of Architecture in 2006 as the overall top student & valedictorian of his cohort. Aside from receiving his Masters of Architecture, he was also awarded the Singapore Institute of Architecture Gold Medal, Board of Architects GoldMedal and the Architectural Alumni Association Book Prize.

    He founded Studio XMSL Pte Ltd in 2009 as an Architectural and Interior Design Consultancy and has since embarked on various Architecture and Interior design endeavors, solidifying a commendable portfolio of projects. Specific amongst many of his design interest is the notion of Place & Home. He believes that the holistic combination of clever planning, interesting spatial strategies, strong aesthetic sensitivities, meticulous detailing and a rigorous care is essential in creating Living spaces of character and identity.

    In 2014, Matthew was awarded the Gold Award in the residential category of the Asia Pacific based IAI Design Awards for his project: Gable End Houses on Lynwood Grove.

    In 2015, Matthew was registered as a professional Architect with the Board of Architects Singapore. Subsequently, he established MU Architects - a Professional Architectural Practice that offers full professional Architectural Consultancy services. Going forward, MU Architects allows Matthew to practice Architecture with increasing scope of complexity and challenge.

    In 2016, Matthew won Silver at the prestigious 25th Anniversary HK based APIDA awards for the sample space Show unit category for the project - Modern Caribbean @ Emerald bay.

    In 2018, Matthew was selected by HK based Perspective as one of 40 designers under 40 years of age making a significant contribution to the asia pacific design scene.

  • 2020

    2019

    2 0 1 8

    • Perspective Awards 40 under 40 (Hong Kong) – Winner,40 young design leaders under age 40, Interior Designer Category

    •  The 8th China International Space Design Award (Shenzhen) – Winner, Bronze Award, Commercial Residence & Show Unit Category

    2 0 1 7

    • BCI Asia Awards 2017 Inaugural Interior Design Award – Winner, Residential Category

    • IDEA Singapore Awards  – Winner, Silver Award , Best Workplace Design | Local | 2001-5000sqf

    2 0 1 6

    • Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards (APIDA HK) – Winner, Silver Award for Sample Space Category

    2 0 1 5

    • Registered Architect with Singapore Board of Architects

    • BCI Asia Design 21 Capital Competition: 02 X Merit Awards

    2 0 1 4

    • IAI Awards: Gold Award – Gable End Houses on Lynwood Grove/ Studio XMSL Pte Ltd

    • D+A Editorial’s Selection: 21 BOLD & YOUNG design practices

    2 0 1 3

    • National Museum of Singapore Curated: EVERYDAY OBJECTS

    2 0 0 9

    • Founding Director of Studio XMSL Pte Ltd

    • Studio Tutor at the NUS School of Design and Environment (2009 – 2013)

    2 0 0 6

    • Board of Architects Gold Medal
      – Awarded to overall top graduating M.Arch student

    • Singapore Institute of Architects Gold Medal
      – Awarded to overall top graduating M.Arch student

    • Architectural Alumni Association Prize
      – Awarded to best graduating M.Arch dissertation

    • Ministry of Design Pte Ltd (2006 – 2009)

    2 0 0 5

    • M.Arch 01 Board of Architects Prize
      – Awarded to overall top student for M.Arch 01

    2 0 0 4

    • Winning Tender Bid for Fort Canning Hill Masterplan
      – Part of Yearlong Internship experience in DP Architects Pte Ltd

    2 0 0 3

    • B.Arch Graduating Semester Dean’s List

    • NUS Hunter Douglas Award for Innovative use of Technology in Design
      – Awarded travel fellowship to Prague, Czech Republic

    • Internship with DP Architects Pte Ltd (2003 – 2004)

    • URA 10 Public Spaces International Ideas Competition
      – Winning Entry for Clemenceau Site
      – Winning Entry for Selegie Site

    2 0 0 2

    • 2nd Prize, National Library Idea Competition

 
 
 
 
 
 
U-6+%28updated%29.jpg
U-9.jpg