Profession: Urban Designer
City: Cambridge
Country: United Kingdom

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
I first became interested in the subject of architecture when my mum bought me a small Lego set over 40 years ago. I was amazed by the possibility which the small pieces of plastic bricks can bring to create a wide range of toy buildings and structures in various forms and colours.

I was glad that my childhood dream of studying architecture was realised in 1997, when I got an offer from Oxford Brookes University to study for an BA (Hons) in Architecture in the UK. During my undergraduate years, I was introduced to an array of architectural styles in an international context. I am particularly interested in the concept of deconstructivism and I very much enjoy the works by Rem Koolhaas. Following the successful completion of my undergraduate degree and RIBA Part 1, I did a Year-Out at Oxford Architects LLP where I developed my CAD and design skills in a commercial context. I then returned to Oxford Brookes University to further my study. In 2003, I received my Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture and RIBA Part 2.

Part of my journey about studying and practising architecture is about finding what matters to me as I progress in my life. Architecture is one of the best education one can have: it has provided me with the opportunity to think rationally but also creatively. It encouraged me to look at things in detailed but also examine things from different angles and from a wider perspective. Through studying architecture, it had opened up to the possibilities of pursuing other relevant built environment subjects, such as urban design, public art and community engagement. This has led to my current role as an Urban Design and Youth Engagement Practitioner working in the public sector, which provides me with the platform to examine architecture through my own professional experience and through the eyes of our youth community.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
It was I. M. Pei who inspired me to study architecture.

His Bank of China building in my home city Hong Kong has changed the skyline since its completion in 1989. I am impressed by Pei’s creativity in dealing with the site constraints. limited budget, and the unusually high structural demands in relation to wind load requirements.

I drew the Bank of China building for my university interview and my tutors were impressed by Pei’s geometry and my use of water colours to convey the materiality of the building.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?:
Sometimes I still have to confront those who have doubts in my work, possibly due to my ethnicity. I persevere and work hard to achieve the very best outcome for myself and my customers.

What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?:
More resources should be invested in supporting children and young people to enter the architecture and urban design profession. I feel that these subjects can be introduced to children at primary school age so that they don’t feel too distant from these very important professions. There should also be more opportunities for them to have a genuine say in developments that will have an impact on their local neighbourhoods.