Designing with heart

By BCA

Skyscrapers, malls and expressways that dot our cityscape are a labour of love of designers and architects who create structures for people to live and play. They work with engineers, builders and other specialists of the built environment to make projects possible. Here, a young designer and an architect share what inspires them in their career.

Sri Saravanan, 34
Senior Designer, FARM Architects
Built Environment Future Leaders Network

Mr Sri Saravanan, a self-professed late bloomer who has found his niche in architecture.

“When I was studying interior design at the Singapore Polytechnic, one of my lecturers suggested that I apply for architectural studies in the university. I was doing well in interior design, but Dr Faris Akbar Hajamaideen inspired me to do something I hadn’t really thought about. Well, I’m glad we talked because I’ve not looked back since.

I enjoy the human aspect of architecture. I like the challenge of making a space or structure functional for the people who will use it, before thinking about how to make it pretty. Being a designer and architect requires you to be analytical, besides having the gumption to persevere through projects that typically go on for years.

As a young architect in 2013, I remembered how daunting it was to work on the North-South corridor. It wasn’t easy to coordinate the many different work streams. I learnt so much, such as understanding the technicalities surrounding ventilation of the expressway, electrical issues, regulations, and how I should design to minimise the negative impact of the project on nature and the community.

I’m now studying for professional exams that will qualify me as an architect. I hope to sit for them in late 2020. This is important to me as I take the next step in my career. I’ve found the past few years to be totally fulfilling. It’s been a lot of hard work, but the journey is meaningful. I can’t see myself doing anything else. What more can you ask for if what you do helps people live better?”

Konnie Kao, 32
Senior Architect at RSP Architects Planners & Engineers
Built Environment Young Leaders Programme

Ar Konnie Kao finds a career in architecture fulfilling as it enables her to positively influence peoples’ lives through her work.

“I’ve always enjoyed art and was in the Art Elective Programme in junior college. After my ‘A’ Levels, I was contemplating what to do and because of my love for art, I dived into architectural studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS). At first, my parents were not thrilled as they were concerned about long working hours that architects keep. Thankfully, I didn’t heed their advice. Soon after I started my studies, I fell in love with architecture. I was fascinated with its impact on people’s lives. More than that, architecture is also about helping people create memories.

I’ve worked predominantly on commercial and institutional projects since I graduated. Before the start of a project, my team and I would need to understand how our clients plan to use the space and what they would like to achieve for their business and future occupants. We also analyse the site to understand its potential and pitfalls and look at it critically to see how the new project can appeal and benefit the community.

An example is the redevelopment of Funan that I worked on between 2016 and 2019. We transformed a mall, better known for IT products, into a mixed development that is now home to an urban farm, eateries, shops, co-working and co-living spaces and even a kinetic wall. In fact, it is more than a mall. It has provided the community with a new experience of retail, work and recreation. We’re now working on the third phase of the project, where we’ll add an underground pedestrian walkway for a sheltered connection to City Hall MRT Station.

That said, being an architect isn’t a walk in the park. Projects span anything from three to five years. You’ve got to persevere. People may quit because of long hours and timelines. Others may be disappointed because they’ve slogged to produce great designs, only to see them being rejected, or shelved indefinitely due to clients’ financial challenges or otherwise. I love what I do, so that isn’t a problem.

My advice to young people who are considering a career in architecture: Go for it if you enjoy creating, solving problems and are up for challenges. For me, it’s truly rewarding to see something that I’ve worked on come to life.”

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