“Success unfolds in stages.” – Kee Jing Zhi, co-founder of Kapa and Freight Architects
When the global pandemic brought the world to a halt in 2020, Singapore’s construction industry was among the hardest hit. Projects stalled, timelines stretched, and architects were forced to adapt. For Jing Zhi Kee, co-founder of Freight Architects and an award-winning name in Singapore’s design scene, the disruption marked a turning point. With carpentry timelines for landed homes doubling, he sought a more efficient solution, eventually discovering Boloni’s modular system. Its customisable design possibilities inspired a shift in how Kee approached residential projects, enabling faster delivery under pressure.
Adaptation, however, is nothing new for Kee, whose architectural journey has always been guided by curiosity and a willingness to defy convention. Since his early days at K2LD Architects in 2003, and later as a key design member at the Stirling Prize-winning Wilkinson Eyre Architects in London—where he contributed to Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay—Kee has continually pushed the boundaries of spatial storytelling.
In 2016, he co-founded Freight Architects to craft design narratives with lasting impact. Best known for his soulful and poetic work in the luxury residential space—particularly Good Class Bungalows and other landed dwellings— Kee is also redefining care environments for children and seniors through intentional, experience-driven design. His philosophy is rooted in meaning and purpose: a commitment to exploring new interpretations and reimagining conventional sensibilities.
What has been your biggest professional risk?
Joining Boloni as chief operating officer and venturing into furniture fit-out has been my biggest professional risk. The challenge lay in overcoming the stigma surrounding Chinese brands; many still see true luxury as the domain of Italian or other Western names, and questioned whether Boloni could measure up, despite its extensive track record in high-end residential and hospitality projects that rival the best Italian producers.
Who do you turn to for advice and what’s the best advice you’ve received?
I turn to my life coach, who has guided me out of many spirals, for guidance. One piece of advice that’s stayed with me is, ‘be happy in what you do, and others will follow’. I live and breathe this motto. I aim to be at peace and happy in what I do every day.
What does success look like to you?
I believe success unfolds in stages. Being named one of Singapore’s 20 Under 45 Architects was an honour, but the journey continues, especially for a Singaporean architect striving for global recognition. That ambition pushes me to keep refining my design approach and exploring new possibilities. While I respect my clients’ needs, I’ve also learnt to trust my own design convictions. A clear sense of purpose, and the ability to communicate it, is something I continue to develop. To me, success now means aligning design, business, and communication in a way that creates lasting value. My most fulfilling projects are those where both my clients and I feel successful creatively, professionally, and financially.
What anchors you when you’re navigating uncertainty or failure?
I remind myself that there are clients who genuinely value what I do. My team, friends, and family, too, keep me grounded. I’m also learning to let go and trust the process.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?
I want to rethink how architectural practice operates. Traditionally, sponsors or developers sit at the top of the value chain, often overshadowing the role of architects. I hope to help rebalance this dynamic and better honour the value we bring. As firms become leaner and design start-ups emerge, there’s an opportunity to pool our skills and networks more collaboratively. By coming together, we can challenge the hierarchy, create greater value across the process, and still uphold the highest standards of design excellence.
Photography by Eugene Lee of Enfinite / Hair & Makeup by Sophia Soh of Suburbs Studio
