27-year-old Raphael Yee is using AI to revolutionise Singapore’s home design industry

Fresh out of school in May 2024 and already turning heads in the real estate industry, Raphael Yee, a co-founder and the chief executive officer of Homu and Renderspace, is set on transforming how homes are visualised and designed in Singapore. 

Homu was born from a simple yet innovative idea: using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to reimagine how homes are designed. As Yee and his team of recent computer science graduates explored the potential of generative design, they realised that recent advancements in AI could produce visually compelling designs that rival traditional methods.

Generative design has been used by architects for years," explains the Singapore University of Technology and Design graduate. "But it was often limited to basic parametric applications. Recent AI developments allowed us to push beyond those limitations.

The goal for Homu was clear: to offer a fresh approach to interior design that could break the monotony of Singaporean homes. Yet, despite the promising technology, the group quickly encountered resistance from designers who were hesitant to embrace AI. "There was a natural concern about being replaced," Yee recalls. "It took months of open conversations with design studios to show them that AI wasn’t a replacement but a tool to enhance creativity — much like Photoshop or Canva."

Reaching a breakthrough

One of the pivotal moments for Homu came when they adjusted their AI models to address early criticisms. Feedback indicated that some designs were overly intricate, even altering key architectural elements like interior walls. 

Yee, 27, and his team made a crucial adjustment to their software, ensuring that windows and other critical elements were preserved. "This subtle change had a significant impact," he shares. "It helped our designs feel more grounded in reality and enhanced their overall perception."

This breakthrough gained the support of interior designers and increased interest from homeowners who appreciated the balance between innovative AI-driven design and practical, liveable spaces.

Expanding beyond interior design

While Homu began to find its footing in the interior design world, another opportunity presented itself: real estate visualisation. Yee says Renderspace came about almost accidentally “(emerging) from a personal connection and practical need.”

His mother, a property agent, asked if the AI developed for Homu could help potential buyers visualise homes during sales. "We quickly realised that our AI had broader applications beyond just interior design."

Since then, Renderspace has emerged as a key player in the business-to-business (B2B) market, offering property agents AI-powered tools to help buyers explore a space's full potential through design. 

Today, both entities are gaining traction, but Yee notes the significant differences between serving individual clients through Homu and catering to larger businesses with Renderspace: "For individual consumers, the human touch is crucial, but for businesses, the priority is efficiency and scalability."

A strategic shift and a bright future

Over time, it became clear that while Homu’s original vision centred on the business-to-consumer market, its strength lay in the B2B space. "We’ve gradually pivoted away from Homu’s consumer focus toward developing Renderspace," Yee admits. The shift allowed his team to concentrate on enhancing their AI models, refining their technology, and meeting the specific needs of business clients.

As Homu and Renderspace expand, Yee anticipates further growth for Renderspace, with increased integration between the two brands. Although they serve different markets, both will continue to rely on advanced AI technology, bringing new developments to Singapore’s real estate sector. 

"We see potential for more crossover between the two platforms, especially in how our AI solutions can be customised to meet the needs of individual consumers and larger businesses," he concludes.