Speakeasy: Inside Architecture and Design Photography with Daniel Koh.
Seashore Library, Vector Architects, Photography by Daniel Koh.
Daniel Koh is a Singapore-based interior design and architectural photographer. Influenced by the beauty of natural light, shadows, lines and varying textures, his work showcases realism and design of the project - conveying the message of how different elements can coexist to create a unique visual experience. His instinctive, detail-led approach has made him the obvious choice for many of Rockett’s hospitality design project shoots, including Bedrock Origin, Kinki Bar & Restaurant and 67 Pall Mall Singapore, We caught up with Daniel to find out more about the talented and adventurous photographer behind the lens.
What kicked off your passion for photography? When did you first pick up a camera?
In 2015, life presented me with one of the many crossroads. In pursuit of personal and spiritual growth, I took inspiration from Christopher McCandless (‘Into the Wild’) and decided to take a leap of faith and have a go at living life on the road in the United States for three months. Inspired by the great outdoors, human stories and connection; I wanted to document this once- in-a-lifetime adventure. With the hopes of creating a travel book, I decided to pick up photography and also be a part of the Instagram community, where back then, I would think the digital platform landscape was different, more community-driven.
You specialise in Architectural & Interior Design photography - can you tell us more about what interests you about this sector, and why you think it suits your style of work?
The short answer to this question is that it’s the closest photography genre I can get to landscape and nature. Fundamentally, I think both photography genres share similar traits and photography approaches. I have quite an independent and individualistic character, so it bodes well when I can just be one with time and space together, this allows me to be in a meditative state of mind and ultimately enjoy what I’m doing.
Four Seasons Nobu Singapore, Photography by Daniel Koh.
There are a few underlying reasons why I chose to specialise in architectural & interior design photography. In 2017, I decided to pursue one of my other passions; woodworking. Thinking about it now, I'm sure it was a blessing in disguise that it did not work out! However, it brings me to the point about my appreciation of materials. From a young age, I always had an appreciation for good design. I think I can attribute it to playing ‘The Sims’ when I was a kid, my siblings and I used to compete on who could design the best house! I also purchased my first piece of furniture - an edge desk from Oregon US, when I was 18. Lastly, when the opportunity to photograph interior design projects was first presented to me, I decided to take it by the horn and focus on it. Over the years, after getting to know more about the design industry and people behind it, it reaffirms my passion for architecture, interiors, hospitality and good light!
Your work often takes you to amazing venues and locations, what are some of your most memorable shoots? Which project are you most proud of?
My most memorable photoshoot was in China. It was a breath of fresh air, besides photographing for Club Med, I had the opportunity to photograph the works of Neri & Hu, and Vector Architects, non-commissioned by the designers themselves.
Plat Asia Forest Dining Club, Photography by Daniel Koh.
The project that I’m most proud of is Chameleon Villa Bali. It has been featured on the cover of Architectural Digest Mexico, printed publications with Phaidon Press and Thames and Hudson. It holds especially close to my heart as it was one of my earliest projects that I’ve photographed back in 2017. I think I’d like to attribute this project and my stint in Bali photographing several villas to the start of my photography career. It’s been five years and I hope to continue for the years to come.
Chameleon Project, Photography by Daniel Koh.
Last year you worked on one of Rockett’s recent interior design projects, 67 Pall Mall Singapore. Can you tell us more about the project from your perspective - what were the main highlights and challenges of shooting that particular space?
Throughout the years of being a photographer, I realised that the design direction in Singapore follows a certain design model and style, so to experience the British flair incorporated into 67 Pall Mall Singapore’s scheme was refreshing. I've never been to the UK, so my only references are through movies or tv series. Because I knew how much potential this project had, it made me very excited about it! It’s not every week you get to work on a project of such scale and design, particularly in Singapore. To come across such an opportunity is truly a blessing! Many thanks to Geila for trusting me to photograph this project. The highlights are the intricacies, materiality and layering of the different elements coming together and the spatial flow to present this grandeur design. The challenge I faced was more on the external factor, sunlight. Through this interview - I think you can understand how obsessed I am with natural sunlight! Because of the location and trajectory of the sun's movement, we had a tight window of opportunity and time to photograph the space with the sunlight shining deep into the clubroom. The other challenge was... drumroll... the pieces of furniture are heavy!
67 Pall Mall Singapore, Photography by Daniel Koh.
What inspires you outside of work?
I feel both personal and work intertwine closely together. The simple pleasures of life can inspire oneself. And my connection will be the quality of light, blue skies and nature. Photography is very much like painting. When I first started photography, I had a conversation with a friend. Through that conversation, I learned, understood and acknowledged that light is one of the most critical aspects of photography. There is always a reference and comparison between photography and painting. Both formats share the same components - colour, composition, lighting and materiality. In some ways, through my work, you can always find light and shadow play in the photos.
Neri & Hu Art Center, Photography by Daniel Koh.
If we are talking about inspiration completely out of work, then I would like to share this quote from Christopher McCandless:
“The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of file comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence, there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty.” If you have not watched Into the Wild, I highly recommend you watch it.
What’s next for Daniel Koh photography?
Good question! To be honest, I do not have any short or long-term goals. I usually take it week by week, if not month by month. At the end of February, I will be embarking on my pilgrimage to Argentina to stay at a farm and ride horses, followed by sailing to Antarctica and across the South Atlantic Ocean to South Africa. If time permits, I hope to end this voyage with a safari experience in Sabi Sands, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park. If there is one goal I’ve always dreamed of, it is to photograph for Aman Resorts. In general, I want to travel and photograph international hospitality brands, architecture and interior design firms.
If Rockett Studio would like me to photograph a string of projects in the UK, please count me on board! That might spark another opportunity for another expedition, perhaps to Denmark, Norway, Svalbard, Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. I could possibly head to France and pluck grapes or…be in the countryside and ride horses!
Find out more about Daniel Koh: https://www.danielkoh.co/