To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, which takes place today (8 March), BE News is running a series of interviews with inspirational women who work across the built environment sector
Name: Ivy Chan
Title: Associate director, Wilkinson Eyre Architects
What I do: I lead the delivery of projects by managing teams of architects, supporting staff and being the lead designer, including works from design stages to construction. The architect is often the lead of a design team, so orchestrating and maintaining good collaboration with engineers and specialist consultants is part of my job. On the client side, building relationships, networking and business development have demanded more time as I have become more senior. I also lead our Part 3 mentoring programme in the office, supporting younger colleagues in the pursuit of their professional qualifications.
Why I got into the property industry: I grew up in Hong Kong and Singapore, two metropolitan cities well-known for their high-rise buildings and culturally diverse architecture, and it has always intrigued me how these structures are conceived and constructed. A harmonic mix of east and west creates a unique society and cityscape. LEGO, becoming a cherished toy of mine, played a pivotal role in shaping my fascination.
How I did it: Becoming an architect wasn’t part of my initial plan; it unfolded serendipitously. When I was selecting a degree course in Singapore, architecture appeared to be the main option which offered design. I then continued my postgraduate in London, found a job and worked my way up. I have been fortunate to be given opportunities to learn, progress and prove myself, but equally, hard work and perseverance have been key to my achievements.
My first proper job: An administrative assistant in a polytechnic after my A-levels. Having worked there for eight months, I learned a lot and tasted the nine to five office life. I decided that my future career couldn’t be so monotonous. Architecture has not followed that pattern – a new challenge awaits me every day. Most of my time involves interacting with people, externally and internally, in dynamic exchange that often generates the need to be both responsive and proactive in a short time.
My first big break: One of the directors at WilkinsonEyre offered me an interview at my postgraduate show. After a successful interview, I accepted the subsequent offer while on a ferry to Santorini. Since then, it has changed the course of my life in dramatic and unexpected ways. I feel lucky to have been involved in spectacular and innovative local and overseas projects. There were moments initially when I wanted to quit and go home, but the thought of losing these opportunities made me persevere.
My inspiration(s): I feel refreshed and inspired after seeing new places, especially countries with rich history and culture. The world is huge and diverse, and it is fascinating that there is always something new to discover. I like to experience and learn how people do things differently, their cultures and motivations. I am interested in exploring cities as well as natural landscape. The deeper my understanding grows, the more I realise there is to learn!
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Balancing my career and family life has been the biggest challenge, especially since I had my second child. Working in a design and quality striven architectural practice and managing teams, long hours are sometimes inevitable and making myself available to interact with the team in-person is important. Equally, looking after the needs of two young children and spending quality time with them are undoubtedly the top of my personal priorities. I feel a sense of guilt when either party is let down.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Delivering Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, in collaboration with local consultants and contractors, would be in the category of a ‘once a lifetime’ project. Closely followed by Guangzhou IFC, being my first project with WilkinsonEyre and the practice’s first overseas skyscraper, Guangzhou IFC holds a special spot. It was also an opportunity for me to bring my culture and background into the professional arena, helping to bridge collaboration between two very different cultures.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: An architect is sometimes perceived as merely doodling ideas on papers and translating them into technical drawings and flamboyant images. Of course, design skills and having a good eye for detail are crucial. But there is so much more required. The soft skills in prioritising and making decisions are all needed to run a smooth project.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Appraising an architectural design and putting a value to architectural excellence is difficult and less straight forward as compared to, for example, judging an engineering proposal, which tends to be measurable. A good design solution should be universal – the design should address the issues set out in the brief and maximises the project potential. Architects should value our professionalism and stop giving away responsibility, which slowly erodes the lead role architects traditionally played. Of course, the remuneration should be fairly set to reflect our value and responsibility, but given the steep competition within the profession, it is extremely challenging.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I am dedicated to upholding principles of fairness and harmony, firmly advocating for the equal treatment of everyone. A challenging question is how to reward one’s effort and capability fairly, to keep the population motivated and strive for excellence and betterment. I am privileged to have been brought up in a multi-cultural environment, so working with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives comes naturally for me. That allows me to draw on ideas from a wider pool of experience and environments and these collaborations contribute positively to innovation and creating new ideas.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: Social mobility and equality are some of the key words in ESG discussion. I did not come from a family which was university educated or wealthy, but my parents were determined to provide the best education and a nurturing environment. Everyone should have the same opportunities and freedom to pursue their dream. The measure of return should be based on ability, contribution, hard work, passion, and determination. I’m grateful to those who have provided me with opportunities, and in return I want to contribute and extend the boundaries of possibility.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I would like to continue my progression to the next level, bringing diversity to senior management, leading more world class buildings, helping others to map and achieve their goals and career progression. I hope I can tap into the business network to bring in new opportunities to the practice.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: The late Queen Elizabeth II. Putting aside the privileges she had and the political debate about the monarchy, she worked for 70+ years in a role that she didn’t choose to undertake. Back to the basics as a woman, she was a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother and the problems she encountered at each stage were magnified and scrutinised in the eyes of the world. I want to know how she juggled and balanced her life and decisions amidst all these priorities.
What I do in my downtime: I enjoy activities like cooking, it allows my focus to be on one thing. I find the entire process therapeutic. Food also has its cultural importance as a way for family to come together. Each festival or personal milestone has its signatory celebratory dishes, depending on the time of the year or geographic regions. I love cooking for my family and friends, having fun with my daughters in the process and passing on the traditions and an essential life skill!
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: It would likely be structural engineer or another profession requiring a qualification. I know this sounds old fashioned, but having a professional qualification is a good way to secure a comfortable living and be independent.
My advice for someone just starting out: Be proactive and don’t be afraid to challenge the norm – to create something exceptional often takes more collaboration, effort, and ambition. One sad truth about architecture, there is always more we could design and draw up and investigate different details if not limited by budget and programme. Therefore, there is always more work to do if you ask!
My motto/mantra: Never take anything for granted. Show appreciation and cherish everything you have. Do not give up and blame others when facing a setback. Analyse the problem objectively and move forward with solutions.
Why IWD is important to me: To celebrate and recognise the diverse and evolving roles women hold in the industry and society generally, from the traditional model of stay-at-home mums to women with successful careers – appreciating and promoting choice with no judgement and recognising that gender should not hold anyone back. I wish that everyone sincerely appreciates the contributions made by women, no matter what role they are playing, are valid and vital.
