ar ∙ chi ∙ tect FNBE February 2014

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“Passion is KEY.” Ar. Lim Teng Ngiom

What do ARCHITECTS do?

BEING an ARCHITECT

What is an ar ∙ chi ∙ tect? a person who designs buildings and in many cases also supervises their construction

Architects work in the construction industry and are involved from inception to completion of a building project, either on new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings or advising on restoration and conservation of old properties.

Building is a long process that could get messy. Architects look out for their clients’ interests and smoothens the construction process which helps save time.

1 leader and coordinator of a building team made up of construction professionals (engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders and subcontractors)

2 creates total environments (both exterior & interior) that are functional and aesthetically pleasing to work and live in

3 constructs well-designed projects to help reduce costs & keep to financial budgets

4 works with clients to ensure projected designs match their needs, meet practicality and get the most from their investment

5 develops design ideas through producing detailed workings, drawings and specifications

TOP 10 ROLES of an ar ∙ chi ∙ tect

What do ar ∙ chi ∙ tect s do?

6 develops creative solutions to problems and issues that arise during construction

7 prepares applications for planning and building control departments

8 prepares contracts and documents for tender applications

9 ensures buildings’ sustainability and impact within the local environment is managed

10 ensures that projects are carried out to specific standards and requirements so that they run smoothly and able to adapt with changing needs in the future

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Architecture: Aptitude for Arts

FEATURE STORY

Ar. Lim Teng Ngiom, aged 59, of Ngiom Partnership has been in the construction industry with almost 30 years of experience, as a renowned professional architect, author and lecturer.

It is a very involving profession, very intense and very demanding.

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Ar. LIM TENG NGIOM

NGIOM PARTNERSHIP, KUALA LUMPUR established 1989

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree North London University

Master’s Degree University of Malaya

Doctoral Degree Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

PUBLISHED WORKS

ᴥ 80 Years of Architecture in Malaysia (2001)

ᴥ Recent Malaysian Architecture (2007)

ᴥ Critical Meanings in Architecture (2009)

ᴥ Shapers of Modern Malaysia – The Lives and Works of the PAM Gold Medalists (2010)

ᴥ Penang Transitions: Marking Georgetown and Rifle Range Renewal Competitions (2011)

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

LIM TENG NGIOM, one of Malaysia’s best known architects and architectural critics, talks exclusively about his thoughts and view on architecture.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN ARCHITECT?

The decision to be an architect has something to do with your aptitude. So in my case, it was the aptitude of having an interest, specifically for arts and being quite conversant with the science as well. Initially, it was based on the attraction towards artistic path of architecture. The science is used as a means to enable the art to be realized, so I see architecture in that manner.

DO YOU EXPLORE OR TRAVEL A LOT? I do. It’s actually perpetual discovery in architecture, not only buildings but also other areas like the arts and design .You have to be continuously observing in architecture. You can never stop because there are always new things coming up for you to learn.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET NEW PROJECTS?

Depends, sometimes it’s quite frequent, sometimes you have to wait.

HAVE YOU LOST A PROJECT BEFORE?

Yes, for projects that we don’t want to go into because we’re not very comfortable with them. Architects can do any projects, but sometimes a client can be unreasonable or it’s a bit dangerous. So it’s ultimately your choice, really.

ARE THERE ANY COMPETITION FROM OTHER FIRMS FOR PROJECTS? Usually, there is, yes. But it depends on the practice as well. Some don’t really want to compete, so they don’t bother.

HOW DO YOU SAY “YES” OR “NO” TO CLIENTS?

For us, we are quite clear with what we are doing. If something is wrong, we will tell the client and normally they accept it. I know there are practices which struggle with that. In my opinion, that is not very good because it doesn’t matter if you lose a project, at least you don’t get yourself into trouble. You may come across forceful clients, especially big corporates. But you have to say no when something’s wrong. One has to be able to do that and surprisingly, many clients will respect that . In fact, they respect you less if you say yes all the time. If the architect is able to respond as a professional, clients will respect that.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE STRESS AND WORKLOAD? I think you just have to get used to it, that’s all I can say.

WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR OWN FIRM, IS IT NECESSARY FOR YOU TO COME IN TO OFFICE EVERYDAY OR CAN YOU WORK FROM HOME?

I come in seven days a week. I don’t believe in working from home. It’s either work or social. I don’t think you can mix it. I know people say that with the internet age, you can work from home, but I don’t believe in that at all because you can’t concentrate.

HAVING BEEN IN THIS PROFESSION FOR MANY YEARS, HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR IDEAS FRESH?

As long as you’re learning, and prepared to be open to ideas then you would always have fresh ones. Don’t close your mind off and be prepared to learn all the time. For most creative people, they don’t like to stay in the same place, mentally. They want to explore further all the time. I supposed this is why being an architect, they have the good part in the way that they’re always challenging themselves.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE ARCHITECTURE FIELD? It is not easy and I think you have a hint of that already.

WHAT IS YOUR PERCEPTION OF ARCHITECTS WHO CAN OR CANNOT DRAW?

It is an advantage for those who can draw but I know of many architects, famous ones, who can’t draw but they are able to visualize to overcome their flaws. They train themselves to draw but it takes time over the years. It is a skill which can be learned, you just have to practice. Whenever you have the chance, keep drawing. The human brain is very flexible to learn. People sometimes have the ability to draw but they just lack the exposure or confidence.

You have to continue developing yourself. It is a continuous learning process, especially in architecture. There is always something new everyday.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WOMEN BEING THIS PROFESSION?

I think it’s fine. During my time hardly any girls were doing architecture but now I notice there’s quite a lot. In those days, it’s not a profession for women because you go to site and deal with very rough contractors, but now the environment has changed somewhat.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE OR LAST WORDS?

Having the passion is a good start. It’s a very demanding field, so you have to be quite tough. Communication is not just verbal but also visual. You have to expect the ups and downs. Sometimes you want to explore more but you can’t and that can be quite frustrating.

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Address D30, 3rd Floor, Block D Plaza Pekeliling Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Telephone number Fax number +603-40434833 +603-40413833 E-mail Website ngiom@ngiom.com www.ngiom.com

Ngiom Partnership, with only six staffs currently, has won many awards and Ar. Lim Teng Ngiom’s works have been featured extensively in international publications.

HONOURS & AWARDS BHP Award for Industrial Buildings - First Prize (1996) PAM Award for Residential Buildings - Mention (2004) PAM Award for Interior Design - Honourable Mention (2004) Steel Award for Residential Buildings - Winner (2005) PAM Award for Residential Buildings - Honourable Mention (2008) SELECTED PROJECTS HOUSE X1, SIERRAMAS, Sungai Buloh, Selangor

HOUSE X2, SIERRAMAS, Sungai Buloh, Selangor

HOUSE 181, SIERRAMAS, Sungai Buloh, Selangor

Ngiom Partnership is a creative architectural

practice based on design, research and

innovation. All their projects are led by

context and function, with a belief that

design in architecture emerges out of

ordinary and creative thinking, thus creating

originality to avoid repeating well-work ideas.

The practice also works closely with its

clients and associates to achieve its collective

goal.

Clockwise from right; House 181 Sierramas, House x1 Sierramas & House x2 Sierramas

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