Being a woman and an architect isn’t easy, what more when she becomes a mum who has to deal with time and toughness constraints.
But why is architecture so tough, one might ask? It is because architects don’t only design buildings and deal with just their aesthetics. Architects also have to ensure that their drawings meet structural, technical, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety and functionality requirements. At the same time, architects also have to do the dry work of compiling feasibility reports, determine environmental impact, meet with clients regularly, work on cost estimates, get the right contractors for each stage of construction and visit these construction sites to check on progress and whether timelines are being met according to plans and budgets.
Needless to say, it’s a man’s job in a man’s world. And that is why there is no argument as to why architecture is still a male-dominated industry the world over, including Malaysia.
But times, they are a-changing. On top of a few well-known female architects that have emerged in Malaysia over the years such as Ar. Datuk Tan Pei Ing—also known as the Iron Lady of Architecture—there is now a new generation of female architects emerging on the scene. Not only that, these women architects have managed to achieve upper management levels, become partners, lead their own architectural firms and strike that fine balance between motherhood and parenting at the same time as well.
Motherhood.com.my takes a look at one such architect. Young and fully immersed into the first six years of parenthood, she is Ar. Teh Woan Cian—co-founder of MaDE Architects in Petaling Jaya who chats about how far she has come into achieving gender equality in the profession, as well as motherhood in Malaysia’s architectural arena.
Please walk us through about yourself, your husband, your children and the work you do as an architect.
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: I’m Teh Woan Cian, born and raised in Seremban. I received my Bachelor of Architecture from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, which has the oldest School of Architecture in the country. I obtained my architecture license, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and APAM membership (Corporate membership to Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia) in the year 2016.
Before I co-founded MaDE architects with my business partner, I was trained in BEP Akitek Sdn Bhd (the oldest architect firm in Malaysia) from the years 2009 to 2014 and worked with Bellworth Developments Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary company of LGB Group on property development) from 2015 to 2016.
With a career spanning over 13 years, I have been intensely involved in various high end commercial projects ranging from office buildings to housing projects.
My husband Ar. Kwan Kah Kuen, is an architect too. He graduated from British Manchester and East London School of Architecture and has his own architectural practice. In terms of work, we have one thing in common where we do interior design work together.
We have two children, the elder is a girl (aged 6) and a boy (aged 2). My daughter is getting her preschool education and my son is still enjoying his most happy, wonderful moments at home.
How did you make partner in your firm? What are the prerequisites of becoming a partner?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: MaDE Architects was established by myself and my business partner in 2016 after we obtained our license. Both of us are from the same hometown and we were study mates when sitting for our Part 3 professional exam.
A partner must be someone who appreciates your strength, who is able to work and overcome difficulties together, and who is willing to grow and look into the future together.
The partner must also be someone who can keep going, who does not give up easily in all types of scenarios and who believes that “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success,” as said by author Napoleon Hill. Besides, it is always good to keep learning and expose oneself to various types of buildings because you won’t know when the best opportunity will come.
Are there differences between how the industry views women Vs men?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: Yes, there are differences in how the industry views women as many think women are weak, soft, dare not speak up among the men due to their inner fear and inability to handle site-related work issues.
How would you define architecture and what made you decide to become an architect?
A building can only be well-perceived by people’s eyes if we understand the characteristics of each material and how they blend together as a whole. The nature and beauty of raw materials such as bricks, steel, stone and concrete are reflected in their colours, texture and pattern and this is how we love to apply them to our design. ~ Ar. Teh Woan Cian
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: Architecture is a connection; it is a bridge to link the past and beyond in the built space and it leaves an impact on us. It is a subject that is able to stay close to our hearts, evoke emotions, through the experience from a space, a material or even a shadow casting. The value of architecture is subject to how a person perceives things and impacts us daily.
I’m naturally drawn into this career and I set it as my ambition since I was in primary school because I have always preferred to work on things that are not repetitive. Architecture does have its challenges and requires a lot of creativity.
There is always a wrong impression that the architect works on drawings only. To be an architect, he or she must have faith and passion in the work. Architects do not merely design and prepare drawings. They have to keep themselves up to-date in computer design technology and software, they also must put their idea to life when they attend to construction sites, resolve technical issues, manage construction contracts and so on. It is also important to have verbal and social skills to help communicate their ideas more effectively when liaising with local the authority, clients, contractors and suppliers.
Is architecture a good career? Is it in high demand in Malaysia?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: Yes, it is. It is never easy to start your own practice, and since you are responsible for your own success, you really need a lot of family support and understanding.
Architecture is a good career especially for a person with a creative mind and who loves to express his or her thoughts. It is not a boring job; each project has its excitement, and the outcome will reward one with great job satisfaction. It is a profession that has no retiree; the skill sets that you learn will help you to excel in anything you dream of.
There are currently 5420 registered architects as the LAM website shows. It is made up of 2312 graduate architects (Part 2) and 2245 licensed architects (Part 3). By looking at this number of registered architects in LAM, it suggests there is a high market demand for this profession.
How does a woman architect compete in this male dominated industry? What strengths must she rely on?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: Besides creativity, the key criteria are confidence and self-esteem. Change the stereotype perception on the limits of women by proving you can do it. It does need extra effort and it is important to be constantly learning and you must possess adequate knowledge from time to time. Female perspective can be unique, and sometimes I do feel a female may be perceived by clients as being more approachable than men.
A woman must also possess adaptability to make change quickly and efficiently when unexpected issues occur or when there is extra workload. Time is the essence in running a project. You need to work efficiently to ensure that the project goes as smoothly as possible and all problems encountered can be resolved in due time.
What are the projects you do? Can you recall your most outstanding or memorable or challenging work?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: Currently, we are doing a wide range of projects from singly-built houses (terrace, bungalow) to showrooms, factories, offices, high-rise housing and so on.
The most memorable projects I remember were two high-end green projects that I participated in when I was a graduate architect: The Light Collection III in Penang and The Greens, in TTDI, KL. These two were green projects because they were designed with sustainable building practices, such as increasing the efficiency of resource use—energy, water and materials—while reducing building impact on human health and the environment. Both projects were accredited to meet the requirements of the Green Building Index (GBI) and were awarded with certified ratings.
Both projects also ran on the same pace and they gave me all sorts of exposure from design and detailing to coordination and project management. With a hectic working schedule, it also helped develop my time management skills. The experience gained from these two projects later continued to help me in my career journey.
How did you handle pregnancy and motherhood and still fit in the demanding schedules of your work?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: To me, pregnancy is an enjoyable journey, and the process didn’t impact my schedule of work. I still managed to attend to regular meetings, site meetings, and even carry out site inspection. You just need to stay alert and know your health condition well, and don’t force yourself if you feel that you are not well enough to work.
For my first child, as a first-time mother and to succeed in the breastfeeding journey, I decided to resign from my work a month before the delivery so that I would be able to bond with my baby. It was also to have more freedom and a more flexible schedule balancing between the baby’s needs and work. But that was when the idea to set up a firm kicked in.
The only challenges I had when returning to work was expressing breastmilk during work. I think that is a challenge that only breastfeeding mothers can understand especially when we’re talking about our nature of work which comprises not only sitting and working in the office but being on the move including inspecting construction sites. It really needs mental and emotional commitment especially when facing a hectic schedule. You need to keep going and not give up easily.
How long did you breastfeed your first and second child for?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: For the first child it was four months, and the second, 12 months. The weaning process kicked in gradually as my own supply could not cater for their needs despite making many attempts.
10: How did you manage to express milk in between hectic schedules of site visits and meetings?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: Pumping in the car if there is a need and standing by a nursing cover especially when there were no private rooms available. I always got ready a cooler bag and ice packs. The choice of pumps is very personal, but I have always preferred a manual pump as it is more comfortable to use.
How do you find the balance between motherhood and the everyday demands of your profession?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: As a hands-on architect, the biggest challenge is TIME. It is tough to find time to arrange works, yet spend time with the children and take care of household chores. Sometimes it could be quite exhausting, but we believe everyone has their responsibilities at home including setting up a coordination with my husband to take care of all the household’s needs since our work schedules can be flexible. A lot of communication and understanding is needed. A few attempts were made, and there was a period of adjustment and readjustment to find the right momentum. There were times when we had no choice but to sacrifice our ‘me-time’, but we do treasure the times we spend with the children which is also a way to alleviate ourselves from work pressures.
Is there a glass ceiling for women in architecture? What would you tell women architects about handling motherhood?
Ar. Teh Woan Cian: Glass ceiling in any workplace is often set by the leader or management in a company. Personally, I think there is no barrier for women in architecture. It is very much dependent on the talents and interpersonal relationship of a person and the opportunities given.
There is no specific formula in handling architecture and motherhood as things don’t always go the way you plan them. We can’t predict uncertainty. It is a blessing if given a chance to experience motherhood. Just follow your heart and do what you are passionate in. Persistence and determination will help to conquer all challenges.
All images courtesy of Ar. Teh Woan Cian
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