About Us
Philosophy
Seoul · Established 1995
We believe architecture can inspire people and improve everyday life. Since 1995, SKM Architects has pursued this ambition through sustained curiosity, careful work and a shared commitment to the value of space.
Architecture is a collective effort. Open dialogue between clients, consultants, contractors and our team carries a shared design intention through every stage of a project.
Design process
We study the character of a place and the ways people use it, exploring spatial possibilities through drawings and physical models. Shared critique and repeated testing give each design greater clarity.
Read the place
We examine the site, its surroundings, the programme and the movement of people to establish a starting point.
Test the space
Sketches, drawings and models help us compare and refine proportion, circulation and light.
Follow through
We study material junctions and construction conditions to carry the design intent through to the details.
Principal Architect
Ken Sungjin Min
민성진Founder · Principal Architect
Ken Sungjin Min received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and a Master in Urban Design from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He founded SKM Architects in 1995.
Ken Sungjin Min pursues what he describes as an “elegant architecture of verbs,” transforming the ordinary into extraordinary sensory experiences. Grounded in philosophical reflections on materiality and phenomena, his work explores the dynamic relationships between people, place, nature, and time. Drawing upon a rich spectrum of cultural experiences, his architectural perspective extends into a nuanced urban approach that carefully interprets the narratives embedded within places and weaves together the trajectories of time.
Under his leadership, SKM Architects has evolved into an intellectual community of architects, designers, and urban researchers dedicated to advancing human culture through refined design and technical excellence. The practice is committed to realizing an “architecture of time,” creating meaningful environments that endure beyond their physical form and resonate across generations.
Career & education
- 1995 —
- Founder · Principal ArchitectSKM Architects, Seoul
- 1993
- Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD)Harvard University · Graduate School of Design
- 1989
- Bachelor of ArchitectureUniversity of Southern California · School of Architecture
- AIA
- American Institute of ArchitectsMember
Awards & competitions10
- 2018
- Osiria Tourism Complex · Eco-friendly Resorts 1 & 2Design proposal for the development competition · 1st Prize
- 2017
- Ananti Cove · Hilton Hotel Haeundae + Ananti Penthouse HaeundaeBusan International Architectural Culture Festival · Grand Prize
- 2009
- Kumgang Ananti Golf & Hot Spring ResortKorea Wood Design Awards, completed buildings · Grand Prize (Minister of Agriculture Award)
- 2009
- Ananti Namhae · Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa ResortSouth Korea’s Best Resort Award
- 2007
- GS Xi GalleryGood Design Awards · Grand Prize (Presidential Prize)
- 2007
- Ananti Namhae · Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa ResortBest Space Design Award · Grand Prize
- 2007
- Anmyeon Island NewtownMasterplan competition · 1st Prize
- 1999
- Soongsil University · Hyungnam Engineering BuildingDesign competition · 1st Prize
- 1999
- Opus BuildingKorea Institute of Architects (KIA) Award
- 1994
- Busan Danggam ApartmentsKorean government design competition · 1st Prize
Profile and career records · CV revised 2 April 2025