When people ask: Is architecture science or art? The answer may surprise you. It’s both. As explained by architect Ken Boroson in his article, Architecture: The Integration of Art and Science, “Architecture is the result of a balanced integration of artistic sensibility and scientific methodology”.
While it is definitely a science synergised with the technicalities of construction, architecture is also an expression of utilitarian form in the built space, seen to be as lyrical as ‘frozen music’ as described by German poet JW von Goethe, and ‘should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness’, according to American architect and designer Frank Gehry.
“Architecture is frozen music.”
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~
As such, architecture invariably points to building beauty, grace and the evocation of emotions and memory—elements arguably more associated with women than men.
So why then is the field of architecture so male-dominated and why are there so few women in this industry?
There are many reasons.
It isn’t that women are not as adept as men in the field of design and construction. It is that they cut a less imposing figure and are often stereotyped as being less able to command authority with contractors, construction workers, demanding clients and other project-related factors and interactions. Then, there are the long hours, travelling to job sites—which may be located outstation—and time spent away from home that go with the job. And particularly with motherhood, women architects are often challenged with having to juggle their traditional role of raising children and carrying out household responsibilities with the demands of their architectural career.
But all that is being debunked today by the slew of emerging women architects who not only have succeeded in leading their own firms, but who are also making an impact in the industry while balancing parenting and their profession.
One such ArchiMum is Ar. Loh Mei Ee who hails from Penang—the island known for its unique landscapes, beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, street art, food, multiculturism, heritage and of course, George Town—the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With over a decade of contributions to public building projects, building development control, budgetary planning, landscape architecture and bike lane facility projects, she has helped shape Penang’s built environment and was deservedly conferred the Excellent Service Awards by The City Council of Penang Island in 2012 and 2017. Motherhood.com.my takes a moment to chat with her.
Please tell us about yourself, your family, and the work you do.
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: My name is Ar. Loh Mei Ee, born and raised in Penang, Malaysia. I am the founder and principal of Mei Ee Architect; I am also currently Honorary Secretary for Malaysian Institute of Architects (Northern Chapter). I have accumulated 13 years of outstanding experience in SA Architects, City Council of Penang Island (MBPP) and Mei Ee Architect. I have a four-member family: me, my husband, Cho, and two daughters aged 3 and 7. Both of my daughters love to draw, colour and make handicraft.
Why is art encouraged in your household? As a parent, what is your opinion of its role in child development?
Art is encouraged in my household because it bonds us. It brings us together at the table through art activities and gives us a time filled with imagination, love and laughter. Art activities are not only fun and entertaining, they also form an integral part of a child’s development. My husband and I are both architects, but we never teach our kids ‘how to draw’. Instead, we let them explore the art materials themselves, encourage self-confidence, and enjoyment in art and learning. It really helps my children build their self-confidence and boost creative thinking.
Please tell us about your firm, Mei Ee Architect. How did you manage to ‘go it alone’?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: Mei Ee Architect is a design-based firm located in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It is a firm that is known for its passion—Passion for aesthetics, creativity; and passion for forging strong relationships with clients. We strongly believe in working with honesty and passion.
Mei Ee Architect is a microenterprise with six to 10 employees that provides great opportunities for employees to obtain different work experiences and discover new skills.
“Great things in business are never done by one person”, as Steve Jobs said. I am so thankful and grateful for all the wonderful support that my entire team has given me. I have never felt I was alone.
“Great things in business are never done by one person”
~ Steve Jobs ~
How would you define architecture and what made you decide to become an architect?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: I love drawing and making things since I was a child. I’m deeply thankful to my eldest sister, Loh Mei Huang, currently a General Manager of an engineering company, who encouraged and motivated me along the way to pursue my dream. She was the one who suggested the Department of Architecture when I was choosing a university intensive course.
My mentor—En. Jak (Abdul Razak B Abdul Rahman) was the biggest influence on me; his selfless teaching and passion for design built a strong and solid foundation and opened my eyes to the architecture profession.
Is architecture a good career for women? Are architects in high demand in Malaysia?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: Female architects, especially young ones, are more common these days but it is still a very male-dominated industry, especially on site where the majority of the contractors and builders are men.
I remember when I first began talking about becoming an architect, many people were surprised as they thought I would end up in a more literature-based career like a lecturer. There are many opinions saying that it isn’t an easy career, particularly for a woman, because it is typically ‘a man’s job’. So, I see this as a challenge, to pursue a career in the field of architecture. I hope that with this, I can encourage, inspire and empower more women into thinking of a career in the built environment.
How does a female-run architect firm like yours compete in this male-dominated industry?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: In recent years, women have begun to achieve wider recognition with several outstanding participants. Inspiring women in architecture include Zaha Hadid, Kazuyo Sejima, Neri Oxman, Jing Liu and many more. As you can see, female architects can shape the cities and urban landscapes around the globe the same way as men. Thanks to their creative spirit, dedication and hard work, the women we listed managed to make a name for themselves in the world of architecture.
To me, each project is unique and the approach taken towards it is methodically studied to provide an extraordinary experience to its users. We approach each and every project as an opportunity, bringing in our philosophy and approach to find the best and most sustainable solution. Research and learning from resources allow us to deliver a product beyond expectations that address many of the basic social and practical needs that have, for so long, eluded the built environment.
Being in Penang with its cultural, historical and heritage-rich identity, what are your foremost considerations when approaching a Penang-based project?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: The significant historic buildings with unique architecture are the most valued assets for George Town. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in quite a number of heritage projects. Architects need to ensure that new or contemporary intervention is harmoniously blended with heritage elements in the architecture.
Taking our project, Burmah House as an example, the way we live now is very different from the way we lived in the past. Restoring or renovating a period house is a delicate balance between rescuing the features of the past and providing the living spaces we expect today. The design blended both classic and contemporary elements in that the traditional exterior of the house was kept intact showing no signs of the contemporary interior.
Another project—Rackson House is an exemplification of old architecture meeting the new. The project maintains a sense of continuity between the old and the new by borrowing historic design elements and languages, and reinterpreting them in modern ways.
Another interesting project is Hillside Bungalow, which is one of the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill. We played with the art of blending old and new, antique and modern, and it resulted in a highly curated boutique vacation house that is at once eclectic and beautiful.
Can you talk about your most outstanding or memorable work and why you consider it as such?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: To me, every project is unique. And each one helps us grow in a new way. We are proud of all the work we do; every project requires unique solutions and this flexes our creative muscles. If you ask me to identify my most outstanding work or my favourite, my answer would be, ‘my next one!’
Having two daughters, how did you handle the inconveniences of pregnancy? Was it easy to pick up where you left off after your maternity leave?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: I was generally able to keep working while pregnant right up until the due dates. To stay healthy and productive on the job, you need to understand how to relieve common pregnancy discomforts. I performed my duties professionally to the best of my abilities during my pregnancy, including holding meetings, going for site inspections, meeting clients, doing design work and so on. However, sometimes we just need to step back from the more physical aspects of our role and ask help from others.
I was in touch with my company throughout my maternity leave, and that made me able to pick up my original workload easily. My new family is a new priority, it’s important for me to find the new balance between my family and career and allow one to take precedence when needed.
“My new family is a new priority, it’s important for me to find the new balance between my family and career and allow one to take precedence when needed.”
As your children grow, how do you handle your work-related demands and your children’s schedules and needs?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: It is a challenge to balance family responsibilities with a career. I have learned a lot along the way, including how to minimise stress and maximise positive experiences. Career women have to find ways to be efficient in both worlds and be able to come to terms with choices and focus on the priorities that are in the moment. I believe I have managed to organise my roles to be complementary to each other.
What is the most inspiring thing about being an Architect Mum? Has motherhood made you a better architect?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: Architects are dreamers and doers. Being dedicated to career is an important factor in any profession, but with architecture, one must be willing to put in a lot of time. This could mean long hours at the office, at the site and even at home working out the details. A nice piece of architecture is not something that can be done with little effort.
However, there’s no tougher job than being a mum. I love being a parent to my two loving children. They taught me how to be patient and caring, and how to be a better person. Contrary to traditional belief that a working mother is not a good mother, a working mother can, in fact, be a better mother. Parenthood is the ultimate leadership and development training program. I believe I am performing better in my career because of my kids.
“Parenthood is the ultimate leadership and development training program. I believe I am performing better in my career because of my kids.”
What would you advise women architects about handling motherhood and being able to thrive in the industry?
Ar. Loh Mei Ee: My advice—“Be confident, authentic and have perseverance.”
Be optimistic and engaged and learn everything you can about construction. Keep learning and improving. Do keep in touch with the latest technology and emerging trends that would help increase productivity, in order to achieve our goal. It has been a rewarding experience for me and I hope to see more women—including myself—taking leading roles in architecture.
All images courtesy of Ar. Loh Mei Ee
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