Drawing at a young age gave Angelene Chan an appreciation for architecture and provided the impetus to propel her to the top of her profession.

Rising to prominence in Singapore and beyond, Angelene Chan’s career is marked by extraordinary milestones, creative achievement and heart-centred leadership. Today, as Executive Chairman of DP Architects (DPA), she continues to lead by example, earning deep respect across the global design community.

Born in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Chan traces her introduction to design to her uncle, a draftsman who encouraged her early curiosity and even allowed her to experiment with his drawing tools. It was here that her fascination with the line – and its ability to become something three-dimensional – first took hold.

Her talent was further nurtured at home. At just 12, Chan was given the opportunity to design her family’s new house, working directly with builders after school to bring her ideas to life. She still reflects on the confidence her parents placed in her, often crediting them as “the coolest parents”.

After secondary school, she pursued architecture at the University of Adelaide in Australia. A tutor who also worked at Woods Bagot recognised her potential and encouraged her to join the practice, and she moved to Canberra, where she began her career in the small seven-person studio. There, she gained hands-on experience across all aspects of design, collaboration and construction, supported by early mentors who shaped her approach to practice.

Following several years and projects including the Embassy of Spain, Chan moved to Singapore, where a pivotal career decision led her to join DP Architects. That decision marked the beginning of a 36-year journey with the practice.

Chan served as CEO of DP Architects from 2016 to 2021 and is now Executive Chairman, overseeing a practice of 1,000 employees across 16 offices. Alongside her leadership role, she remains actively engaged in design and mentorship. contributing to projects such as Therme Singapore and guiding emerging architects within the studio.

Her portfolio spans landmark international projects including Dubai Mall, Wisma Atria, 6 Battery Road and The Standard, Singapore, alongside global work in London, Seoul and beyond. She is also deeply committed to pro bono work, most notably the Bonnevaux Centre for Peace in France, an adaptive reuse of a 12th-century abbey into a place of retreat and reflection.

Chan’s work has been widely recognised, including multiple Presidents Design Awards (P*DA), P*DA Designer of the Year, Her World Woman of the Year, and the inaugural AWiCS–SIA Woman Architect of the Year award, among others.

She describes architecture as a collaborative act: “Architecture is never the work of one ego. It is the result of many minds, many hands, and a shared vision coming together.” That belief underpins both her leadership and legacy. As a 2026 INDE.Awards Luminary, Chan stands as a leading figure in contemporary architecture – demonstrating how vision, generosity and collaboration can shape the built environment at the highest level.

The Luminary category at the 2026 INDE.Awards is proudly partnered by Woven Image.

Photography by various.