Theodore Chan takes over the reins at the Singapore Institute of Architects as its newly elected council president. Rachel Lee-Leong finds out more about his intentions for the institute.
May 17th, 2012
On 18 May, Theodore will be making his very first major public appearance as SIA’s president at the organisation’s 51st Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony. “It’s my debutante ball,” he jokingly says. “I’m not a natural public speaker, but I’ll speak from the heart.”
You see, it’s not just about formalities and fanfare at the dinner for Theodore, who has been serving in the SIA council since 2005. Having taken up the role of council president in March this year, he has much to say about where he wants to take the institute, the state of the architecture practice in Singapore, and then some.
For Theodore, who is also a partner at Consultants Incorporated Architects + Planners (CIAP), there are fundamental changes that need to be made within the local architecture industry.
“The craftsmanship attitude in architecture is gone. Everybody is just drawing and designing. But how to get it built? There is a big gap and I think we need to capture that responsibility back and not just say that it’s for the builders to do this,” he says. Undoubtedly, he is on a quest to reinstate the discipline and rigour of practice that he and his peers aspired towards when they were architecture students at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
2011 SIA Architectural Design Awards ’Building of the Year’ – Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
“I remember people like Edward D’Silva and Goh Chong Chia (both past council presidents) coming down to NUS, and we talked to them. We really looked up to them because they were the professionals. There was that emphasis on professional practice as well.”
2011 winner: Industrial, Transport & Infrastructure category (Honourable Mention), The Helix Bridge
Theodore continues an ongoing relay that was started by former president Rita Soh, who was later succeeded by Tai Lee Hsiang, who in turn passed the baton to now-outgoing president Ashvinkumar. “Rita, Lee Hsiang and I were classmates, but Ashvin was a year younger than us.”
“Since the time of Rita, we came up with 4 thrusts: Design thrust, Practice thrust, Education thrust and Institution thrust. Rita formulated these various aspects in which the institute can move. Lee Hsiang continued, so did Ashvin, and so will I. So it’s not a case of a new president coming in and changing everything. There’s continuity in what we’re doing.”
2011 winner: Residential category (Design Award), Pinnacle @ Duxton
Many of the initiatives that Theodore intends to champion during his term as president are aimed at improving the professionalism of the practice – SIA accreditation for green building, practice conventions, detailing and specification sourcebook, among others. For some, it might seem dry. For Theodore, it’s all a part of an architect’s professional duty.
2011 winner: Residential category (Design Award), Botanika
Another question that Theodore is asking himself is ‘How do we architects show ourselves to be more socially responsible?’ For the most part, architects are seen as a luxury that only the rich can afford.
“There are a lot of voluntary organisations, non-governmental organisations, churches, temples ¬– they need to build buildings, but have no clue where to start. We can volunteer our services to be on their organisation boards. It’s a start!”
2011 winner: Industrial, Transport & Infrastructure category (Honourable Mention), Solaris
For initiatives like this to happen, there needs to be more members within SIA. It’s an issue that Theodore is fully aware of. “We have our plans, but we need the members to come in – to have a think tank, to chat, to come up with positional papers, to dialogue, to spread the gospel, so to speak.”
It’s a mammoth task that Theodore has in front of him, but he remains unfazed. “It’s a call. I really believe, as naive as one might think me, that it is ultimately this concept of a servant leader. If you’re a leader, your ultimate aim is to serve. I never aspired to be president. I just wanted to serve and contribute.”
The winners of this year’s SIA Architectural Design Awards will be announced on 18 May. Catch our report, out soon.
Singapore Institute of Architects
sia.org.sg
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
You are invited to the HÅG CAPISCO BASKETBALL CHALLENGE. Iken and HÅG have invited the top architectural and design firms from Canberra to battle it out at the match. Come along and support the designers and see the latest chairs from HÅG.
From phone booths and fully-enclosed systems through to high-backed desking options and chairs – here are seven of the latest furniture pieces that promote privacy in a new age of workplace quietness.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
By adding Muuto to its roster as Singapore’s only retailer, XTRA not only celebrates the enduring appeal of Scandinavian design – it heralds a whole new perspective on its universally appealing legacy.
Eccentricity and refinement blend at Giant Steps Wines’ new Tasting Room – a picture-perfect place for guests to wine down.