How I think sketching is an interative and innovative tool rather than a mechanical reflection of a ready-made vision.

Figure 1 (above) - Face-lift to an Existing Mall. Ink on tracing paper.
I chose this sketch because I felt that it had made the client excited. The curvilinear canopy was eventually done as a straight-line box for economic reason but the vocabulary remained the same. For me sketching has always been an iterative tool not a “presentation” method. I think through sketching!

Figure 2 - Schematic Proposal for a Community Centre. Markers/colored pencils on velum.
I chose this sketch because it felt like a deviation from my ink on paper technique. Materiality is not clear but only suggestive (the vaguer the more intriguing…). I tried a lower vantage point for this sketch to express “progression” toward the building.


Figure 3 - Schematic Proposal to a Retail Interior Alteration. Ink on printing paper, markers, pastel pencils, and collage.
I chose this sketch because it deals with interiors. Interiors are hard to “conceptualize”. I feel this sketch helps realize the potential of the space. I love designing interior spaces as I can deal directly with colors and textures.


Figure 4 - Imaginary Proposal - A Water Museum on a Lake – Ink on existing image from my iPhone.
I used a white out to erase part of the lake and burred it using Photoshop. I’ve always wanted to design a floating museum. It looks so heavy and grounded, yet so light and almost moving.


Figure 5 - Proposed Addition to Existing Arena. Markers (Prismacolor), pencil, ink, on paper.
This is a different technique as part of my growing attempt to explore more forms of expression. One of the key elements of a good sketch is that it should be suggestive. The sketch needs to allow the imagination of the client thrive and flourish. The purple is not part of the building but the suspended ceiling of the fully glazed sports club at the corner.



Figure 6 - Proposal of a New Strip Retail Addition. Ink/marker/colored pencils/white out pen, on technical SPA blueprint.
This is a more advanced sketch that shows a more concrete solution. For me, I always think that showing a proposal through a corner view is much better appreciated by the client.


Figure 7 – An Artwork. A scanned sketch blended with previous Photoshop painting.
I use the flimsy nature of the sketch with the heavy artistic expression of the oil. This sketch/painting was not drawn for client or to display but an attempt to leave the material world for a bit and travel beyond. It helps me recollect my focus and energize my creativity. In a way it’s also an exercise to sharpen my tools through experimentation.


Figure 8 - Older Sketch of the Colosus Movie Theatre Interiors - Vaughn ON. Ink on paper with crimson blue markers.
I used my fingers to blend the edges and create a melting feel (not sure why). This sketch was part of my 100 iterations to conceal the gigantic steel-trussed vertical supports of the colossus central space (the tickets booth area).