Darren Yio

Founder & Director – Archetype Studio

Darren Yio received his B.Arch. (Hons) from The University of Melbourne in 2007. Prior to the completion of his architecture degree, Darren also spent time studying at The Royal Academy of Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark. He later gained extensive experience working at MKPL Architects, SCDA Architects, and Ministry of Design, which exposed him to a wide spectrum of work, from master planning to architecture, as well as interior, landscape, and furniture design. 

His work during those years encompassed a range of global projects across Asia, Africa, and the United States, lending him a greater understanding of cultural and site nuances, which would go on to shape his current design philosophy. Once he had sufficient experience under his belt, he took the leap and founded Archetype Studio in 2018, with a commercial mall in the Republic of the Congo as the inaugural project. 

Previously a member of the organising committee for Archifest Singapore, Darren also serves as the external assessor for NAFA’s BA (Hons) ERD/ID programme. In his free time, he journeys around on photo shoots, documenting projects for noteworthy pictures, and has been conferred with an “Emerging Talent” Jury Award at EyeTime 2014, and two “Honourable Mention in Architecture” Awards at Chromatic Photography Awards 2017.