Part science and part art

ASK architect Yip Yuen Hong if he can now command a higher fee, since receiving his President's Design Awards - Designer of the Year accolade from President Tony Tan Keng Yam no less, the principal of ip:li Architects breaks into a laugh.

"I am surviving with the fee," he says. "With the accolades, I question what I need to do in terms of the work the firm has been producing so far. I hope for more social consciousness in our future work."

The accolades have come fast and furious since last year, culminating with the Designer of the Year award this year.