1) Tell us about yourself and why you do what you do?
I’m Hafizah Nor and an architect-in-training. My background stems from 5 years of architecture school at the University of Cambridge (RIBA Part 1) and Architectural Association, London (RIBA Part 2). I want to demystify the meaning of ‘architecture’ in Brunei - something that is perceived as a series of superficial, banal functionalities. I see architecture more as a tool for agency and speculative thought within social and cultural frameworks. Architecture also doesn’t necessarily have to be built for it to be thought-provoking. I’m specifically passionate in the art of architectural drawing, history and cultural preservation through architecture. I used to work in a specialist conservation architecture practice in London back in 2016 which really shaped my outlook on architecture.
2) What would be your earliest memories that involve your own creative expression?
My earliest memories were those colouring competitions that we all grew up with in primary school. Somehow I was just always participating in those as a kid - I remember being so competitive at that. Art Attack was also a heavy influence in our childhoods at home (90’s baby staple c’mon). I always used to apply his techniques in little school projects – always attempting to have a bit of an edge and never settling for anything that looked typical.
3) If you could design your own dream home, what would it look like?
Minimalist in essence but with personality, character and some playfulness. A place that has choreographed moments and carefully thought-out materials, beautiful art on the walls (definitely some old historic maps and architectural drawings) plants everywhere and splashes of bold colours here and there. A beautiful kitchen with clearly labelled glass jars - I can’t wait!
4) What would be the most challenging moment in your journey as an architect and how did you overcome it?
I think now is the most challenging moment i.e. the early phase of my career as I only started working in Brunei in 2021. I’m struggling with bridging the gap between the more academic and conceptual side of architecture with the realities of construction with all the constraints of technical skills, time frames, workload and bureaucracies. I feel like I’m still navigating how to utilize the things I learnt in school in my professional life.
I tell myself that the best I can do is try to propose things one step at a time, hopefully it can lead to positive progress, albeit slowly. See things as trial and error, learning from experience and not taking any ‘failure’ as a reflection of one’s capabilities. Focusing on your own journey holistically, create outlets on the side to nurture other passions.
5) If you could choose a theme song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Something empowering. To remind myself to keep the fire going and not feel jaded by the realities of life and social constructs (lol). Different vibes but all equally invigorating to me:
1. Seventeen by Sharon van Etten – For the angsty me-against-the-world mood.
2. Angie (I’ve Been Lost) by Fred again.. - for a feeling of renewal.
4. True Blue by Boygenius - For that coming-of-age-movie-soundtrack catharsis.
6) What sort of lasting impression do you hope your works will have on others?
My personal ethos is to merge academia and research into design and drawing - in hopes of weaving in a cultural rigour. I want people to think “Oh I didn’t know architecture touched on those themes.” At a research symposium, I presented my project which I named at the time “Chicken Tikka Masala is the National Dish of England.” and the attendees completely didn’t get how that was related to architecture initially. I loved that.
7) What would be your message to the next generation of architects?
Don’t do it. No I’m kidding, architecture is definitely all about passion. Surround yourself with inspiring people that you can learn from and that can motivate you to be the best you can be. Be inquisitive and critical always with your surroundings. Don’t accept things as the status quo, challenge it, add meaning and poetics into the spaces we design.