Red Bean Architects takes its name from a grain common in Asian cuisine. It is rich in taste, complex in form, non-hierarchical in its structure, and permeates Asian culture in its many derivatives.  As a metaphor on many levels it is an inspiration to seek the yet-to-be.
Red Bean Architects was founded in May 2009 by Teo Yee Chin.  He obtained his Master of Architecture from Harvard University, Graduate School of Design.
Prior to setting up Red Bean, Teo had practised with various large and small offices in Singapore completing residential, commercial and institutional projects. He writes regularly and has contributed critical essays to journals and the national paper. He is currently a visiting critic at the School of Architecture, National University of Singapore.
The ambition of the practice is to influence the parameters within which design occurs, rather than to design within given parameters. The practice recognises that physical parameters (the city) and cultural-economic parameters (the program) are inextricably linked with the architecture. Good intentions produce worthy buildings.
As a means of participating in this discourse, the practice has a predilection toward public and institutional projects, as opposed to speculative projects geared directly towards profit.
The practice produces quality buildings by placing emphasis on each of the major stages of the architectural process. It places importance on concept design in terms of good and uncommon ideas. There is deep conviction in rigorously following these ideas through to well-constructed buildings. This translates to discovering clear systems of building and material assemblies, to well-resolved construction methods and thorough documentation.
Thought and Craft are essential in any work of art and cannot be set apart. In the same way, Passion and Professionalism will guide what the practice delivers.