We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Mei Ee Loh ("MEL").
Ar. Loh Mei Ee is a Principal and co-founder of Mei Ee Architect. Mei Ee, commonly known as Mei, born and raised in Penang, Malaysia. She obtained her architectural training from University Teknologi Malaysia and reviewed her Bachelor of Architecture with 1st Class Honour. She was presented the Dean's List award every year during her study and obtained Outstanding Best Student Award for her excellent academic performance in 2007. She has accumulated 13 years of outstanding experience in SA Architects , a BCI Asia Top 10 awarded firm and City Council of Penang Island (MBPP) as a Senior Architect respectively. She involved in Public Building project, Building Plan approval, budgetary planning, landscape architecture, bike lane facilities project and also provision of expert and independent advice to the relevant parties to improve Penang built environment. In recognition of her outstanding performance and contributions in her role, she was conferred the Excellent Service Awards by The City Council of Penang Island in 2012 and 2017. Mei is actively involved in many various project where green, sustainability & community element are mostly implemented in the design and living spaces of the project. She is a cooperate member of Board of Architect and Malaysian Institute of Architects. She currently a Hon Secretariat for Malaysian Institute of Architects Norther Chapter. She possessing many years progressive experience, gaining praise and commendations from peers for contribution in number of project.
Mei Ee Loh Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Mei Ee Loh.
Mei Ee Loh Design - Rackson House Building
Designer Interview of Mei Ee Loh:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MEL : I love drawing and making things since I was a child. I’m deeply thankful to my eldest sister who’ve encouraged and motivated me along the way to pursue my dream, suggested the Department of Architecture during 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 build a strong and solid foundation and opens my eyes in architecture profession.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MEL : Mei Ee Architect – A design-based firm located in George Town – Penang, Malaysia. A firm that known for their passion. Passion for aesthetics, creativity; and passion for forging strong relationship with clients. We strongly believe in working with honesty and passion. Each project is unique and the approach taken towards it is methodically studied to provide an extraordinary experience to its users. At Mei Ee Architect, we attempt to drive into each project’s potential and maximize it.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MEL : Design is about communicating feelings through visual sensations and unique experiences
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MEL : Private residential
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MEL : Church of Light by Tadao Ando
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MEL : Heritage house
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MEL : steel structure
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MEL : I feel most creative when I'm fully recharged and relax
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MEL : excited, satisfied
DI: What makes a design successful?
MEL : Passion - “Follow Your Passions and Success Will Follow”
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MEL : user experience
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MEL : Designer role is basically that of preserving, improving and creating of quality built environment under definite conditions
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MEL : design field is constantly evolving to keep pace with change: technological, social, cultural, and political
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MEL : Break routine and surround yourself with art
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
MEL : Contemporary, minimalist
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
MEL : Penang. Yes, the culture heritage affect my design.
DI: How do you work with companies?
MEL : I m the principal for Mei Ee Architect
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MEL : Approach designers whose work reflect the style you're looking for
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MEL : My design process start from identify the issues and propose solution to solve the issues.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MEL : rug, sofa, lazy chair, clock, curtain
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
MEL : I try to start my morning by responding to my email and direct messages. I try to do any creative work mid-morning when I can since that’s when I’m most energized. Noon more on appointment and meeting with client, consultant and authorities. I try to reserve evening time with my beloved family.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MEL : be confident, authentic and perseverance. Be optimistic and engaged and learn everything you can about construction. Keep learning and improving. Do keep in touch with latest technology, emerging trends that would help to increase productivity, in order to achieve our goal.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MEL : designer can work with many different departments. however, we have to work in front of a computer for long hour.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MEL : Proportions Colour texture balance
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MEL : Creativity Communication Problem Solving Proper research
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MEL : sketchup photoshop
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MEL : Prioritize wisely Set goals correctly
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MEL : no specific timeline
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MEL : Why did you decide to become an architect?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
MEL : work as an architect in City Council of Penang Island
DI: Who are some of your clients?
MEL : DHL Express (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. B.Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd. Continental Automotive Components Malaysia Sdn Bhd Magnum Sdn. Bhd. Truly Affable Sdn. Bhd. Clarivate (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MEL : Private residential project
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MEL : continue to work on the job I enjoy doing, finding good life-work balance, foster good relationships both at work and in my personal life
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MEL : work as a team
DI: How can people contact you?
MEL : Mei Ee Architect 18-02-10, Gembira Parade, Lorong Delima 1, 11600 Green Lane, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Telephone: +604-659 9988 Fax: +604-202 0964 email : admin@meiee-architect.com website : www.meiee-architect.com insta : meiee9