|
SPACES • NOV 2024 LYF GEORGETOWN Georgetown's new epicenter of hip is here. This first lyf experience in Penang boasts a striking interior, blending a rich palette of colors and patterns inspired by the charm and heritage of the city.
SPACES • AUG 2024 DUTA PARK RESIDENCES Joining the Jalan Kuching enclave of residential properties is this recently delivered project featuring the usual suite of facilities. My favourite spot would definitely be the rooftop infinity pool area affording a nice view of the sweeping cityscape.
SPACES • JUN 2024 THE LEGACY @ TAMAN OUG Finally a more refreshing residential property design this part of kl. This twin V-shaped block development is designed to impress, with its symmetry orientated to catch the most eyeballs from the busy traffic turning in from Old Klang Road. Loving the generous use of red bricks to elevate the style and lend a dash of striking tone to the facade.
SPACES • MAY 2024 MAX'S HOUSE Our second shoot for DCA brought us to this idyllic location within the greeneries that's Bukit Tunku. This charming bungalow features alternating cantilevered planes carved out on a slope is both an architectural feat and a welcoming abode.
SPACES • FEB 2024 99 RESIDENCES @ KL NORTH Taking up 7 acres of this 17-acre site is JL99 Group's first project in this part of town. I'm impressed by how well put together the entire development is, especially its set of rooftop facilities that afforded unobstructed view to both the city center and Batu Caves mountain range.
SPACES • MAR 2024 Perched on Level 32 of Crowne Plaza Hotel KLCC, this new restaurant and bar blends chic ambiance with a gastronomical adventure with a view of the city.
SPACES • FEB 2024 Third in its line of luxury theatre outlets, and the largest one in South-East Area yet, GSC's spanking new Aurum Theatre finally opens in TRX. We had a field day covering the various spaces spread across the four floors.
TRAVEL/SPACES • NOV 2023 ANTELOPE CANYON RESTAURANT Dinner with a view. When you go to a restaurant for a meal and end up in the Antelope Canyon. It may not be immediately obvious but this very convincing slot canyon attraction is actually an indoor installation built into a 5-storey restaurant complex here in Nanning.
SPACES • NOV 2023 SOUTHPOINT RESIDENCES The final piece of real-estate in the success story that is Midvalley City is finally ready to be unveiled. This beautiful 172-unit strong luxury living apartment tucked within the Southpoint Tower also hide an interesting architecture element that is this mesmerising atrium.
SPACES • AUG 2023 It's been a two-year break since Arte Corp's last project in Arte Mont Kiara, so imagine my excitemenet when Arte Cheras is finally ready. Though not as vast as the previous project, we had fun nevertheless documenting all the cool spaces spread around the property.
SPACES • JUL 2023 Bandung is never short of pretty cafes to document, and this sun-filled interior is another top destination for us during the trip.
SPACES • JUL 2023 FUYU DEZAIN HEAD OFFICE This passionate homegrown interior design and renovation company may have undertaken many interesting projects all over Malaysia but they certainly did not cut corners with creating an impressive experience with their head office as well.
SPACES • JUL 2023 CATALYSTE BOOTH Co-created by both Catalyste and Youngblood, this beautiful booth at the Archidex 2023 exhibition landed a gold award in the best booth design category, and we are happy to have been involved in documenting it.
SPACES • MAY 2023 BUNGALOW @ LEISURE FARM This curious-looking block of a bungalow featuring an entire wall of neatly-arranged louvred swing doors is this month's minimalism at its most satisfying form. The interior of the place opens up to a large courtyard within, keeping things airy and bright.
SPACES • JUL 2023 Another one of my top picks from the list of cafes that we covered in Bandung. This circular space with a hollow in the middle is best admired on a sunny day.
SPACES • JUL 2023 LAVILE KUALA LUMPUR @ MALURI, CHERAS Our coverage for Maluri's latest serviced residence project, consisting of an L-shaped, 49-storey tower offering 1200 units.
SPACES • APR 2023 SFERA RESIDENCE SHOW GALLERY MCL Land's latest property launch in their Wangsa Maju stronghold is a low-density development that sits on a 2.27-acre land among various established commercial and transportation hubs. The gallery complex itself is a joy to document with its lush, spacious surroundings and a east-facing facade with clean architectural lines.
SPACES • MAR 2023 MEGAH RISE SHOW UNIT This bright, cheerful show unit apartment in our recently covered Megah Rise project is one instagram abode dream come true. Loving how the white and warm tones of the space are punctuated with pockets of striking colors to keep things interesting.
SPACES • APR 2023 Taking over from the iconic building that's formerly Lee Rubber, KL Chinatown's latest hip hotel is transforming the streetscape of this cultural center of the city with a beautiful reimagination of a heritage facade.
SPACES • MAR 2023 TEMPLER RESIDENCE Back in Rawang to document the show house of another new phase of Templer Residence.
SPACES • OCT 2022 PARKROYAL Parkroyal may have been an established resort in the popular Batu Feringghi stretch of charming beachside accommodations since the 90s, but the resort continues to reinvent and upgrade itself to stay relevant and keep up with the times. This trip was to cover a few new offerings within the resort ground, including sunset dining at Gustoso by the Beach, the new Amazonia water park and Passion Garden bar.
SPACES • OCT 2022 STELLAR GOLDENHILL Touted as the first ever caravan camping in Cameron Highlands, Stellar couldn't have chosen a more apt location. Perched on a gentle slope at GoldenHill overlooking the valley below, the caravans afford some nice views of the surroundings, and coupled with the highlands' cooling weather, this brings glamping to a whole new level of fun.
SPACES • NOV 2022 PARKROYAL LANGKAWI RESORT Spotting an architecture inspired by the shapes of the eagle's wings taking flight, Langkawi's hot new hotel opening is quite the head-turner. Here is a first look at this sexy space that's slated to welcome its first guest in early 2023.
SPACES • OCT 2022 BON KIARA SHOW GALLERY The very explosive combination of BON Estates and Karen Mok Design is back, after the well-received The Estates development, for the show gallery of the developer's second project in the Klang Valley.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2022 BANDAR SERENIA Tucked away in Sepang is a new township founded upon the inspiration from tea leaves. I had a fun time documenting the mesmerising kinetic sculpture, together with a few other interesting installations around the 105-acre neighbourhood.
SPACES • OCT 2022 SIGNATURE FLAGSHIP GALLERY Trust one of KL's most established kitchen cabinets and wardrobe solution brands to shine when doing up their own flagship store. This sprawling two-storey complex is a beautiful space that combines multiples sets of show rooms with product gallery, office spaces, a small auditoriam, meeting rooms and a cafe.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • SEP 2022 Located right in the heart of Chinatown is the heritage zone's latest opening. The modern, minimalistic design of Asai helps calm the senses after an day out at Bangkok's chaotic district.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • JUL 2022 Bonsai, which means on top of the ficus tree in Thai, pays tribute the large Ficus tree sitting on the plot of land where the hotel is built, and thus the design concept of this charming boutique hotel is born. We were first attracted to the brightly-colored staircase area, but quickly discovered that the same cheerful design language extends to the other areas too.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • MAY 2022 CACTUS TOWERS This aptly-named set of towers definitely begs a second look. Measuring 60 and 80-meters tall respectively, the Cactus Towers, or Kaktus Towers as the locals called them, is a high-rise residential building with a stunning, spiky facade. I can't wait to be back to explore them in detail after completion.
SPACES • JUN 2022 This two-storey bungalow, tucked at a serene corner of TTDI, is a beautiful celebration of old and new. The warm hues of exposed brickwork and terraccotta ventilation blocks compliment the modern touches of steelwork around the facade. There are plenty of spaces that can be opened up to welcome the cooling forest air from nearby Bukit Kiara, and furniture and deco pieces with a strong heritage root lends a sense of character to the space.
SPACES • MAR 2022 Every now and then an urban rejuvenation project comes along that makes us want to pay attention. Yap Ah Shak house is the latest in the series of heritage building makeover in Chow Kit. The place is now a boutique enclave of private offices, events venue with rooftop bar and a go-to destination for heritage Italian cooking.
SPACES • MAR 2022 Marking their foray into the Malaysian market, Amaris' first outlet in the country is now opened at Suria KLCC. The dominant pink-green hues of the space gives it a young, modern look while still retaining a taste of luxury with the choice of a gleaming bronze metallic surface in the center column of the outlet.
SPACES/AERIAL • MAR 2022 PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FOR This assignment brought us on an amazing race trip across a few cities in Peninsula Malaysia, where we covered 5 different malls owned by Capitaland within and outside of the Klang Valley region. These are Jumpa/Sungai Wang @ Bukit Bintang, The Mines @ Sri Kembangan, 3 Damansara @ Damansara, East Coast Mall @ Kuantan and Gurney Plaza @ Penang.
SPACES • JAN 2022 THE LUMA HOTEL Joining the expanding list of upscale establishments at Kota Kinabalu's latest hip central of Sutera Avenue, The Luma is the first design hotel in the city, adopting its name from the local Bajau tribe's ethnic language for the word 'home'.
SPACES • DEC 2021 THE ESTATES Bon Estate's first foray into the property development market in the Klang Valley could not have been more exciting. This high-rise residential project in Bangsar South is perhaps one of the most charming site that I have documented in recent years. The magical combination of landscape design by Seksan Design and interiors by Karen Mok Design, both of which are firms whose work I love to photograph, blended resort living with modern day touches, and gave rise to a space full of so many cosy corners I could not decide which is my favourite.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2021 ECO GRANDEUR Nestled in Puncak Alam is Ecoworld's signature township, Eco Grandeur. This 1400-acre development may have been launched way back in 2016, but it was only recently that I had the opportunity to explore this part of Selangor, unveiling some pretty insta-worthy features here that are begging to be documented more properly. This includes the signature roundabout that doubles as a perfectly symmetrical park, the dragonfly-shaped lake and a very charming playground.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2021 The city’s latest playground is here, and it’s at Book Xcess' newest store at My Town Shopping Center.
SPACES • MAR 2021 FOUR SEASONS LANGKAWI Our team has lost count of the series of misfortune we traditionally have with the weather, but we could not have asked for a more glorious two-day slot in Langkawi during the shoot. The coverage of this newly completed 3-bedroom villa by the beach for Four Seasons Hotel Langkawi was filled with nothing but the best sunshine, all day long, with the magic holding on all the way till a dreamy sunset.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • MAY 2021 ASIA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Further to the opening of AICB Center of Excellence, the hip neighbourhood of Jalan Dato Onn is blessed once again with a second work of architecture wonder that is Asia School of Business. GDP Architects is once again the creative mind behind, collaborating with Moore Ruble Yudell to give the city another gorgeous space to explore.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • APR 2021 BOOKXCESS The bookstore that is as much for the bookworm as it is for the instagrammer in us has done it again. BookXcess Big Box's massive outlet is the largest in the Southern region. If their million-strong titles does not impress you, the floor-to-ceiling shelves will prove to be quite the visual feast to take in.
SPACES • APR 2021 ARTE MONT KIARA: Snuggled within the higher levels of each of the three towers in Arte Mont Kiara are three more spaces for residents to explore.
SPACES • APR 2021 ARTE MONT KIARA: And the last album in the Arte Mont Kiara series features the themed lobby in each of the respective three towers in this development.
SPACES • MAR 2021 Tucked away in Titiwangsa is this restaurant that has already won my heart before I got to the interiors. Its series of arched and slightly winding entrance walkway seem like a space I could be lost in with my camera for hours. And when I'm ready to settle in, the airy, lush setting packs plenty of cosy corners to while an afternoon away in. Can't wait to be back again.
SPACES • JAN 2021 CENTRIO PANTAI HILLPARK: No documentation of a cool space is complete without the immersive experience of a 3D tour, especially in the time of a pandemic where we scramble to bring the real world online.
SPACES • JAN 2021 This assignment for Buenos as part of their website redesign brought us to 4 different locations all around Klang Valley to document their best kitchen cabinet and wardrobe designs. The use of light-painting techniques helped tune the ambience of the space, including those without natural lighting, to one that is cheerful and welcoming.
SPACES/PORTRAITS • JAN 2021 A DAY IN SEREMBAN 2:
SPACES • DEC 2020 SPACE FURNITURE The row of swanky businesses along Jalan Maarof is now blessed with Space Furniture's classy new outlet, fresh from their move from The Intermark, and MLA Design's midas touch ensured that it's every bit as pretty as those in overseas locations.
SPACES • DEC 2020 ARTE BY THOMAS CHAN The year 2020 may not have started off as the most exciting of times for the hospitality industry, but Arte Mont Kiara made sure that they ended it with a loud bang, with the soft-opening of their french-retro themed hotel suites. It was a frantic day as we swept through all eight suites of the 56th floor, documenting their various charms while getting distracted a little by the breathtaking cityscapes right out the window. Looking forward to the roll-out of the other floors.
PORTRAITS/ URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2020 KEITH IN KEDAI KL Kedai is an artisanal marketplace that was carved out from a block over at MAHSA Avenue to create this airy, artsy space for a curated retail and lifestyle experience. This recent facelift gave the center court an even more interesting set of patterns and colors.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2020 LIGHT CAPTURE CAFE It's not an everyday event that a cafe opening generates this much buzz, yet Light Capture Cafe by Hon deserves every bit of the attention thrown its way. Situated among the collection of old pre-war shophouses in the heart of Chinatown, owner Hon carved out this gem of a cafe interior from two adjoining lots that were previously damaged by fire. The result of an airy, sunlit interior that retains charming architectural elements from its previous life yet boasts plenty of cosy, modern touches fit for the most demanding of cafehoppers.
SPACES • AUG 2020 THE KASTURI Nestled between the rainforest and South China Sea is a tiny resort that is possibly as far away as you could get from the bustle of the city. Brainchild of Malaysian architect Hijjas Kasturi, the individual chalets here are reminiscent of the traditional Malay architecture, expressed in a modern interpretation with its A-frame origami-like roof structures.s
SPACES • AUG 2020 FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON KL Chinatown has a beaming new icon, and that's Sheraton hotels' third Four Points Hotel in Malaysia. dwp delivered a design that takes inspiration from the charming heritage identity of this neighbourhood, featuring exposed raw bricks, warm wood and traditional jade-hued tiles.
SPACES • JUL 2020 EBISU, PAVILION HOTEL You may be forgiven if your senses tricked you into thinking that you have been transported to Japan, for the rich interiors of Ebisu resonate with our experience of the finest Japanese touches.
SPACES • JUN 2020 BEAUTY&CO Befitting the title of an Instagram museum is this elaborately funky beauty center in town. In fact you will find phone tripod holders all over the place, because there's nothing better to document your glowing complexion after a facial treatment than a selfie.
SPACES • JUL 2020 IGB BACKYARD Midvalley city has a long list of charming nooks and crannies, and this sprawling 3000 sqft activity area for the employees of IGB may just be one of those that are unfortunately out of reach for the general public. Carved out from a previously unused space, YK Interior delivered a homey, welcoming space that took advantage of a beautiful pocket garden, also another hidden spot, right outside the windows.
SPACES • MAR 2020 TAMARIND SUITES SOHO The magic of the architectural wonderland that is Tamarind Square extends seamlessly onwards to its residential arm, called Tamarind Suites, here in Cyberjaya's most handsome looking development. And within the beautiful brutalism-inspired block lies an equally charming interior, designed and delivered by no other than the very passionate people behind Studio+Works. There is so much to love with this space, from the array of thoughtfully concealed storage space, marriage of chic metalwork and woodwork, as well as the beautiful styling done head of the shoot.
SPACES • MAR 2020 RIMBUN IMPIAN SHOW UNITS
SPACES • JAN 2020 SIERRA 6 HOUSE Since covering the Park Manor show villas last year, we are back documenting another project for Alvinterior Concept, this time in the Sierra 6 neighbourhood of Puchong. Loving how bright and cheerful the space is, and how this was contrasted with a darker palette for the master bedroom.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • DEC 2019 ICONIC BRIDGE & The City of Elmina has done it again. Right after blessing the Klang Valley with the rainbow bridge instagram spot, a new sight has now been completed, called the Iconic Bridge, located right next to Elmina Central Park. Do remember to check out the similarly striking red lookout point within the park as well.
SPACES • DEC 2019 SUNNYHILLS @ MINAMI AOYAMA, TOKYO Like an bunch of artsily entangled chopsticks, Kengo Kuma's beautiful creation was one of the most memorable spots that I have had the opportunity to document in Tokyo. Add a dash of Japanaese hospitality in this Taiwan-based pineapple tart store, I was quite ready to camp there for a night but unfortunately had to rush off to our next spot.
SPACES • DEC 2019 MOMO'S KUALA LUMPUR Chow Kit is shedding itself of its humdrum past with the arrival of a new boutique hotel in its turf. Employing a young, playful concept, Momo's Kuala Lumpur look set to be the accommodation choice of the hip and happening as it opens its doors this month.
SPACES • NOV 2019 DE WAN Often a popular installation in art galleries and light festivals around the world, projection mapping is now finding its way into KL's dining experience, with De Wan having launched an event hall that promises to dazzle the sights as their food offerings work on your tastebuds.
SPACES • SEP 2019 I have never seen a hotel as packed with cool spots as EQ Kuala Lumpur. While I already know the building itself is easily the most eye-catching new addition to the city center skyline, nothing prepared me for the pleasant surprise within. The magic starts right from the drop-off zone, paving the way to the gleaming spiral staircase at the lobby. Other hidden treasures soon got added to the list, from the surreal setting of the outdoor garden on the third floor, Sanctum Spa, to the beautiful jacuzzi on the pool deck and the amazing deck on Sky 51 where the otherworldly lift lobby sits. And that was where I had a closer look at the Merdeka celebration fireworks at midnight.
SPACES • AUG 2019 A familiar brand in the local chinese restaurant scene sees a refreshed look in its interior with this bright, inviting space at 1 Utama shopping mall. The predominantly pink hues help create a cheerful setting against the usual string of Hong Kong-inspired design elements.
SPACES • MAY 2019 This is perhaps as homely and cosy as a cafe could get. Former kindergarden teacher Doreen decided to make good use of the house that her grandfather left her and so converted this space into one of the most charming hideout this side of town.
SPACES • MAY 2019 And here's another beautiful story of a charming revival of heritage shophouses in Chinatown. Adding on to the restored structures are recycled and repurposed vintage fittings that immediately throw us back to yesteryear. I especially love the vibes at the sun-kissed upper floor, which also houses a hidden bar called Potions. Try and see if you could spot the entrance to the bar in this set of photos.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • APR 2019 XJ & JOSHUA I could not wrap my head around what 2D really is. It's such a surreal place that I had to see it with my own eyes to believe it. And it's right here in KL, or Sunway to be exact. Like many beautiful spaces, this interior is best experienced in the company of some good models, and I don't think I'll find anyone better than XJ and Joshua for their funny antics and gorgeous chemistry.
SPACES • APR 2019 SAN FRANCISCO COFFEE Excited to be covering the space of a familiar cafe brand that's right now going through a beautiful revamp in its interior designer style, resulting in spanking new outlets that look like they can almost challenge the aesthetics of your favourite hipster cafe, albeit delivered in a more polished way.
SPACES • MAR 2019 KOMUNE CO-WORKING SPACE The third-wave coffee culture may be behind a resurgence of beautiful interior spaces in the past decade, but it's the co-working spaces that are hitting the right notes now in refining this to create a chic and polished interior that is good for both work and play, and perhaps that occasional OOTD shot too. Komune's newly delivered second coworking space sits right in the heart of the city and has stayed true to the design DNA of their first location in Bangsar South. It was a generous spread of interior that I could explore for the entire day.
SPACES • MAR 2019 LEPROSY Leprosy may be a far from common desease nowadays, but Sungai Buloh was once home to the second largest leprosy settlement in the world. In memory of the role of this place, the Valley of Hope museum was envisioned and built to preserve the rich history of the lepers in the country. Integrated into the existing multipurpose hall of the settlement, this project is a joint effort between Seksan Design who worked on the exterior facade and mentahmatter design who delivered the interiors of the museum.
SPACES • FEB 2019 STUDIO+WORKS The other perk of staying at a fun place like Centrio is to be living among creative practices that feed my inspiration literally at my doorstep. Studio + Works occupies a charming unit right besides the pool of which I have admired from the outside for the longest time. So it's with great honour that I got the opportunity to document the space and the passionate people behind this interior design company.
SPACES (INTERIOR) • DEC 2018 Blessed to finally get my hands on covering the interior for Nando's, this international restaurant chain of which outlets spot some beautiful-looking touches that I have come to admire over the years. The IOI Mall outlet is definitely not short of some wow factors, from the copper/wood diamond-shaped ceiling panels and decorative ceramic tiles to colorful hand-woven lamp shades all the way from Nando's country of origin, Africa. Am really looking forward to the next one.
SPACES • DEC 2018 CRIMSONLOGIC OFFICE My third collaboration with for YK Interiors brought me back to Midvalley at the spanking new office of Crimson Logic. The space bears all the charming DNA of the design firm, with its candy-colored pathway lined with color-coded meeting rooms and lockers being the highlight of the space for me.
SPACES • NOV 2018 PINETREE MARINA RESORT Sheltered along the coast of the Puteri Harbour is a new resort by the name of Pinetree Marina that became our playground for a few days as we document its various facades, facilities, and interiors in preparation for its official opening. Still missing the super chic-looking duplex penthouse that was definitely the highlight of the property.
SPACES • NOV 2018 BORNEO ALOHA Borneo Aloha's airpad is how every airbnb apartment should be like. I am blessed to be given the honour to style and shoot this beautiful set of homes managed by Borneo Aloha in Kota Kinabalu.
SPACES (INTERIOR) • SEP 2018 Nestled within the commercial side of Pulau Melaka is an office space so charming that it feels out of place in this part of town. Brainchild of S LAB, this minimalist, Scandic-inspired space does away with fancy embellishment and instead plays with a minimal set of materials and shapes that work together like magic.
SPACES • JUL 2018 ENTIER FRENCH DINING It was a fun day spent at Entier, the flagship restaurant of the city's latest hip place to be, Alila Bangsar.Spent time to document the various aspects of the operations, from kitchen to dining, and from ingredients to emotions. The experience was so positive that we have already been back for a proper sit-down dinner to enjoy the place outside of the assignment.
SPACES • OCT 2016 CHEONG FATT TZE, My first encounter with the Blue Mansion, or more commonly known among the locals as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, was perhaps a decade ago, when I was just another curious local tourist who marvelled at the magnificient house after having signed up for a tour of the place, and then gently reminded that photography was not allowed. So imagine my delight when I was given the opportunity to spend a good two days here on a photography assignment for D+A magazine. The fulfillment of being able to take as much time as I want, to explore to my heart's content every nook and cranny and to tease the best shot out, as the place shifts its mood and atmopshere from day to night. It was an experience that I know I will remember for a very long time.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • JUL 2018 YTL LAND Lovingly referred to as Kellie's Castle, this brick structure has eluded all attempts at photographying it for the past decade or so, so imagine my fulfillment of being able to spent all the time that I want now to document its facade and every nook and cranny.
TRAVEL/SPACES • JUN 2018 Got a free day during a recent f&b portfolio assignment in Shenzhen, and that was sufficient to yield a reasonably good collection of architectural shots. Such is the wonders of modern China cities. The two sites covered were Shenzhen University, mainly for its gorgeous student housing blocks that prove that tasteful architecture need not be posh to look striking, and then the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center that got us blown away with its beautiful perforated external steel skin. I'm definitely not done with this city. Can't wait to be back again.
SPACES • JUN 2018 SKY CONDOMINIUM SHOWROOM It's always fun shooting showrooms, the styling's done, we were in an airconditioned environment, and there's no one else there that may get into our frames. Am appreciative of the opportunity given by IOI Properties to cover their latest property showcase in Puchong.
SPACES • NOV 2017 39 LORONG KURAU Heartpatrick is proud to cover Tetawowe Atelier's latest marvel in the ever evolving neighbourhood of Taman Weng Lock, Bangsar - this charmingly transformed link house that now boasts a head-turning facade so unique that it stops passing traffic.
SPACES • JUN 2017 BANYAN TREE RESIDENCES Simplicity meets luxury in this upmarket residence in the bustling Bukit Bintang district, graced by the magical touch of award-winning architectural and interior design company Nu Infinity.
SPACES • MAY 2017 CHOCHA FOODSTORE Less than a year since the original assignment, I'm back in this beautiful cafe restaurant for another round of shoot, mainly covering the new additions that have been introduced. Still loving the space as much, if not more, and still observing curious passersby stopping in front of the shop and trying to peer in. That's the secret to a successful interior design that all restauranteers should learn from.
SPACES • APR 2017 The rebranding of 1 Utama shopping mall's most recognisable restaurant yielded a shiny, classy space clad in intricate, nature-inspired motifs thanks to the collaboration with Nala Design. Delicious has come a long way, and this makeover should continue to inspire loyal and new customers alike.
SPACES • MAR 2017 DR.INC & NALA DESIGN Had a fun time exploring the creative world of Lizette through her beautiful creations that are Dr.inc cafe and Nala Design.
SPACES • MAR 2016 SANTA GRAND LAI CHUN YUEN The glory of yesteryear lives on in Lai Chun Yuen Hotel, where the gentle sighs and piercing cries of Chinese opera singers linger in the air, its atmospheric grand central hall and darkened corridors lay quiet in stark contrast to the surrounding bustle that is Chinatown. This is most probably the most under-rated quaint stays in Singapore. Do excuse the smallish rooms though.
SPACES/ URBAN HERITAGE • MAR 2017 #KLfromabove: My search for a fresh new perspective on the growing set of urban architectural photography has finally pushed me now to unfamiliar grounds. The fear of heights proved to be no deterrance in turning me into a pilot of the cute little yet powerful flying machine we call the Mavic Pro. With drone photography came videography as well since stills alone are no justive to the grand view from above. And so the past month proved to be a month of new learnings and experiences. And I'm looking forward to experiencing the city in a new light.
SPACES • AUG 2016 CHOCHA FOODSTORE This stretch of old, sleepy shophouses along Jalan Petaling, Chinatown gets another major boost in its cool factor with the latest opening of KL's next f&b playground. Joining the runaway success of Merchant Lane and PS150 comes Chocha Foodstore, housed in a space that is now stripped of its former brothel image and charmingly restored with a touch of raw vintage style aptly reminiscent of Chinatown's glorious past. This assignment also covers the co-working space on the upper floors, with future plans for expansions in the likes of a wine lounge and coffee bar.
SPACES • MAR 2017 TANAH LARWINA When the Garden of Eden is too far a reach, we have Tanah Larwina Retreat at just less than an hour's drive from the city. The modern kampung house reimagined sits on a peaceful 3-acre orchard and animal farm, bordered by a stream, which gave us a constant soothing sound of flowing water, and an excellent spot to while the hot afternoon away.
SPACES • MAR 2016 TWENTY GRAMMES CAFE Kicking off Heartpatrick's foray into the Singapore cafe scene is this collaboration with the friendly folks of Twenty Grammes Cafe. The direction is to create a series of clean images highlighting the interaction and experience between human and food, not just any food, but glorious desserts in the likes of soft-serve froyo, yoghurt parfait and waffles with homemade salted egg sauce.
SPACES • JUN 2015 STUBBORN JOE CAFE Having established himself well in the interior design space for commercial projects, Joe has certainly got a head start in his first foray into the f&b industry. Stubborn Joe's interior is a marriage of the aesthetics of vintage materials and furniture items, and the functionality of a well-designed space. Heartpatrick is honoured to be given the opportunity to document down the hard work spent on this beautiful interior.
SPACES • APR 2015 In between admiring the handsome copper piping pendant structure looming above you and admiring the beautiful brunch presentation, I'm finally unsure of which one to give more attention to. Rocket Coffee Bar is this bright, airy, and modern space that makes every Instagrammer's dream come true.
PEOPLE • SPACES • JUL 2015 LEE SIN IN 紀念日 Been awhile since my last female portrait, but Lee Sin is simply one of those fresh young faces that you cannot say no to. And for a self-declared "cafe rat", there is no better place to shoot her than in the company of one of her favourite cafes in town. Thank you Awesome Canteen and Prologue in Petaling Jaya for the opportunity to use your beautiful space.
SPACES • SEP 2015 THE CO. KUALA LUMPUR A visit to Bean Reserve recently yielded the pleasant discovery of this charming adjoining space that makes collaborative working cool. Absolutely loving the clever use of the most common items, such as the circular fluorescent tube lights, to create interesting visual elements.
|
SPACES • JAN 2024 Nestled in the vibrant heart of Setapak, this vivid and colorful set of cubes perfectly embodies the energetic spirit of the college town that this electrifying neighborhood has become renowned for.
SPACES • APR 2024 PASAR BESAR @ CENTRAL MARKET Let's make Central Market hip again! Originally constructed in the 1888 to serve as a wet market during the British colonial period, this iconic place was turned into one of the city’s cultural destinations in the 80s and now, its latest rejuvenation project is complete with the introduction of Pasar Besar.
SPACES • JUN 2024 LOUDSPEAKER @ SUBANG This psychedelic blend of colors and forms is perhaps the perfect backdrop for all your singing-your-lungs-out sessions where shifting hues blend seamlessly with striking tones. This playful reimagination of the traditional karaoke space is as loud and colorful as we would want our jam sessions.
SPACES • FEB 2024 Tokyo urban meets Damansara's vibes in this twin-form bungalow that features off-form concrete and fibre-cement panels. The play on material between rough and smooth runs throughout the property as it breaks the conformity to its surrounding neighbourhood while enhancing its style with the suggestion of Japanese aesthetics.
SPACES • NOV 2023 HOTEL INDIGO Definitely one of the prettiest hotel to open its doors in 2023, this 180-room boutique hotel located at the based of the picturesque Bukit Nanas is the city's latest hip place to be. Embedded within the design of the space are elements of the multicultural influences of Malaysia, from the art installation adorning the various walls of the hotel, to the amenities used in the rooms.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • NOV 2023 GUANGXI CULTURE & ART CENTER Emerging top on the architecture site to explore in Nanning is this beautiful work by gmp Architects. Consisting of three concert halls arranged as separate volumes on a natural stone-clad plinth building, but unified by a shared, seemingly floating roof, this shining monumental structure stood is the city's premiere destination for a wide variety of musical and cultural programs.
TRAVEL • NOV 2023 BEIBUWAN NO. 1 The new Great Wall of China. This mammoth of a building in Beihai city is a 5000-unit-strong condo designed with an undulating outline that is apparently inspired by the Guilin landscapes. All units come with an unobstructed view of the sea. Now, imagine you’re staying behind this development.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • JUL 2023 AL JABBAR GRAND MOSQUE An evening of devotion. Finally witnessed the beauty of this floating mosque with my own eyes. Masjid Raya Al-Jabbar was officially inaugurated on 30 Dec 2022 after 5 years of construction and has since become a popular destination for devotees and visitors from within and outside the country.
SPACES • OCT 2023 MO BAR Delivered as part of the MO Singapore coverage, this award-winning bar features a warm,texture-rich interior with an open concept that allows a glimpse into the the bartender's world of mixology.
SPACES • AUG 2023 25 years on, the city's key shopping and commercial destination continues to thrive.
SPACES • OCT 2023 MANDARIN ORIENTAL SINGAPORE Documenting this beautiful refurbishment project for DesignWilkes has got to be one of the most exciting projects that we have worked on this year. We had a field time capturing the richness of details and textures and the abundance of beautiful regional artwork that have been handpicked to adorn the various space around the hotel.
SPACES • AUG 2023 BALENCIAGA Concrete dreams are made of these. Loving Balenciaga's take on the raw architecture concept. It was a very fulfilling shoot as staff cleared the entire store of merchandise to allow the documentation of this bold space in its uninterrupted entirety.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • AUG 2023 THAI ODYSSEY A recent refresh of Malaysia'a largest Thai massage brand saw a beautiful transformation in their spa interiors, starting with this outlet in Datum Jelatek Mall. I'm loving the modern minimalist design with hints of its rural roots.
SPACES/ HERITAGE • JUN 2023 THETA @ BALAI SENI NEGARA Lost in a cotton candy dream. Bono Stellar's psychedelic installation is one mesmerizing collection of shifting shapes and colors. Come witness the magic for yourself before it ends on 24 July 2023
SPACES • APR 2023 PUCHONG LAGENDA Spreading over 170 acres of land is Puchong's latest development, backed by a developer that hailed from humble beginnings as a tin-mining company back in the 60s. I'm especially loving NWKA Architect's aluminium louvres design on the facade to break uniformity and create a more interesting streetscape.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2023 We are not sure exactly how Batu Pahat ended up with such a cool collection of cafes all packed in the town center, but this particular one is especially deserving of a special mention. The founder's idea behind the cafe's name is that 9% of our day should be filled with moments of drinking coffee. It's definitely a good number to start with, though I suspect it will quickly increase especially when there are so many other cool cafes to check out here.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2023 MRT PUTRAJAYA LINE After much anticipation, and rounds of delays, the MRT Putrajaya Line finally opened on the March 16th, adding a string of new stations and a quicker mode of transportation to the country's administrative capital Putrajaya. We spent an afternoon scouting each of the new stations for potentially cool instagram angles, and here is what we got. Personally I love Chan Sow Lin and Conlay stations the most.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2022 It's hard to put a finger on what Bear & Bad is, this series of surreal spaces that are reminiscent of teamlab's breathtaking experience are usually only found in glitzy, modern cities, yet here we are, in a small town in Johor, staring at almost the same thing. The entrance fee may be a little steep, but it was certainly worth it. I had the time of my life here, shooting to our hearts' content on a quiet weekday afternoon with the whole place to ourselves.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • DEC 2022 TAKE A BREATH CAFE Taking inspiration from the barn in the wood, this new cafe in the suburb of Bangkok is definitely a breath of fresh air in the local cafe scene. The cluster of 3 buildings is spread across a 4600-sq-meter ground, plenty of spots to hang out in and admire the architecture from.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • DEC 2022 Beautiful sun-bathed cafe, simple structure with metal mesh wall surrounded by a lush outdoor space. I could spend the entire afternoon here.
SPACES • MAR 2023 CANOPY HILLS Sitting on a 5.8-acre freehold land in Kajang is Canopy Hills, consisting of two 27-storey towers.
SPACES • DEC 2022 RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES This week-long shoot brought us to Malaysia's first Ritz-Carlton Residences, where we covered 4 units of fully-furnished residences, including the penthouse, with views of the city's most iconic buildings at each corner.
STREET/ AERIAL/ SPACES • JUL 2022 RAZAK CITY RESIDENCES Finding Hong Kong in Kuala Lumpur. We really don't need to travel far anymore to find the high-density, neatly-packed urban dwelling aesthetics that are synonymous with Hong Kong. Razak City is a development that features a series of 48-storey towers packing a total of 5748 units within the 22-acre land it's sitting on. Perhaps an impressive sight for urban explorers, and not so much if you're waiting for the elevators.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • OCT 2022 This could very well be the prettiest ibis that I have stayed in. Groovy tunes, vibrant colors, and artwork inspired by Thai folklore set the tone for this new swanky hotel in the heart of Bangkok.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • MAY 2022 25 HOURS HOTEL Once home to a porcelain factory, this 19th century building situated right in the heart of the city is a treasure throve of spaces waiting to be explored.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • JUL 2022 TAMNI HOTEL @ BANGKOK Redeveloped from a plot of land housing 22 units of crumbling shophouses that were over 60 years old, PO-D created this beautiful set of structures that include Tamni, a 700-square-meter hostel, sharing the space with a spa and an office block.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • JUN 2022 OHO MOOKATA & BAR It’s always a plus point when a restaurant gives you not just good food but also some great photo opportunities. We all agreed that their food sent us up to cloud nine, or in this case a strange new blue planet.
SPACES • JUL 2022 LEA BY THE HILLS MLA's latest space for OSK Property tucked at this charming, hilly side of town carries on the bright, welcoming interiors blessed with warm hues and dashes of gold.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAY 2022 It's been more than 20 years since KL Sentral opened its doors for the first time, but KL's premiere transit-oriented hub has continued to transform the city's skyline and the public transportation experience of its urban dwellers until today. While my most visited spot here in this 290000 square meters of space has been the pedestrian crossing of Nu Sentral to Brickfields, this collaboration with MRCB Land has allowed me to really spend some quality time exploring its every nook and cranny.
SPACES • APR 2022 WAYANG KULIT-INSPIRED A traditional form of puppet-shadow play gets a modern reinterpretation in this installation by Perk Idea for a Xiaomi/Natgeo Masterclass event.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS/ URBAN EXPLORING • FEB 2022 This repurposed oldschool cinema in the city's charming Chinatown district has seen a number of interesting set up in the past, and BookXcess' charming reintepretation of the space is perhaps the most exciting that I have seen. Multi-storey-high bookcases extended the space vertically as giants steps retained from the cinema hall completed the 3D maze. This fortress of a playground is just begging to be explored.
SPACES • JAN 2022 FLOW COFFEE Expanding from their West Malaysia base, Flow Coffee finds a cosy footing at this quiant section of the lobby of The Luma Hotel.
SPACES • DEC 2021 CHICHA SAN CHEN Continuing their expansion beyond the over 200-strong store count across Taiwan and China, CHICHA San Chen's foray into the Klang Valley's boba drink market brought them to the spanking new mall this side of Bukit Jalil. The site's orientation allows for a 360-degree appreciation of MLA's magic touch.
SPACES • DEC 2021 MOET CHANDON INSTALLATION Experiencing Perk Idea's multi-themed installation for Moet Chandon in conjunction with the festive season of 2021 feels like a fizzy dream come true. We had a lot of fun documenting the various charming interplay of light, projections, reflections and perspectives, as the story of this classic champagne unfolds along the journey.
SPACES • DEC 2021 LADY YI TEA HOUSE Located in my favourite hotel this part of town is MLA's latest project. Lady Yi Tea House features a beautiful blend of peranakan-inspired motif and materials against the industrial tones of Four Points' double-volume lobby area. While the blue hour brings out the subtle colors of the interior, I will be back one day to experience the space on a beautiful sunny evening too.
URBAN EXPLORING • NOV 2021 A recent commercial work for an upcoming upscale highrise residential development in Damansara Heights for E&O brought us on a more focused documentation of this charming neighbourhood, from its thriving cafe and bar scene at Plaza Damansara to the tree-lined roads and nearby golf courses. Can you spot any of your favourite haunt in this set of photos?
SPACES • SEP 2021 Cheras’ hip new cafe is a bold statement of juicy colors and beautiful forms. Tucked away on the upper floor of a row of pretty nondescript shophouses, the contrast with the surrounding setting makes the place even more surreal. Remember to say hi to the two shy resident cats.
SPACES • 2016 THROUGH 2020 CENTRIO SOHO The search for Heartpatrick's next playground has finally come to an end. This award-winning property is in every way deserving of the recognitions given to it, picture double-volume spaces with spiral staircases and private rooftops, hanging gardens and bridges, peculiar structures and loads of nooks and crannies to get lost in. It's one perfect giant playground to while a peaceful afternoon away.
SPACES • JUN 2021 OSK SHOREA PARK The orange-teal theme's popularity may have worked its way into the instagram filter hall of fame, and it seems its magic is just as effective in interiors. This cheerful show gallery from OSK's latest property launch at Puchong is best caught on a dreamy early morning. We are loving the long shadows and the depth of the textures highlighted down to the smallest of details.
SPACES • APR 2021 ARTE MONT KIARA Mont Kiara's shiny new landmark has finally been unveiled, complete with its color-shifting led fins on the facade that give this part of town quite a visual feast when night falls. This album features the development's facade as well as the ground level lobby area. Be sure to check out the other accompanying albums for photos of the rest of the spaces within.
SPACES • MAR 2021 ARTE BY THOMAS CHAN A few months since the introduction of their first set of hotel suites, the passionate people behind Arte By Thomas Chan is now ready to roll out the next eight suites. Located on Level 61, these art deco-inspired spaces continue to tease your visual senses. The walkway alone is a treat on its own.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • DEC 2020 The coolest property to emerge in town and there's no way I could stop myself from doing some portraits here. Nusmetro's Arte Mont Kiara is built for the gram and I could take a good few sessions just to cover all the spots. Pray that your session here is blessed by lots of sunlight.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • NOV 2020 ISAAC IN VERNAKULAR STORE Vernakular is half a watch retail store and half a cafe, and the people behind the cool interiors of this place had to make sure your experience in each is as distinct as the boundary that runs across the space. This playful separation sets the stage for some really fun visual illusion that is begging to be experienced.
SPACES • OCT 2020 THE MANSIONS Within the award-winning, hilltop enclave of Desa Park City lies MLA's latest project. This 4-storey space became our playground for an entire day as we document the shifting natural light from the double-volume living and dining area, to the various themed spaces of the house.
SPACES/ AERIAL • AUG 2020 ARTE MONT KIARA Here's a first look at one of the city's most anticipated upcoming residential condo project. This gorgeous piece of architectural work is already turning heads even when it's still a few months away from completion. Designed by Spark Architects, and developed by Nusmetro, I'm looking forward to the three towers lending a cool twist to Mont Kiara's upcoming skyline.
PORTRAITS/SPACES • SEP 2020 OWEN YAP Finally found the chance to check out this quaint cafe that has eluded me the last couple of visits to Melaka. Helmed by the passionate folk behind The Daily Fix, Sin See Tai boasts a cheerful, sunlit upper floor that is adorned with lots of greeneries and books, the perfect place to while a lazy afternoon away.
SPACES • JUL 2020 BANYAN TREE Our last stop in the series of shoots for Pavilion Group is Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur. There was no shortage at all of beautiful interiors to explore, and we were scrambling to cover them all. The highlights are the hotel's Presidential suite and the string of f&b outlets including Altitude, Horizon Grill and Vertigo, all of which offer some of the best views of the city, especially in the evenings.
SPACES • AUG 2020 TACHITICA SHOW GALLERY
SPACES • JUN 2020 ARTE S The image of Penang architecture may be dominated by heritage buildings, and some say Komtar, but Nusmetro's awe-inspiring Arte S brought a new breath of life into the otherwise monotonous cityscape outside of Georgetown. The sexy, undulating waveforms on the exterior has teased our imagination, some describing it as two tall stacks of sushi plates, while the cracked cocoon-like structure higher up in the building formed an interesting focal point for the curious mind. I can't wait for a chance to see how the magic extends inwards to the interiors.
SPACES • SINCE 2015 HEARTABODE HeartAbode was conceptualised during the height of the industrial vintage movement and as such the space bears the hallmark of such a space, from its bare concrete ceiling and exposed piping, furnitures made from reclaimed wood to the vintage deco items adorning different corners of the abode.
SPACES • JUN 2020 YUMCHA TEA PARLOUR
SPACES • MAR 2020 ANJALI SHOW VILLA East-facing double-volume windows, glorious sun-lit living areas and bedrooms, contemporary ID and a charming roof-top pool, this show villa checks quite a long list of boxes in one's dream house.
SPACES • FEB 2020 DEREK'S ABODE Studio+Works' midas touch continues to work its magic at this refurbished studio abode in Centrio Pantai Hillpark. And there is no better prop for the beautiful stage other than the owner's fur kid, a 2yo Shiba Inu.
SPACES • FEB 2020 HAIR PORTER When a saloon is really an camouflaged architectural playground of lines and circles, a regular interior shoot turned into fun-filled exploration of the space as we find new angles and perspectives to interpret it by.
SPACES • DEC 2019 SANTAN ASEAN AIRASIA Now everyone can have inflight meals without flying. AirAsia's launch into the fast food market came packaged in a beautifully designed flagship restaurant by none other than MLA Design. Expect to find locally-inspired motifs and materials dotting the space as you indulge in your favourite Santan meals.
SPACES • DEC 2019 THE CHOW KIT If Momo's making Chow Kit hip, then its more upscale sibling, aptly called The Chow Kit, is bringing a new level of class to this neighbourhood.
SPACES • OCT 2019 PARK MANOR SHOW VILLAS It was a beautiful weekday morning spent documenting two modern, sun-kissed show units at Tan&Tan's gleaming set of villas delivered in Park Manor, their latest addition to the Sierramas residential enclave in Sungai Buloh. The surrounding greenery helped to lend a cheerful mood to the already bright and spacious interiors, all important elements in creating a set of interior photos that I feel are among the prettiest that I have shot.
SPACES • OCT 2019 ARIA LUXURY RESIDENCE Our first assignment for Hap Seng Land lands us at their newly completed high-end service residence project in the KLCC neighbourhood. Spanning over a period of two months due to the serious haze situation, and with perhaps the most number of blue hour slots allocated to one single assignment, the series of shoots done here were definitely as taxing as they are fulfilling.
SPACES • SEP 2019 KAYRA @ BANGSAR VILLAGE Patrons to the popular restaurant Kayra may have been wooed by the authentic Keralan culinary offerings of the TTDI restaurant, but their spanking new outlet in Bangsar Village ups the experience with a charming space to match. Exposed brickwalls and cement screed finishes that double as abstract art pieces give hints of the humble Keralan beginnings, while fancy golden pendants and rattan chairs help soften the theme with a modern touch.
SPACES • SEP 2019 PAVILION SUITES Bukit Bintang has a gleaming new tower, and while the structure may look a little unassuming, the glittery crown that lights up in the evening immediately catches one's attention. Did our rounds with the list of facilities housed within, and I especially find the jacuzzi area mesmerising especially when bathed in the afternoon sun.
SPACES • AUG 2019 FIVE STONES CONDO My first collaboration with boutique design house Oukka Design brought me to this charming condo tucked in a quiet side of Petaling Jaya. The theme is minimalist, with a predominantly monotone palette that is punctuated with a dash of brown throughout the unit. The lack of any strong design element is compensated with the attention to detail in the selection of material and finishing that comes together to give this space a certain understated class.
SPACES • AUG 2019 MENARA KHUAN CHOO Pavilion Group may have built their presence in the Bukit Bintang area with Pavilion Mall, but they have also been expanding beyond that into offices within the vicinity of their flagship retail space. The spanking new Menara Khuan Choo bears the same polished, upscale look and feel of its siblings, its clean, minimalist lines definitely a joy to document.
SPACES • AUG 2019 DE WAN 1958 Traditional Malaysian motifs and crafts meet fancy urban tropical vibes in this new sexy space by Genius Loci. I had a field day soaking in the rich details adorning every square inch of the place, from its floor tiles to the wall coverings, translating Chef Wan's passion for Malay cuisine effectively into a well-rounded dining experience that is best savoured on a leisurely weekend evening.
SPACES • JUL 2019 IJM SEREMBAN SHOW UNIT MLA Design's expansion beyond chic commercial spaces saw the birth of this welcoming show unit for IJM in Seremban. I love how the polished look of their charming restaurant and cafe projects is being translated into the homely residential portfolio.
SPACES • JUL 2019 FASHION VALET The second Fashion Valet outlet to be covered in this collaboration with Studio Works is this smaller, though just as charming space in IOI City Mall. And we have a fresh set of quirky shopping quotes that are just as hilarious.
SPACES • JUL 2019 HOMPTON BY THE BEACH I seldom venture beyond the heritage core of Georgetown when I'm in Penang but the Tanjong Tokong seafront looks like a fun place to be to get closer to the seaviews this side of the Penang island. This new hotel offers a decent stopover for a few casual nights away from the touristy bustle.
SPACES • MAY 2019 Mingle Cafe joins the rank of Chinatown's most charming cafes, with its instagrammable entrance facade already worthy as a head-turning spot by itself. Combined that with an interesting line-up of F&b offerings, we have got a perfect place to unwind and recharge in between our urban exploring adventures.
SPACES • MAY 2019 SENIMAN KAKAO Hidden along a row of pre-war shophouses away slightly off the epicenter of tourist activities of Chinatown is this charming cafe that specialises in a variety of chocolate-centric desserts and drinks made from single origin chocolate sourced from local smallholder farmers in the country.
SPACES • APR 2019 This could very well be Heart Abode v4.0, but it is really a small ID project that I have taken on in recent months as an extension of my passion in design and photography. Loving how the place has come together, and to see it being adorned with my photography work is quite a fulfilment in itself. Can you count the number of frames that we used?
SPACES • MAR 2019 THE RUMA HOTEL The city's spanking new addition to the luxury hotel scene is now set to extend its service to include spa and men's grooming as well, and their interiors reflect the same attention to details that is present in the local craft-inspired design seen throughout the hotel.
SPACES • MAR 2019 Easily one of the most beautiful space that I have shot in recent months, OpenHouse's dizzying array of fabrics and motifs and furniture and deco pieces came together in a marriage of cultures and styles that got my camera pretty pumped up as I scurried to take in the sight. Loving how the space has been compartmentalised into smaller sections, allowing plenty of opportunities for owners Brian and Andrew to give them varying themes, that complemented the rich and colorful Malaysian cuisine that I really do need to drop by one of these days to try out.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • JAN 2019 It was another long break since the last trip, and with the collection of to-explore places growing I could wait no longer to be back. Happy to have also met a few new instagrammer and fb friends who accompanied me on this urban exploring journey.
SPACES (INTERIOR) • JAN 2019 MANTAB OFFICE @ BANGSAR My second collaboration with S LAB sent me to this relatively quiet corner of Bangsar to cover their latest project, Mantab's spanking new office, featuring an unmistakably mesmerising facade made up of a series of large, golden shutters that gleam in the sun. The equally-charming interior is a breathtaking array of beautiful textures, materials and shapes that speak the same design language. It was truly one fulfilling day spent capturing the magic of the place with my gears, and I'm already looking forward to covering S LAB's next work of art.
SPACES (INTERIOR) • OCT 2018 Q AROMA WELNESS My sanctuary after a string of backbreaking shoots, the welcoming, cheerful interior of Q-Aroma never fail to calm me down. As much as I enjoy a relaxing massage here, it's equally therapeutic being able to finally capture the beauty of the place with my gears.
SPACES (INTERIOR) • SEP 2018 SOCAR OFFICE BY YK INTERIOR My latest collaboration with YK Interior brought me to the spanking new office of the popular car-sharing app, SOCAR. This clean, bright space is eccentuated by a prominent ceiling fixture that looks like a road which runs all the way from the entrance to the pantry.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • JUL 2018 Ten years since I got shooed by the guards when attempting to steal some shots of the gorgeous KTM Train Depot and surrounding complexes in Sentul Park. I'm back in this familiar ground again, as the official photographer to document the transformation of KL's next hipster playground. This is going down as perhaps the most memorable assignment of all time, truly an honor to be given the opportunity to explore one of KL's best kept secrets.
SPACES • JUN 2018 ALTITUDE RESTAURANT Perched on the 117th and 118th floor of Shenzhen's tallest tower, Altitude feels like a slice of heaven, so detached from the wondrous cityscapes unfolding beneath, yet so in touch with the worldly beauty as its cheerful, sunlit interiors shift and respond to the passing of the day. I had a memorable two days working with a truly dedicated and committed team as we document the magic of what looks like the city's most happening new f&b place.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • FEB 2018 The collaboration with AK+ Architects brought me on my maiden trip to Melbourne. While documenting the city's architecture style was our main agenda, distractions were aplenty, in the form of artsy laneways, hipster cafes and a day trip on pipi-hunting to Victoria Bay.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • SEP 2017 The collaboration with AK+ Architect on the study on the usage of steel in buildings in Singapore brought us this collection of photos from my favourite city, covering some new landmarks such as Duo Towers to more established ones like the South Beach Tower, The Future of Us pavilion and the National Stadium.
SPACES • NOV 2017 Inspired by the preservation philosophies of the 1800s Scottish-American naturalist John Muir, Greenhouse is a sprawling multi-concept and cuisine space housed within the same charming building built on a plot of vacant land next to Gleneagles Hospital. We had a field time exploring and photographing the three-level complex, capturing its beauty throughout the day as the activities shift from the sunny alfresco deck and lively ground floor space that consists of the Kuroshio Market japanese food hall and Evendough cafe bakery, to the more cosy ambience upstairs that are made up of Japanese restaurant Minu, the New Orleans-inspired eatery Brycg, and the rooftop lounge and bar called the Deck.
TRAVEL/SPACES • OCT 2017 The showcase of Hokkaido's beauty would be incomplete without some shots from above to marvel the country's obsession with everything orderly and organised.
SPACES • AUG 2017 PARAGON AT PAN'GAEA While Pan'gaea may be the name that conjures curiosity, its signature SOFO and retail suites called Paragon has the sexy monumental curves that turn heads. Had a field day exploring its various facets and handsome angles and finding inspirations even in its fire escape stairways.
SPACES • JUN 2017 CILANTRO RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR A favourite old-time haunt of fine-diners in KL is given a new breath of life with a recent refurbishment effort undertaken by Blu Water Studio. We are proud to be given the opportunity to capture the magic of this space which now also spot a spanking new bar, a private cigar lounge and a private dining room equipped with its own kitchen.
SPACES • MAY 2017 BLOCK 64, YUNG KUANG ROAD Literally a gem of a building, this diamond-shaped HDB flat in Taman Jurong, Singapore, has teased the imagination of instagrammers and urban explorers from all over, its signature green columns against the monotony of floors after floors of plain white walkway strips. There's a fresh new perspective at every corner of the building. I would readily spend another afternoon exploring its corridoors again.
SPACES • FEB 2017 K-POP ROOM OF If the experience of stepping into Samba from the street is surreal, then entering the K-Pop themed room is mind-blowing, its vintage styling decked in a psychedelic combination of pink and blue, all ready to load your visual senses for a colorful afternoon out with the gang.
SPACES • JAN 2017 SAN LOH LOFT I don't suppose HeartAbode v3.0 should deserve all the attention when there are so many other charming spaces within Centrio itself. So imagine my excitement when my neighbour San Loh allowed me the opportunity to explore his beautiful unit with my camera. I'm still feeling the high.
SPACES • DEC 2016 SRI PENAGA CONDO UNIT Sri Penaga may be one of the earliest condo in Bangsar, but through the touches of Nu Infinity, this apartment unit has been fully transformed into a chic, modern abode that compliments the gorgeous views of the surrounding neighbourhood and the warm sunlight filtering in through the large windows.
SPACES • OCT 2016 GENTLEMEN'S TONIC Giving the traditional barbershop concept a much needed dash of glamour, Gentlemen's Tonic opens its door to discerning individuals in the Klang Valley area who are in search of more than the usual cut and shave services.
GUIDES • AUG 2016 From the winning formula of the in-trend brothel-turn-hipster-hangout makeover comes PS150, arguably Kuala Lumpur's trendiest and currently most hyped cocktail bar. The labyrinthine water hole joins similarly cool establishments that are Chocha and Merchant Lane to give this sleepy strip of decaying shophouses along Jalan Sultan a much welcomed makeover.
SPACES • AUG 2016 Canton-I may have been around in Midvalley for awhile, and the recent refreshed interior, delievered by Genius Loci, now helps to further seal its position as one of the most popular Chinese restaurant around.
SPACES • JUN 2016 6 INSTAGRAM-FRIENDLY The thriving cafe scene of Georgetown could not have found a better compliment than against the city's charming heritage backdrop. Picture hipster space carved out of oldschool shophouses that has been refurbished with a fresh breath of life that continues to stay loyal to the memories of yesteryear. Heartpatrick checks out a handful of recent additions to the thriving cafe scene that I thought are viable candidates to the most instagram-friendly cafes in town.
SPACES • FEB 2016 3/3RDS CAFE Perched on the 22nd floor of what looks like a slighted dated and rough building is this gem of a cafe. 3/3rds is truly a treasured find. In fact the venture out from the bustling city center into this industrial area is an adventure in itself. Loving the hint of gentrification that is sweeping Wong Chuk Hang, can't wait to see how much more of a hipster playground this neighbourhood may become.
SPACES • JUN 2015 MILLIGRAM CAFE AND EATERY Clean and minimalist is this sun-kissed space that works marvellously for any OCD instagrammers and incidentally serves great matcha latte and aglio olio pasta too!
SPACES • AUG 2015 THE MORNING AFTER Kicking off an engagement for the string of The Morning After chain of cafes is the coverage of this relatively new outlet at Oasis Square. Am definitely looking forward to spending some good quality time at the other TMA locations.
OTHERS • MAY 2007 Snapshots showing the transformation of my dream home, from its humble beginning to what would subsequently become the backdrop of the many portrait shoots to come.
SPACES • MAY 2016 FARM VILLE HOMESTAY @ SEKINCHAN The pleasant discovery of this charming homestay added to the magical experience that was Sekinchan during the harvest season. While the craze with container hotels may have invaded the bigger cities since awhile ago, Farm Ville's unique blend of industrial style architecture against the sweeping fields of gold and green as the backdrop is definitely one-of-a-kind. Make sure to book yourself into rooms affording a direct view of the paddy fields and spend some time to take it all in at the rooftop.
|
SPACES • AUG 2024 THE EXCHANGE TRX The crowning jewel of TRX is perhaps the city's most exciting new retail opening of the year, and I'm glad to be given the opportunity to take in all the glorious details in this assignment for DP Architects.
SPACES • AUG 2024 BREW AND BREAD This could very well be my favourite hang out in Taman Desa now. Brew and Bread’s latest outlet takes up almost half of the entire ground floor lobby of Wisma JAG, and has plenty of cosy corners to choose from.
SPACES • JUN 2024 MOSSAZ @ EMPIRE DAMANSARA Our first shoot at the sprawling Empire Damansara enclave brought us to Exsim's first project here, realised by Urban Catalyst Architecture. After years of setback, I'm looking forward to documenting more exciting developements here.
SPACES • AUG 2024 ELMINA LAKESIDE MALL The City of Elmina’s first retail space is finally here! We have been obsessed with the township’s iconic bridges and parks since the year 2020, and now this charming enclave is adding a string of new experiences under its belt. In addition to the cool mix of 80 brands spread across the open concept mall, we’re excited to find a collection of cool architecture and activity spots in the adjoining parkland too. Elmina Lakeside Mall opens its doors from 22 Aug onwards.
SPACES/TRAVEL • MAR 2024 ONE@TOKYO @ ASAKUSA Definitely that one accommodation in Tokyo that I could not stop reminiscing about. Staying in this beautiful hotel by Kengo Kuma, and those rainy evenings spent chilling by the window seat in the room while looking at Skytree shifting in and out of the low hanging clouds were second only to exploring neighbourhood Sakura parks.
SPACES • MAY 2024 BINTANG COLLECTIONZ HOTEL Finally a beautiful facade to grace the otherwise grimy stretch of Jalan Bukit Bintang after the Sultan Ismail cross junction. But the city center's latest hospitality project is more than just a beautiful exterior. Having taken over from Hotel Bintang Warisan, the team actually recycled materials salvaged from this old hotel and turned them into interesting interior and deco details that pay homage of the heritage of this site.
SPACES • MAY 2024 OLIVE GROVE @ BERCHAM After its Phase 1's runaway success, Bercham's first gated and guarded neighbourhood is coming together nicely. Our two-day shoot was a fun documentation of their corner show unit, the clubhouse and the lush surrounding sceneries.
SPACES • MAR 2024 SEMUA HOUSE @ JALAN TAR If a quiet, sleepy shopping mall is what you remember of this 38yo mall, it may be time to pay a fresh visit to this part of town, for the relaunch of the new Semua House will shift the epicenter of hip now back to Jalan TAR.
SPACES/URBAN EXPLORING • APR 2024 VOYAGE RETREAT Perhaps the most charming place to stay in Pangkor. This bright, airy retreat, nestled in between the rainforest on one side and the fishing town on the other, is high enough to have the sweeping seaview outside the room window yet close enough for a short walk to town for our kopitiam favourites and my street shoot adventures.
SPACES • MAR 2024 PV22 SHOW UNIT Our first assignment for Luna Plus brought us to this cosy show unit at the PV22 Show Village, where we created a dreamy, late afternoon set up using harsh direct light fired from the balcony and window areas.
SPACES • MAR 2024 HERMÉS KUALA LUMPUR After months of anticipation, Hermès unveils an enchanting new chapter in Kuala Lumpur with the grand reopening of its renovated and expanded store in the Gardens Mall. This is definitely one of the most fancy spaces that we have covered.
SPACES • MAR 2024 SETIA SKY SEPUTEH Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Seputeh, a radiant addition to the exclusive high-rise property market now graces the horizon. Positioned between lush hillsides on one side and the vibrant Midvalley City on the other, SP Setia unveils a 290-unit, two-block property. Its distinctive undulating balcony design captivates the eye, while atop each tower, a resplendent crown imparts an air of sophistication to the surrounding skyline, elevating the essence of the neighborhood.
TRAVEL • OCT 2023 GUANGXI NEW MEDIA CENTER This has got to be one of the most interesting buildings that I have photographed. The design was apparently inspired by the topology of the terraced rice fields, but one may be forgiven for unwittingly conjuring up the image of some other objects. If only I caught it with some fireworks during the new year.
SPACES • JAN 2024 This 16-acre site that is the city's latest dining destination is UOA's first foray into the northern neighbourhood of Segambut/Sentul. Its lush environment of greeneries around a lake is such a welcomed change amidst the landscape of highways and highrises.
SPACES • OCT 2023 After a hiatus of more than 10 years, the Crowne Plaza brand is back in the city, with the opening of their latest property in the KLCC area. This 320-room four-star hotel is part of a two-wing block facing Yap Kwan Seng and the Petronas Twin Towers, with key architecture features being the crystal glass effect cascading across the building facade and the rooftop swimming pool.
SPACES • OCT 2023 MANDARIN ORIENTAL SINGAPORE This second album of the Mandarin Oriental refurbishment project covers the rooms, suites, club lounge and the pool.
HERITAGE/SPACES • OCT 2023 IKAN KURAU HOMESTAY Watching the start of a beautiful day while hanging out at the riverside deck of Ikan Kurau Homestay, that’s currently in my top three travel experiences of 2023. Located right at the heart of Kuala Kurau, we probably can't find another place better to observe the buzz of the activities in this fishing town.
SPACES • AUG 2023 STELLAR GOLDEN HILL Barely a year since our first shoot here, we are back in this glamping resort to document the latest additions to the expanding offerings of Stellar Golden Hills, namely the transparent domes and the beautiful Stellar Cafe.
SPACES • OCT 2023 Gastronomy meets arts at Bamboo Hills’ most anticipated opening, featuring reimagined French cuisine, an intimate dining space, and an architecture with a bird’s eye view that’s perhaps reminiscent of .. an escargot?
SPACES/AERIAL/STREET • AUG 2023 MAIWP BUILDING @ CHOW KIT Conjuring images of a particular common electrical household appliance, this new multi-tiered beauty in Chow Kit is best documented against a dreamy sunset. Can't wait for the interior lights to be on.
SPACES • JUN 2023 ST GILES SOUTHKEY It was a fun trip over at Johor Bahru covering the various properties for IGB under the Southkey development, with St Giles Hotel being one of the key portfolio. Loving how vibrant the various spaces get especially on a good day. The rooftop bar and pool area were certainly my favourite.
SPACES/TRAVEL • JUL 2023 It was a frantic 3-day trip in the cafehop capital of Indonesia, trying to cover all the prettiest f&b spots in town, and this charming restaurant certainly comes out top of the list.
SPACES/ AERIAL • APR 2023 CAPRI BY FRASER This is easily one of the prettiest buildings in the city center's cluster of high rises. The towering 43-storey Capri by Fraser may sit on a rather narrow strip of land, but it certainly reaches high, affording views of the surrounding especially from its rooftop pool.
SPACES • MAR 2023 JADE HILLS It's diffiult to believe that this development was launched 15 years ago. Gamuda Land's 338-acre freehold township still look well-maintained and relevant, with new developments being continuously introduced. This shoot was to cover 3 new bungalow and semi-detached terraces, plus a new garden in the vicinity.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • MAR 2023 LABYRINTH HOUSING ESTATE This labyrinth of a housing estate in a Tokyo suburb is quite the sight to behold. Designed by Kunihiko Hayakawa and completed in 1989, the place was already an instagram playground before the era of social media, it's white and pink blocks seemingly stacked randomly while being joined together by a series of staircases. I could spend the entire day here checking out the vantage point from each and every spot.
SPACES • MAY 2023 THE TAMARIND SENTUL EAST Finally a proper documentation of the place that I have called home for 7 years of my life before we finally let it go. Earlier attempt at documenting this place was before I had abit more experience in shooting interiors, so this shoot is well-deserved. Hoping the unobstructed view of the city center's skyline will continue to stay.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • MAR 2023 KYOYU LIVING SENIOR CARE Finally a retirement home done right. Taking a page from the simple living lifestyle concept, this charming space in a serene neighbourhood in Petaling Jaya was transformed from an crumpling bungalow in Seksyen 4. While it could definitely pass as a boutique homestay or cafe, the space was built to provide customers who are looking for a more refreshing experience when it comes to accommodation options for senior care.
SPACES • DEC 2022 MEGAH RISE In the spirit of urban rejuvenation, the site that many locals around Taman Megah would fondly remember as Ming Tien foodcourt is now a 39-storey mixed development consisting of a condo block and a four-level mall. We are loving how Megah Rise is elevating the landscape of this neighbourhood by complementing the charming shophouses surrounding the site with a more upscale f&b and retail experience.
SPACES • JUL 2022 STRAITS VIEW CONDO This cosy apartment on a breezy late evening is what dreams are made of.
SPACES • JAN 2023 Nestled deep in the quiet landed residental enclave within Sukhumvit is Japanese glasshouse-inspired Glig. This beautiful space with its lush adjoining garden is best visited on a sunny late morning.
SPACES • NOV 2022 RONIN JAPANESE RESTOBAR Right from its entrance walkway, this new hidden restobar over at Arte Mont Kiara transports its guests to Japan with its funky blend of traditional and modern elements weaved into a cosy space rich with details and colors.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • JUL 2022 SAMSEN STREET HOTEL Nestled among a charming neighbourhood of local housing, street food vendors and wet markets is Samsen Street Hotel, transformed from a 47-year-old curtained love motel in Bangkok’s old Samsen Red Light District. Now this hip hotel is about cool design, airy interiors, and hanging your legs from the balcony for an outdoor movie night.
TRAVEL/ SPACES • JUN 2022 CIRCULAR HOUSES These surreal circle gardens on the outskirts of Copenhagen are such a feast for the eyes. Built in the year 1964 by landscape architect Erik Mygind, the circular design of Brøndby Haveby, or Brøndby Garden City, was proposed as a way to promote a sense of community, while allowing each unit their space for gardening and urban farming.
SPACES/ TRAVEL • SEP 2022 SITTISANG CAFE & AIRBNB Definitely the most memorable accommodation of our 10-day-long roadtrip in Thailand, this beautiful airbnb was restored from a pre-war shophouse in the heritage center of Kanchanaburi, with the ground floor level now converted into a cafe. Fav part of the place is the spacious balcony overlooking the busy street below.
SPACES • MAR 2022 CHRISTINE'S BAKERY Christine's has come a long way since its humble beginning in Sunway back in 2017. Five years on, their gleaming new outlet in Bukit Jalil's latest retail space, their biggest yet, is the new go-to spot for customers looking for the finest quality pastries. MLA Design delivered a space that hums Christine's warm-toned aesthetics, with hints of Malaya-inspired textures such as rattan weaves and vintage tiles.
SPACES • MAR 2022 SOFITEL KUALA LUMPUR Wrapping up this assignment for Sofitel Kuala Lumpur who commissioned the shoot to refresh the visuals of their offerings, from hotel rooms, event spaces, to their f&b outlets and facilities.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • JAN 2022 MITSUI LALAPORT BBCC It's quite a few years in the making, but Mitsui's transformation of this plot of land that was once Pudu Jail made it all worth the wait. Touted as the first Lalaport Mall in Southeast Asia, this place is definitely not short of cool architecture angles, both inside and out. We may have only brushed the surface of its total potential but that just mean that we will continue to have interesting things to look forward to as occupancy increases.
SPACES • JAN 2022 JOJO GASTROBAR & HINODE Sharing the same commercial block with The Luma are two f&b establishments that are worthy of their own followings.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • DEC 2021 CFF (CROPS OF THE FUTURE) RESEARCH CENTER One may be forgiven for being reminded by our mum's favourite plasticwear - the colorful dish covers, but these curious-looking structures rising from an otherwise common-looking landscape do beg to be given a second look. We got to know later of their original intention but the state of things from what we saw somehow gave the indication that it's being under-utilised now.
SPACES • NOV 2021 BUNGALOW Probably one of the most charming space that we have worked with, this idyllic bungalow felt worlds away from the bustle of the city. The decades of experience in styling boutique hotels around the world helped Designwilkes carve a space that blends cosmopolitan influences with tradition, as pieces of furnitures and art pieces rich in heritage and historical value fill walls and shelves, while a rich selection of plants enveloping the site delivers a tropical paradise many would love to be lost in.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • OCT 2021 ENLIGHTENED HEART BUDDHIST TEMPLE Hidden deep within the limestone hills of Tambun is a Tibetan temple with a pagoda boasting an interior architecture so mind-blowing I had to stop every other step just to take the whole scene in. The 13 levels of hanging balconies and curved stairways may be unsettling for acrophobics but this enlightening experience to the Buddha statue on top will be remembered for a long time to come.
SPACES • SEP 2021 AKASA CHERAS SOUTH Hap Seng Land's entry into the property market this part of town is setting a new standard for high-rise living. Beyond the beautiful details of the urban resort inspired reception lobby, the man-made beach, Olympic-length lap pool and gourmet kitchen with unobstructed views of the neighbourhood and beyond are definitely upping the competition.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • SEP 2021 TSLAW TOWER Dubbed as Malaysia's first ever 360 LED building facade display, the magic that has transformed many of China's city skylines has finally arrived here in Malaysia. TSLaw Tower may be dwarfed by Exchange 106, but it certainly has enough tricks up its sleeve to catch your attention. Can't wait to see what else is coming.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • APR 2021 AICB CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Nestled among the hilly enclave of Jalan Dato Onn is GDP Architects' spanking new structure that looks poised to be the city's next cool archi playground. My favourite spot of the development is the five-storey podium, its interlinked bridges and hanging meeting rooms offers a space that can be experienced and observed from different vantage points.
SPACES • APR 2021 ARTE MONT KIARA One of the key selling points for the Arte brand has always been their visually-striking facilities that are just begging to be your next instagram playground, so imagine the amount of fun we had documenting this long list of spaces. This album seems to have already covered quite a few, but there are another two more that you need to check out for the complete story.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • MAR 2021 AARON IN LICKY CHAN In between licks and clicks, the city’s latest ig playground teases our imagination, and they happen to also serve a cool selection of interesting ice cream flavors. Come on a sunny day for some extra magic at the quirky courtyard, and don't forget to check out the pretty backdoor too.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2021 1 UTAMA The Year 2021 could risk having its chinese new year celebrations stripped, amidst the raging pandemic still chalking up aggressive numbers on new covid infections. Not all malls are ready to let this dampen their festive spirits though. Against all odds, 1 Utama, in particular, gave us the most impressive set up that I have seen, a good-sized pagoda in a garden of plum blossoms, surrounded by a ring of covered walkway that covers the entire length and breath of the podium. The visual impact is immediately arresting. Combined that with a longing for exotic overseas locations that have eluded us for a year now, and we have got a hit.
SPACES • DEC 2020 PAR 3 CONDO SHOW UNIT Our second project for IOI Properties in the sprawling IOI City neighbourhood brought us to their latest condo. This Par 3 show unit boasts an unobstructed view of the golf courses and beyond, especially the Kuala Lumpur city skyline on a clear day.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • JAN 2021 PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS: Reminiscing about the time when I could shoot the city's most handsome landmark right from home. Those seven years spent at the Tamarind at Sentul East was perhaps every urban photographer's dream come true, especially if you're the type who also cannot seem to get enough of shooting the marvellous twins at every given opportunity.
SPACES • NOV 2020 TAGO ALAIA SHOW GALLERY It's not an everyday event that I come across a space as well-designed as this one. And Tago did it again with the show gallery for their latest project in Titiwangsa. It was a fruitful day as we exhausted all the pretty angles of the gallery and the two show units above.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • SEP 2020 A DAY AT BSC is one of my most frequented malls in the city, and I'm glad to have been given the opportunity to document a day here in the company of two very fun talents, part of the collaboration with the mall on producing a series of lifestyle images for use on their social media platforms.
SPACES/ PORTRAITS • SEP 2020 The name of the cafe is a strong hint of what pretty things you'll find if you follow the hint well. This is the other cafe that captivated us during the last trip to Melaka. The sprawling two-floor space is charmingly styled with vintage memorabilia and greeneries, and a seemingly endless string of angles to pose in. Late morning on a weekday is the best time possible to visit for a care-free OOTD session.
SPACES • JUL 2020 PAVILION HOTEL Occupying the sharp intersection of Jalan Raya Chulan and Jalan Bukit Bintang is Pavilion Group's glitzy upscale hotel. This week-long assignment took us from the common areas to the string of f&b outlets within, and onwards to the Presidential Suite.
SPACES • JUL 2020 There are so many reasons to fall in love with Norm. This cheerful, sunlit cafe has touches of industrial against a white canvas, and some structures from the original building were retained to contrast with the modern textures. But the waffles - that is certainly the magic that will keep us coming back for more.
SPACES • JUL 2020 TERENGGANU HERITAGE VILLAGE Nestled in the idyllic village of Kampung Penarik is this charming set of Malay kampung houses restored from crumbling buildings around the state into this beautifully preserved heritage village.
SPACES • JUN 2020 WEWORK Coworking spaces are the new cool hangouts in town, and WeWork's airy, sunlit enclave at KL Eco City is eager to please.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2020 SALOMA LINK BRIDGE Finally, after all these years of waiting, the city center received a strong addition to the list of iconic structures in town, one that is breath-taking and most certainly prominent enough to complement the Petronas Twin Towers. This RM31mil, futuristic-looking archi wonder is best appreciated in the evening and at night, when it's lit by a combination of 4100 LED lights for a mesmerising color-shifting display.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • FEB 2020 ARTEPLUS This is your instagram selfie museum on steroids, except that you can also bring your luggage in for a night's stay or more. Nusmetro's strong emphasis on meeting the demands of the throngs of instagrammers searching for a new playground in town has paid off. ArtePlus Jalan Ampang packs a dizzying array of visually-interesting spots for your OOTD and light saber low-light photography and everything in between. Most of these facilities are accessible by condo residents and guests only, so do book your stay through one of those vacation rentals vendors out there for your all-access pass.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • MAR 2020 It was a quick afternoon spent at KL's latest and hippiest addition to the line-up of chic hotel around town, and it's easy to see why this place been garnering so much attention since its opening earlier this year. A quick tour of two of the designer lofts did not do justice to all the work spent on creating these spaces, they all deserve a good day or two spent within its walls just to soak in the atmosphere. I will definitely be back for more.
SPACES • FEB 2020 GALASA CALDWELL Behold Ipoh's hippest event venue, tucked in a standalone lot along charming Jalan Caldwell, Kuee Architect delivered a space that takes advantage of the beautiful setting of this neighbourhood, affording a balanced mix of both outdoor space and an indoor event hall. This is our second collaboration with Kuee and we are proud to be given the chance to document the beauty of this new location.
URBAN EXPLORING/ SPACES • FEB 2020 MASJID TNB BANGSAR
SPACES • FEB 2020 ST REGIS RESIDENCES @ KL SENTRAL
SPACES • JAN 2020 The Jalan Stonor neighbourhood has a new addition to its bustling skyline with Tan&Tan delivering their 41-storey luxury development at the end of Lorong Stonor. Spent two days documenting the various spaces within as the light shifts from morning till night.
SPACES • DEC 2019 IOI GALLERIA SHOW UNITS Happy to cover two spanking new additions to the show gallery units at IOI Galleria in Putrajaya. Drone footages were used for scenery replacements to give the visuals a truer representation of the gorgeous views afforded especially for the high-floor units.
SPACES/ URBEX • DEC 2019 BOOKXCESS, SUNSURIA FORUM Not all bookstores are created equal, and in the case of the latest BookXcess outlet in Sunsuria Forum, the interior architectural game has been upped by elevating a book store to the status of an instagram hotspot, perhaps having sought inspiration from similar cool bookstores and libraries in China and Korea.
SPACES/STREET • OCT 2019 WOLO KUALA LUMPUR A new, bold WOLO is here, fresh from a complete makeover a few years in the making. Bukit Bintang deserves a new hip hotel, and we have got it. It helps that the handsome brick facade has been retained too, giving the busy Bukit Bintang-Sultan Ismail intersection another beautiful angle.
SPACES • OCT 2019 OCBC PREMIER BANKING Tucked on the upper floor of an unassuming commercial square is this space that speaks exclusivity and style everywhere you look. Two months since the unveiling of OCBC's new luxury-curated premier banking center, we spent two good evenings documenting the beautiful result of a year of planning and execution.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • SEP 2019 TAMARIND SQUARE Brutalist architecture is very much alive and kicking at this popular photography spot in Cyberjaya, and it's easy to see why. Beautiful concrete formworks combined with a keen sense of art from the hanging gardens designed by Seksan right down to the creative signages deliver an integrated development that has so many instagrammable nooks and crannies it takes a while to just take everything in. This is a place I will come back again and again and still find fresh angles to interpret.
SPACES • AUG 2019 EXSIM SALES GALLERY Homegrown ID company Motto Design's foray into the property industry since a few years ago saw them delivering a string of beautiful interiors for developers in Malaysia. I was naturally delighted to be given the opportunity to document one of their best work to date - the Exsim sales gallery at Empire City. The two-storey building was truly a treasure trove of textures and details that kept the team occupied for an entire day, as we worked on taking in the finely crafted beauty found in a variety of material from laser cut metal panels to terraccotta-tile feature shelf and handmade art rugs.
SPACES • JUL 2019 FASHION VALET @ PUBLIKA My second collaboration with Studio+Works brought me to the flagship store for Fashion Valet in Publika, a three-stores wide space that speaks a consistently clean and chic design language that lets the products themselves stand out from the display.
SPACES • MAY 2019 Nestled on the upper floor of a plain-looking row of shoplots at Dataran Cheras is a chic, minimalist place I could spend a whole afternoon at. Paloma Tea House has this simple vibe that is as charming as it is plain. Coupled with an interesting line-up of tea and dessert selection, this is a pretty decent spot for some time alone or with friends.
SPACES/ STREET • APR 2019 RAINBOW WALKWAY This is perhaps Pusat Sain Negara's most impressive exhibit, and it's free. The rainbow walkway is the result of the sunlight filtering in from the rainbow cladding enveloping the circular building, and the good thing is, this breathtaking effect is visible all day long, as long as we have the sun. To get to this service lane, drive around the building until you see an external staircase leading up from the ground floor to the upper floors. Take that and you're there. Remember to greet the friendly guards who are sometimes seen around the walkway entrance.
SPACES • APR 2019 IRON HOTEL The industrial design may have been rather mainstream for quite a few years, but amidst the run-of-the-mill looks of some of the spaces that adopted this trend, IR-ON Hotel's striking interiors reflect a beautiful balance that made elements like metalwork and exposed concrete slabs blend really well with the finer touches such as recycled furnitures and plenty of lush greeneries.
SPACES • FEB 2019 I have a new-found love for Melaka, and Liu Men Hotel made it all possible by bringing me back to its embrace once again. Loving the interplay of minimalism and monochromatic palette with the rich, colorful heritage of this historical state.
SPACES • JAN 2019 MINDVALLEY @ BANGSAR For a company that's big on self-improvement and holistic learning, the rainbow represents a spectrum of possibilities of which the human mind can learn and grow. This concept is beautifully realised in the interior design of their Bangsar office, using 3M's dichroic iridescent rainbow film across the steel-glass structure of the workplace. The magic starts at sunrise, as the rays diffuses into a multitude of hues that shift slowly with every tick of the clock. January looks like a colorful month and I look forward to more.
SPACES • JAN 2019 Brought to us by the same people behind Petaling Street's Chocha, Jalan Kamunting's latest pride and joy is this Caribbean-themed getaway carved out of a decades-old heritage home in Chow Kit. Joloko was so much fun to shoot. Loving how the place shifted its mood from a bright, cheerful waterhole to a warm, colorful enclave as the sun goes down.
SPACES (CAFE/ BAKERY) • OCT 2018 Like a beacon of hipness in the otherwise sleepy, underlit floor at Publika, Maison Des Pains hits all the right spots with its beautiful front and an equally appealing interior. Couple that with a decent offering of pastries and this new addition to the mall's cafe line-up is certainly sprucing things up for visitors.
SPACES (CORPORATE) • OCT 2018 UOA HOSPITALITY It was one of the most elaborate projects that I have undertaken to date, building a set of refreshed visuals as part of the rebranding effort of an established property developer in Malaysia. Totally enjoyed the experience of working with a larger team of dedicated staff who supported me throughout the preparation, recce, shoot and post-processing stage until delivery of our work.
SPACES • JUL 2018 PACIFIC STANDARD BAR Sharing the same gorgeous floor as Entier is Alila Bangsar's flagship cocktail Bar, Pacific Standard. It was yet another day well spent documenting the operations inside and out and admiring the beautiful space as the setting shifts from day to night.
SPACES/ URBAN EXPLORING • JUL 2018 YTL LAND Spread across a million square feet of forgotten land is a collection of lost memories from the not so distant past that are begging to be documented down. So as a spin-off to the wide shots in the main album, here's a collection of the finer details that hopefully will continue to share a piece of the depot's future.
SPACES • APR 2018 THE MERIDIN AT MEDINI The latest collaboration with AK+ Architects brought me to a new playground down south that is Iskandar, Johor, this sprawling land of opportunities which is the focus of quite a number of developments in the last few years. My mission is to capture the beauty of Mah Sing's latest pride and joy, The Meridin at Medini, and I couldn't be more blessed with hitting a really beautiful morning on the second day we were there.
SPACES • MAY 2018 DISCOVERY MIND BODY Four years since the first assignment, I'm back in this part of Jalan Ampang, documenting a new, exciting journey for Discovery who has now acquired a much larger space, affording it the opportunity to expand into physiotheraphy and event space.
SPACES (ARCHI) • JUL 2017 KOMPLEKS ISLAM PUTRAJAYA/ Putrajaya is perhaps the best place to hunt down modern architectural marvels around the Klang Valley region, so the assignment for D+A magazine that granted me the opportunity to shoot the administrative city's latest pride and joy to my heart's content was received with much anticipation. Clad in a network of intricate Islamic motifs and stuctures, the predominantly white building stands out like a gleaming jewel under the bright hot afternoon sun.
SPACES • APR 2018 SEKEPING KONG HENG Possibly the most charming boutique accommodation in the whole of Ipoh old town, Sekeping Kong Heng's expansion added a series of new rooms in a building adjacent to the original space. Grouped lovingly under the name 'The Old Block', and with a deco style that still retain the original pleasing vintage aesthetics, these rooms are however larger in space, with some spotting a kitchen and a living area.
OTHERS • JAN 2016 MERCHANT'S LANE This brothel-turned-cafe has already inspired thousands of Instagram shots and is definitely in the running for KL's prettiest cafe. Loving how the ambience of the place is complimented by its oldschool setting, charmingly restored with a focus on preserving the heritage value of the shophouses that it's sitting in.
SPACES • MAY 2017 BOTAKLIQUOR COCKTAIL BAR The mention of cocktail bars conjures images of dim, atmospheric spaces, but BotakLiquor seeks a different path into our hearts by playing with our love for the sun and the gardens and everything in between. Helmed by the same folk behind Chocha, this space is a natural extension to the vintage revival theme that made Chocha such a hit.
SPACES • APR 2017 THAI HOU SEK Had a fun time covering yet another one of Genius Loci's f&b spaces in KL. Thai Hou Sek's porky dishes may be falling off the centerstage as the signature neon light signboard slash deco competes for attention with a gorgeous impressionistic wall mural of the Thai King.
SPACES • OCT 2016 23 LOVE LANE Dating from the 1800s comes this charming boutique heritage property that boasts of uniquely decorated rooms with names such as Indian Shophouse and Straits Eclectric. It's Georgetown compressed into a walled garden where the nostalgia of yesterday lives on.
SPACES • JAN 2017 LOCK CHUCK COFFEE On the top of our Guangzhou cafehopping list comes Lock Chuck Coffee, this quaint, beautiful cafe nestled in the most contrasting way in a humble neighbourhood. Lock himself was our barista during the visit, and he definitely came across as passionate, knowledgeable and friendly. Loving how they have managed to squeeze that abundance of instagrammable spots within the place.
SPACES • OCT 2016 Business has been brisk since the opening so I'm back to document down how a busy Sunday afternoon looks like for this gorgeous Japanese dessert place in Taman Paramount.
SPACES • OCT 2016 INDIGO The hawker fare of Penang may be the main agenda of many trips up North, but the lure of a fine dining place in a posh heritage mansion of which space was once out of bounds is enough to set the yearning going in the different direction.
SPACES/ OTHERS • JUL 2016 OLYMPUS EM10 MARK II Entering my third month into the neckache-free mirrorless camera experience, I continue to gather more shots on this cool baby as the number of lenses in my gear line-up expanded courtesy of Olympus Malaysia. This collection of work gathers the casual shots done during those lazy afternoon visits to cafes around town.
SPACES • MAR 2016 TWENTY GRAMMES CAFE The second collaboration with the folks behind Twenty Grammes brought me to their spanking new branch at Ang Mo Kio. Set amidst local neighbourhood kopitiams, hardware shops and hair saloons, the dessert bar stands out as a shiny testimonial to the changing of times, attracting curious stares from housewives on their way back from the markets and buzz from the younger generation looking for something new to tickle their tastebuds with.
SPACES • AUG 2015 THE MORNING AFTER A continuation of the engagement for the string of The Morning After chain of cafes comes this sweet, sun-kissed outlet at The Pinnacle.
SPACES • AUG 2015 THE ROW AT DORAISAMY (FEATURING BUTTER + BEANS, LEAGUE OF CAPTAINS, SLATE) A short and sweet shoot one fine afternoon to get some set up shoots of the thriving outlets during an NST interview with the architect of the redevelopment of this charming street.
SPACES • JUN 2014 NEW AESOP FLAGSHIP STORE, BANGSAR VILLAGE 2
SPACES • AUG 2013 My love for this quaint coffee outlet must have been sopronounced that I have been given the honour to do a photoshoot for their upcoming brand book project. Truly an enriching experience to go behind the scenes of all my favourite pastries and to hang out with the wonderful folks who have made this place into the heart-warming place that it is.
SPACES • MAR 2014 AESOP NEW STORE OPENING, LOT 10 BUKIT BINTANG
SPACES • NOV 2014 The collaboration with the team behind Butter and Beans continues with their latest venture - Feeka along the charming Jalan Mesui.
SPACES • FEB 2017 SAMBA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE I remember the surreal experience of leaving the bustling, dusty streets of Phnom Penh for the embrace of a cosy, vintage-inspired space that is Samba, this charming south-american cuisine restaurant that apparently has garnered quite a following among the affluent locals and expats alike. The Malaysia-based architect firm MLA Design employed the clever use of recycled materials in creating a place is fitted with unique pieces of deco items that echoes the memories of yesteryear yet adding a touch of creative modern twist to the style.
SPACES • AUG 2014 Pilates on a sweet, sun-kissed morning in the quiet enclave of the Embassy Row in Jalan Ampang. This recently opened studio seems right on track.
SPACES • JAN 2013 BUTTER AND BEANS CAFE, HAPPY MANSION I seldom rave about f&b outlets, but this one has the killer combination of coffee that's better than starbucks (though frap is not part of their offerings), pastries that kept me dreaming about them many many hours after consumption, all packed in a quaint tight chic space that apparently reminds one of aussie outlets (though i have not been to that part of the world to confirm).
SPACES • AUG 2015 THE FRONT DOOR One of the more recent cafe offerings to mushroom out from the Chinatown neighbourhood is The Front Door and their very photogenic open-face sandwiches.
|
