This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on January 15, 2024 - January 21, 2024

In the final instalment of a two-part series, we continue to hear from some of the nation’s next-generation architects on how their work can play an important role 
in shaping the future of the built environment, their hopes for the industry and their design thought process. They each also showcase a completed project that 
best represents their work as an architect.

Architecture to me has the ability to change our lives if done well. As an architect, we must have empathy because we have the power in our hands to create wonderful spaces to be enjoyed by the community. It’s the power to make or break. Architects go through an exhilarating design process of ideation to creation. From zero to masterpiece. Architects are visionaries! The journey is exciting yet extremely challenging. It’s not a career for the faint-hearted but the complexity itself is what draws me. I am inspired that beautifully designed buildings are impactful and become a tangible legacy to inspire generations to come.
My design approach is to be honest, humble and respectful to the site. Always understand the site conditions, sense of place and design brief and empathise with the target users. I choose to solve existing problems first before dreaming of a form or imposing a concept onto the project. Growing up in a kampung, being frugal was our family’s life principle — reuse whenever we can. Hence, in my architecture, I prefer humble forms that are easy to build and always respect existing elements on site. Our designs focus on efficiency, functionality and cost-effectiveness.
One of my most notable projects is the Penang Harmony Centre, which was repurposed from an existing timber bungalow, formerly known as Wickham Lodge. The design and intervention approach of Penang Harmony Centre embraces values close to my heart. Be humble yet confident. Be frugal yet creative. Be simple yet stylish. The project celebrates greatness in simplicity, honesty in materiality and harmony in diversity. We worked very hard to bring natural lighting into the interiors as a passive effort to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Despite the tight budget, we accomplished an impactful transformation of the old building into an inspiring place for the community to gather and celebrate unity in our multicultural society. Today, we’re delighted to see how the community building has become an engaging space for cultural events, visits, training, celebrations and awareness talks.
Moving forward, I hope to inspire greater appreciation of the value of the adaptive reuse approach for old buildings. We are not talking just about heritage buildings that are mandated by law to be conserved. Large, old and vacant warehouse buildings, airports, stadiums, schools or any abandoned public buildings will always have the potential to be given a second lease of life. Wherever possible, the idea is to build less and repurpose more.
My wish is to see more buildings designed with empathy and care for the community. Newly designed buildings should be a delight to the eyes, soul and spirit of every user. It is not all just about revenue-making or scoring points. Every building design should be versatile and adaptable to last several spans of different building usage. Spaces designed should bring meaning and positive change. Architects are also frequently undervalued for the impact we bring to the built environment. Yet, I remain positive that with collective effort, our architectural fraternity will see an elevated level of appreciation. I look forward to an increased level of design quality, thoughtfulness and innovative approaches to be environmentally impactful.

I have been fascinated by buildings since I was seven. I still remember vividly how I would just sit and play with toy blocks with imaginary characters using the spaces for hours.
When I told my parents — who were running a Chinese medicine business at that time — that I wanted to be an architect, they did not have a clue of what that was but supported me nonetheless. I then chose the UK to further my studies. With much passion and dedication over the years, I graduated from The Bartlett,  University College London, on the prestigious BDP (Building Design Partnership) Scholarship.
Having my early years of working at Foster + Partners in the UK, I am a strong advocate for sustainable architecture. My company Kuee Architecture’s slogan is “Crafting exquisite buildings which do not cost the earth”.
While it had meant green and environmentally friendly initially, sustainability now also incorporates the concept of inclusion and resilience. Not only should the buildings we design respond to the diverse needs of individuals, they should also be able to endure and adapt to challenges and stress over time.
We have always been trying our best to deliver sustainable buildings that are aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound. We believe that green buildings can look good and serve their purposes at the same time.
1 Lasam is a project that has summed up all my experiences and visions for architecture for nearly two decades in this industry. In 2012, Bonanza Venture Holdings chairman Datuk Lim Si Boon had a vision to build the first ever Green Building Index Platinum building in Perak. Measuring about 30,000 sq ft with five storeys, the V-shaped initially planned office block with spaces designed flexibly later turned into a complementary museum, galleries, co-working space and gathering space for non-governmental organisations.
We painstakingly went through many challenges over the years and finally completed the building in early 2022 — about 10 years later.
In terms of geometry, the bold V-shaped box-in-box massing was lifted up by a dramatic V-shaped column, which allows for pedestrian and vehicle circulation underneath. These massing also elevated the users’ views of higher levels overlooking the green spaces opposite.
With the neighbouring army camp, many restrictions in building design were imposed. The west-facing facade installed with carefully layered louvres not only eliminated direct views of the camp, but also allowed gentle light to penetrate through into the interior spaces.
A courtyard carved in the centre of the building was able to allow more daylighting into the office spaces. Nako windows installed at high levels of all office spaces encouraged natural cross and stack ventilation through the central courtyard, so that no air conditioning would be required on a cool day.
Materials were selected carefully to reflect the client’s intention to keep the building as “raw” as possible, using entirely locally sourced materials. Bare concrete produced with lpoh’s limestone, coupled with locally crafted artisan red bricks applied with waterproofing solution, were used. Leftover pieces of marble slabs from local quarries were turned into shelves in the library. All furniture in the building were repurposed from old items from different sources. Not a single drop of paint was used in the entire building so as to reduce exposure to paint chemicals and maintenance cost in the long run.
1 Lasam was one of the boldest new additions to Ipoh’s low-profile skyline. Its head-turning architecture has attracted interests from professionals and the public as a welcoming sustainability sharing platform since its completion. Its impact, we believe, should continue for many years to come.
There are many seniors before me who have made substantial contributions to the architecture scene in Malaysia all these years. I would not have the courage to even claim to have a position to transform the industry. But I do hope that my persistence and passion in sustainability can be continuously demonstrated through my work to create a certain impact. Coupled with the sustainability momentum in the construction industry, we can all design consciously and help save the world from global warming threats, ultimately making the world a better place for everyone.
Recently, Kuee Architecture has started working towards achieving net-zero carbon for some projects by considering both embodied carbon and operational carbon in all our design aspects. Our ultimate goal is to design net-zero carbon and beyond.
I hope that more architects will join the league in building more responsibly by incorporating sustainable elements such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals into our design, so collectively we could all work together to reduce carbon emitted from the building industry to a much greater extent.

When I was a teenager, I loved to serve on the decorating and designing committee for events. Or perhaps my interest started even earlier when I was just a young kid. When my friend brought over a Barbie House equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms, I had enjoyed setting up the spaces because I got to plan and discuss spaces together — Where does the bed go? Should we go for the bedroom by the pool or enjoy a bath next to the garden?
Later on, my sister and I started drawing imaginary spaces in our flip books where we could put our paper humans into a little slot for a pool like they’re dipping in the pool. And in later years, The Sims took over my life.
For my design approach, pragmatically, I would embark on a series of radical questions, research context and precedence before we land on a thesis for the project, and create a mass model to put the thesis to a series of test and planning strategies offering different solutions to the problem. A favourite book of mine is by Foreign Office Architects’ (FOA) Farshid Mousavvi that taught me the many ways to manipulate form in the most basic articulation of forms.
You will always learn from the failure of one model/theory and move on to another, honing and sharpening the design theory and intention with each pass. And somewhere in multitudes of tests, we find a solution to the problem and that becomes the primary determination of a concept that is unique and narrative to every brief while respecting the primacy of context.
But architecture transcends pragmatism; it cultivates and fosters the intangible relationship between the user and their context in a relentless but most unobtrusive way. Maybe the key aspect in design was economy but we may not always be the most sensible people.
Personally, I dwell a lot on the experience I want to feel when I am in the building.
A project that best represents my work as an architect is Union Suites in Bandar Sunway, a SoHo project with a sales gallery beside it. I worked on this project when I was with STA Architects, where we had the task of unlocking a mixture of units while capitalising the extraordinary views among the surrounding high-rise context.
Union Suites encapsulates the gist of urban living — high density and high efficiency with the mantra “Work+Live+Play” in a small footprint. To maximise the views linearly, the tower displaces at the core to maximise “corner” views and to achieve maximum length in the constraint footprint of the site area.
Architecture and cities could be abstract art or scientific manifestations, but overall it is a very real setting where life unfolds and evolves. A city is an organism that is alive and growing; therefore, it serves to inculcate, be conducive and, more importantly, be an extension of our lives and collective ideas.
As designers, our buildings always tell a story — the story of its people and its generation. I wish to tell the story of our generation too with architecture that transcends space and time. I think we are at the crucible of challenge where the ideology of space in this age is being challenged, and providing solutions for quality but small living are deemed apt for this generation. And especially in the light of achieving a low carbon footprint living, perhaps with recyclable building materials, we could finally find the missing loop that is a part of the circular economy.
As the industry grows and transforms, automata design and end-of-life of building are probably some of the theses I would like to explore on the forefront, and which are critical to my design thinking process.
There is a missing link in consumerism that is propelled by the steady upstream of the online economy; the sheer amount of material it produces takes an equal amount of energy to convert into something else. The problem is recycled material has little use other than making arts and crafts, until we incorporate it into building materials. It is not a new idea but where human activities have predominantly influenced and caused a negative impact on Earth (climate change, pollution and depletion of natural resources), then the art of design becomes a balancing act of preserving nature and creating a built environment with caution, conscience and consciousness.

I hail from the quaint fishing village of Pontian Kechil in Johor, where my upbringing transpired within a modest family engaged in the food hawking business. Growing up, I was untouched by experiences common in urban settings, such as shopping malls and fast-food establishments, or encounters with towering structures. The aspirations of those around me predominantly leaned towards traditional professions like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or law, with architecture or design remaining notably absent from the discourse.
The urge to diverge from the norm and contribute meaningfully to my hometown burgeoned as I matured. Consequently, I was driven to become one of the inaugural architects from Pontian, endeavouring to reshape the urban landscape and character of where I come from.
My ambition is to introduce innovative elements while meticulously preserving the cultural essence of the fishing village, thus charting a distinctive path in architectural and design endeavours. In the near future, I aspire to realise one of my dreams by showcasing the beauty of my hometown through my architectural designs. This endeavour will not only be a personal achievement but also an opportunity to convey the inherent charm of my roots to my parents, family, friends and the wider world.
My design philosophy — inspired to inspire — forms the foundation of my approach, emphasising the profound meaning and story embedded in each building from its users, clients and occupants.
To transform these stories into architectural expressions, I prioritise a client-centric methodology, meticulously examining their requirements, lifestyle and needs. This thorough process ensures the resulting structure aligns with the client’s vision and purpose.
Moreover, I extend this attention to the site, recognising its dynamic potential to enhance the project. By listening to the site’s nuances, I identify opportunities to amplify the design’s impact and value. This holistic approach, encompassing the client’s aspirations and site dynamics, results in designs that not only meet functional requirements but also serve as inspirations, weaving a narrative beyond mere physical structures.
The SkyBlox Co-Living Housing project in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur stands as a groundbreaking achievement, being the first prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) co-living housing in Malaysia. This innovative and sustainable solution tackles urban housing challenges through the incorporation of prefabricated reinforced concrete units, modular design principles and the strategic integration of common spaces. The outcome is a model that not only caters to urban residents’ needs but also establishes itself as a vibrant temporary living landmark.
The use of prefabricated units allows for rapid assembly and disassembly, enabling flexible land use in various locations, addressing connectivity issues and revitalising urban areas. Beyond functionality, the project prioritises comfort and emotional well-being, creating sensory experiences in living spaces. With a focus on sustainability and minimising environmental impact, the development introduces the concept of “The Nature”, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas. This commitment to innovation and thoughtful design reflects a dedication to advancing the standards of urban living.
Forward-thinking is crucial for catalysing transformation within our industry. Take, for instance, our SkyBlox project, which is positioned as an exemplary model for forthcoming urban development initiatives. This project highlights the crucial roles of adaptability and community integration in shaping the built environment, asserting architecture’s pivotal role in community development and national progress. Every innovative step, down to the smallest detail, in our projects signifies a glimpse into the future of sustainable housing solutions, contributing significantly to enhancing the nation’s urban fabric and lifestyle.
Through innovative and sustainable design, we aim to set new standards that prioritise functionality, environmental consciousness and aesthetic appeal. By incorporating these principles into architectural projects, we aspire to inspire a shift towards more thoughtful and responsible design practices within the industry. Furthermore, our commitment to creating spaces that harmonise with their surroundings and address contemporary challenges positions our designs as agents of positive change, contributing to the evolution and advancement of the architecture sector in the country.
My aspirations for the architecture industry in Malaysia centre on three key pillars. First, there is a desire for increased collaboration and innovation, fostering a dynamic environment where professionals collectively address emerging challenges, leading to cutting-edge solutions and elevated project quality.
Second, a call for diversity and inclusivity aims to provide opportunities for emerging talents, creating a rich tapestry of design perspectives that reflect Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
Finally, an anticipation for the integration of technology into architectural processes is highlighted, promising streamlined workflows, enhanced precision and new avenues for creative expression. As we advance into the future, it is imperative to concurrently uphold our cultural and historical heritage, ensuring their preservation and integration into contemporary practices.
In essence, the overarching vision is for sustainability, collaboration, inclusivity and technological advancement to collectively contribute to a resilient, innovative and culturally rich built environment in Malaysia.

My journey into architecture had been driven by a passion for drawing and creativity since I was a child. I’m deeply thankful to my eldest sister who encouraged and motivated me along the way to pursue my dream, and pointed me to architecture when I was choosing a university course.
One important milestone in my architectural journey was the guidance and mentorship of the late Jak (Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman), my university lecturer. His selfless teaching and passion for design played an important role in shaping my foundational understanding of architecture. Jak’s influence not only built a strong base for my career but also opened my eyes to the profound impact that architecture can have on shaping environments and living spaces.
I view each project as a unique opportunity to provide an extraordinary experience for users, and every project as a chance to bring forth the best and most sustainable solutions to deliver products that surpass expectations.
My design approach involves examining the unique aspects of each project meticulously from conception to completion to unlock its full potential through sustainable and innovative solutions and, at the same time, prioritising the client’s needs. This intentional focus ensures architecturally sound designs that resonate with the people using the spaces.
A project that encapsulates my architectural philosophy is Rackson House, located in Jalan Bagan Jermal in George Town, Penang.
This refurbishment project had involved transforming an existing old building into a corporate house, introducing a new multi-purpose annex hall, and rejuvenating both internal and external spaces. Rackson House is a testament to the harmonious integration of old and new. The project preserves the character of the existing building while seamlessly incorporating contemporary elements. The juxtaposition of transparency and texture creates a unique blend, revealing the narrative between the old and the new.
This project serves as a showcase of my commitment to preserving heritage while infusing modern design elements. Despite being a small-scale project, Rackson House exemplifies my approach on leveraging the potential of the existing site and building to create a sustainable and distinctive architectural expression.
My design philosophy is rooted in the principle of simplicity, functionality and resource conservation, aiming to redefine the architecture industry in our country. By embracing the principle of simplicity, my designs embody elegance and purpose, creating structures that harmonise with their surroundings.
Functionality takes centre stage as I focus on enhancing the occupants’ lifestyle through spaces tailored to specific activities. This human-centric approach not only respects the site context but also results in quality spaces that offer a heightened living experience.
Crucially, my commitment to resource conservation shapes every design decision. Integrating eco-friendly elements and leveraging the natural attributes of each site, I advocate for sustainable practices, contributing to a more environmentally responsible architecture industry.
My vision for the industry focuses on the hope to enhance architectural excellence of the built environment in Malaysia. I envision a landscape adorned with aesthetically pleasing, functional and innovative buildings.
To cultivate an industry that embraces diverse ideas, fostering creativity and innovation, as honorary secretary of Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Northern Chapter, I actively participate in society activities such as organising events, forums, knowledge-sharing sessions and discussion with stakeholders of the built environment, including the local authorities, developers and builders.
I also hope to see more diversity and fresh ideas in the architecture industry. It would be great if there are more women in the industry, which brings different perspectives. Also, I wish for architects to think more about the environment and create spaces that are good for both people and the planet. I believe we can make our cities and buildings better places for everyone to enjoy.

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