People

Ar. Ko Shiou Hee

Director, Singapore

Shiou Hee is one of K2LD’s founding directors.  He has helmed K2LD Singapore since 1998 and oversees the firm’s portfolio across Southeast Asia and China.  He is a graduate of Rice University in Houston, Texas, and has worked as an architect in New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Tokyo.

“Beyond providing shelter, architecture is an expression of our understanding of the world, of cosmology and of our built environment.  My design philosophy embraces what I call the sense and sensibility of architecture.

The sense of architecture combines time, light and materials into spatial freedoms that are beautiful in their myriad articulation.  The sensibility of architecture is an enhanced appreciation for the natural beauty of materials that is brought out by design and construction.

Architecture appeals to my predilection for both art and science.  Studying, working and living in the United States, Japan and Singapore, and travelling broadly, have given me a diverse exposure and helped me to shape a unique work approach.”

Ar. David Lee

Director, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

David is one of K2LD’s founding directors. He is a registered architect in Melbourne and Singapore and has experience in a wide range of typologies within Australia, South East Asia and China. With Tisha, he directs our Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur office.

“My interest in architecture lies in being honest with the site and context. I believe the land speaks to us all and has an innate ability to seek a natural diagram. Moreover, listening to the client’s brief and aspirations is important to me. I don’t repeat my work and believe strongly in the merits of a design narrative.

I graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1993 and spent my formative working years in large corporate practices both in Singapore and Melbourne. I founded K2LD together with Ko Shiou Hee in 1998 in Singapore.”

Tisha Lee

Director, Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur

Tisha is one of our directors at K2LD who manages the Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur office. Since graduating from the University of Melbourne, she has accumulated over twenty years of experience working on significant educational, residential and civic precincts.

“My greatest career satisfaction comes from the delivery of projects that exhibit a strong collaboration between designer and client, and also celebrate the uniqueness of site peculiarities. My work speaks to our philosophy to ‘Nurture the Future’.

Internally this commitment involves building thought leaders and strategists within the practice; and externally this manifests in the creation of physical spaces that enable people to thrive through architecture and interior design. I am particularly involved in communication with large stakeholders, and development in the public sector such as various school and community institutions. This exemplifies my desire to empower and enable lives through the medium of architecture and interior design.”

Ar. Ben Teng

Director, Singapore

Ben Teng is one of our Singapore directors and and has been with the K2LD family since 2001. He leads the team to tackle design challenges across a range of projects to deliver projects with care and attention to detail.

“I believe in developing a deep understanding of our clients’ aspirations whether I am working on a humble abode or a bespoke villa, an industrial building or an upmarket private medical facility. In each project, I look for a unique set of requirements and challenges to solve, and work with both my clients and colleagues to derive innovative and intelligent design solutions.

I was born in Malaysia and brought up in a real estate development family. This early introduction to building construction sparked my interest in architecture. I moved to Queensland, Australia for my Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) degree and then worked for a reputable local architecture firm before joining a large international consortium. Architecture is my passion and is an integral part of my daily life.”

Harry Jackson

General Manager , Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur

Harry has an active part to play in our business strategies and operations, with a key focus on developing positive business interactions with our clients and the wider community, as well as nurturing the collective profile and alignment of our Melbourne and Singapore offices.

“Diversity is something that runs through every aspect of our business and I feel lucky to be able to play a part in this. Whether it’s diversity in our people, cultures, genders or the typologies that we work within, every day has a fresh challenge and reward. We are trying to push boundaries in everything we do, and the collection of diverse minds we have within K2LD gives us the ability to do exactly this.

Having moved to Melbourne from London in 2014, I have come to love the openness and opportunities (and the weather) that this city brings. My previous roles saw me acting as a key client lead for prominent global design agencies in both the UK and Australia.”

Leong Lai Ping

Senior Associate , Singapore

Laiping has worked on projects in Australia, China and across South East Asia. As our senior associate at our Singapore office, she also plays a mentor role in guiding and inspiring our younger designers.

“I employ a hands-on approach in guiding the design team on an array of projects. I am constantly encouraging our designers to explore multiple viewpoints and to develop strong craftsmanship in their work. I am passionate about delivering high quality design that is timeless and thoughtful. Every project is unique and evolves from the chemistry between the client and the designer.

Prior to moving back to my hometown Singapore, I spent time living, studying and working in Australia. I was able to work with leading design companies on infrastructure and education projects. Working in the two very different countries gave me a more rounded outlook, and an appreciation of both the art and science of design.”

Michael Erwin

Principal, Melbourne

Michael is one of our Principal’s at K2LD Melbourne. Since graduating from De Montfort University (UK), Michael has acquired significant experience across residential, education, health, care, sport and leisure sectors. He has led notable public and private projects throughout Australia and the UK and brings unique insight and strategic foresight. 

“It’s a real privilege to work in a profession that allows you to shape the environment around you and influence the lives of our end users for the better. Our achievements go beyond just bricks and mortar and foster the creation and integration of communities.

I believe the architecture surrounding you can inspire and encourage change. Therefore, I design with a socio-cultural and environmental lens with a focus on sustainable development.

It has been incredibly rewarding to bring my European expertise to the Australian market and build strong partnerships with our clients and peers.” 

KJ Phua

Senior Associate, Singapore

KJ is our Senior Associate in K2LD Singapore. He brings a global mindset to our work across China, Malaysia and Singapore, and also knuckles down to many of the most challenging design competitions we take part in.

“My work combines a global outlook with the local context of a site. I grew up in Kuala Lumpur and moved to Sydney for my Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) at the University of New South Wales. Prior to joining K2LD, I worked with award winning firms in both Kuala Lumpur and Sydney. With K2LD, I’ve had the chance to work across typologies, including projects such as Christ Methodist Church, Shenzhen Villas & Resort, Shunde School and G Hotel Kelawai. I use these unique experiences gathered across these cities and cultures to better my work.”

Ray Dormer

Principal, Melbourne

As a member of the K2LD family, Ray supports the Melbourne practice across multiple aspects with a focus through his involvement and commitment to our client-side interaction. By traversing the challenges of creating exceptional architecture, he ensures our projects are delivered at the highest of quality.

“In both my personal and professional life, I always aspire to lead by example. I find passing my knowledge and guidance onto the next generation of designers an incredibly rewarding experience. I strive to create positive emotions that only a well-considered space can deliver on its subject. I have a keen eye for detail and often find myself down the rabbit hole of discovery.

I’m a UK registered Architect with several years’ experience across government, commercial and residential projects. I have had the opportunity to work on amazing projects such as Jaguar Land Rover design studios in Gaydon UK, 5-star London hotels, The Saatchi Gallery in Central London, the Margaret Court Redevelopment in Melbourne and Victoria’s Growth Areas Schools projects (GASP). In total, close to 20 years of architectural design experience gained across two continents.”

Charlotte Wong

Senior Associate , Singapore

Charlotte is our senior associate based in Singapore. She has a part to play in some of the most memorable residences we’ve created across South East Asia and China.

“I believe that good architecture enhances the experience of its user and crafts memories. I love designing spaces that speak to the user, that have been detailed to work for people and their lifestyle. This is why the projects that I manage at K2LD are predominantly residential in nature. I enjoy the design process and love watching a design vision materialise with the people who will live in these creations.

I live for travels. I love exploring new places and cultures, soaking in the history of other civilisations, and not forgetting food—preferably taken with a glass of wine in hand.”

Luke Claringbold

Senior Associate , Melbourne

Luke leads our interior design team across a range of commercial and residential projects. He aligns client aspirations with our creative vision to deliver design outcomes that everyone can stand behind.

“I am passionate about the creative relationships not just with the K2LD team, but also the client and end user of our designs. I love the design process, and find being able to share that with the people who occupy our designed spaces to be very rewarding. I am motivated to create something new and unique with each design that truly represents the vision of the entire team.

I am one of the only K2LD members who was born and raised in Victoria. I have a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from Monash University and completed an internship in 2013 which gave me exposure to luxury hotel and residential projects across the world. Working at K2LD has fostered my passion for residential design. The diverse range of projects that we have is something I really love. The process is never boring.”

Chang Min Yuan

Senior Associate , Singapore

Min Yuan is our Singapore Senior Associate.  He spearheaded Singapore office’s resource library and been responsible for evaluating architectural trends appropriate for K2LD’s design implementation, routinely-scheduling product seminars keeping K2LD up to date on the latest sustainable directions, advances in materials and innovations in construction.

“I believe good architecture is about the designing of buildings with meaning, the choreography of meaningful spatial experiences that touches people.   Good buildings speak, they have soul and meaningfully connect people and place.  Fulfilling witnessing how K2LD spaces meaningfully shaping and enriching clients’ lives.  Seeing repeat clients happy and back entrusting K2LD more projects brings me immense joy, motivated my architectural journey and what i find most rewarding each day at K2LD.

My interest in architecture started early, a Practica camera from my 12th birthday ignited my interest in travelling and architectural photography, subsequently led me to architecture school in Sydney.  Realising that photos can only capture the walls but not convey the mood of the space defined by the walls that had moved me immensely inspired my journey in architecture.”

Virginie Hufty

Associate, Melbourne

Originally registered in Canada, Virginie is one of our Associates. She has almost 10 years of experience working with diverse teams from small residential projects to large JV teams for educational projects.

“I’m a Canadian-registered Architect that graduated in Quebec. I grew up in that French-speaking part of Canada where it is cold and snowy. I fell in love with Melbourne’s lifestyle, coffee, flowers & beaches and I have since developed a passion for educational architecture.

Since moving to Australia, I’m eager to learn more about innovative learning environments. How different configurations have an impact on how the students learn, and how the spaces can become a pedagogical tool. I believe that high-quality architecture outcomes & thoughtful interiors spaces are fundamental in supporting excellence in teaching and learning.”

Teije Hartman

Associate, Melbourne

Teije is a registered architect and practices from our Melbourne office across various project typologies and scales. He has successfully delivered a number of milestone K2LD projects, varying from $500K single residential to $50m+ mixed-use precincts.

His passion for design quality and his dedication to our clients mean that Teije works across all stages of the architectural process, from design to planning and procurement. Teije has also navigated several K2LD projects through VCAT – collaborating with legal teams and expert witnesses to produce successful strategies that have resulted in settlements and wins.

Teije strongly beliefs in a rational and research led approach to design and project management: “Architecture is born of needs.  Good architecture is the result of a profound and harmonious understanding of the client’s brief, the site’s context and the risks and opportunities associated with both. I aspire to pick these aspects apart and investigate them in a process that we tailor to each client and project.”

Having studied architecture in both Australia and the Netherlands, Teije holds a Cum Laude Architecture degree from a Dutch university. He has worked for a number of renowned Dutch architects on projects across Europe and the Middle East before joining K2LD in 2017.

Irwin Ho

Associate, Melbourne

Irwin’s work experience in Australia span across a number of renowned national practices, covering multi residential, justice and educational projects on a spectrum of scale.

“My role at K2LD has seen me depart from traditional architect role but to be a part of superintendent team in managing a high end multi residential project in Toorak. This given me a different perspective of the demands of a project and an opportunity to work closely with the client to achieve better outcomes for the project.

I have always been fascinated by the way good design is able to positively shape the identity of communities, defining the way we occupy and use spaces. I seek to uncover the latest building technologies and sustainable materials; this has become a passion of mine and I use these learnings to reinterpret our design and construction methods.

I am born and bred in Singapore where I attended National University of Singapore. My early days in Singapore saw me working on one of the largest public institution project fresh out of university. A casual visit to Melbourne had me falling in love with the culture and coffee and I made the big move.”

Michelle Ho

Associate, Singapore

Michelle is our Associate based in the Singapore office. She has been involved in a diverse range of project typologies in K2LD Singapore including high rise condominium, commercial A&A and cluster residential development projects.

“I believe the built environment shapes us as much as we designers sculpt the environment. Through the various challenges that we face when translating design from drawing board to real life, each new project presents a chance to further refine our design astuteness and hone our sensitivity to context, materiality and detailing.

I also enjoy the rigour of applying logical frameworks to balance the creative aspect. By incorporating our clients’needs, construction constraints and authorities requirements, we endeavour to arrive at unique design solutions that are aesthetically pleasing to the user, while being thoughtfully functional.

Each space we craft also becomes a place; an environment to be experienced. It is always heartening to be able to envision a design, bring it to fruition and finally see how the users interact with the space and make it their own.”

Kelly Ho

Senior Accountant, Melbourne

Kelly is our Senior Accountant at the Melbourne office. She looks after our financial processes and oversees any potential risks within the business. This sets the financial framework under which our Designers and Architects deliver on projects, and ensures K2LD remains a strong business where people can thrive.

“I am motivated to be working at K2LD, a business where I am part of its journey to grow and prosper. Additionally, I am surrounded by great people who are more friends to me than colleagues. I work hard to ensure the business sees finance as an integral part of the team. We are here to assist the business’ growth, achieving the fine balance between financial and risk management, whilst allowing the team to be able to exercise their creativity and produce great design outcomes. I am here to make finance and accounts less scary and more fun!

I graduated from The University of Adelaide, and spent the best part of my career in large commodity trading and farming companies, reporting on daily fx, futures and basis movements. I have worked in industries such as not-for-profits, medical and tech start-ups, online retailers and other professional services providers. Joining the K2LD family in 2017, I have gone through a steep learning curve to deep dive into the industry in the unique way of accounting for architectural practices.”

Dmitry Argentov

Associate, Melbourne

Dmitry, one of our highly skilled Architects, works on some of our most significant private and public projects. A real people person, Dmitry is hugely dedicated, always applying a thoughtful and methodical approach to the work that he does.

He enjoys working across a range of scales and is experienced working across the full lifecycle of a project, from the early feasibility and concept design stages through to construction on-site

“I have a strong belief that good architecture is honest, robust and responsive to context. I place value on the longevity of a project and I like to explore the site in detail – as architects we need to practice sensitively and we should aim preserve the spirit of a place. I enjoy working closely with our clients to ensure that we can collaboratively achieve these outcomes, no matter how big or small a project is.”

Serena Lim

Office Manager, Singapore

Jessica Moore

Practice Manager, Melbourne

“Prior to joining K2LD, I worked just over 5 years at another SME firm based in the central London as a Practice Manager, whilst studying for a PGC in Business Management. After a 6 month sabbatical travelling, Melbourne really stood out to me as an aspiring place to live. Shortly after returning back to the UK, I found myself at the beginning of a journey to move back to this city.

Having worked in both Australia and England, I have a diverse view on different ways of working and culture. I have a passion for exploring new innovative methods of working to improve quality, sustainability and efficiencies. I apply my experience and skills to drive operations, ensuring the practice maintains and adheres to Best Practice Management Systems to enable our teams to deliver excellent service to our clients as well as  compliance within our work. Whilst also providing executive support to the Directors.”

Evelyn Ong

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Cherrelle Lim

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Marisa Hang

Senior Interior Designer, Melbourne

Marisa is an interior designer and creative from Melbourne. Her approach to design seeks to represent each project with material aesthetic sensibility and reach practical objectives through highly considered concepts.

“I believe that interior design, and its future, is contingent upon enhancing the well-being of those that inhabit the space through experience and intimate interaction. This is done by transcending the physical and conceptual boundaries of how we interpret and utilise space, whilst having a deep understanding of its context and history. My enthusiasm for life and observation of human interaction inspires me to create projects full of intimate moments.

With a broad range of interests within design and the arts, I have developed an eye for detail, and consistently seek inspiration from those around me. My ability to empathise and clearly communicate with others has helped me to seamlessly work within a team environment and challenges that are presented. With a constant pursuit to broaden my skills and way of thinking, I am able to adapt and further develop myself as a designer through my journey in the industry.”

Koh Jie Ying

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Jonathon Heyes

Designer , Melbourne

Jonathon is a UK-registered architect who joined K2LD’s Melbourne office as a Designer in 2023, having recently arrived in Australia. He is a multifaceted designer with a passion for urban design, the spaces between buildings, and the way architecture interacts with the public realm.

This was developed especially in his undergraduate thesis whilst studying in Liverpool, developing with landscape-led architectural design and cycling hub. This guided him to a year working as a Graduate Landscape Architect designing urban parks and suburban streetscapes. During his postgraduate study at University of Manchester, he worked with Cornwall Council to interrogate the county’s rural condition through geospatial data analysis techniques. This culminated in a design proposal for a startup incubator and festival – as a catalyst to revive a latent industry in the area.

Jonathon has a wealth of experience in residential architecture, ranging from masterplanning for large regeneration projects to high-end individual homes. This included working on a competition-winning entry for the UK ‘house of the future’. He has previously been Project Architect for the construction stage of many high-profile projects in London, specialising in delivery of volumetric modular buildings like College Road in Croydon.

He is also an interrogative designer who incorporates construction methodology from the early design stage. Since joining K2LD he has worked on the design and delivery of the New Schools bundle through to construction, as well as the completion of Monument in Armadale.

David Ha

Senior Architect, Melbourne

David interest lies in the construction delivery phase of projects and enjoy collaborating with his colleagues, consultants, builders and the wider stakeholders to help resolve complex ideas.

“As a registered architect working predominantly on interior projects, I believe the interaction between interior and exterior should work cohesively together.”

He worked in London at medium to large size architectural firms for a couple of years. Upon returning to Melbourne, he has had the opportunity to work on award winning projects from galleries, institutions, public and commercial projects.

David believes that Architecture plays an enormous role in the community, part of our response to architecture should have civic responsibilities and contribution to the broader community.

Alice Png

Admin Assistant, Singapore

Janis Chai

Admin Assistant, Singapore

Luke Pupillo

Architect , Melbourne

Luke has become a formidable and accomplished team lead within our Melbourne studio with his expertise developing across our education and multi residential portfolios predominantly.

“I feel extremely fortunate to work in great project teams every day. Working across typologies it is a great feeling knowing my role in architecture allows me to make a small contribution to improving people’s daily lives.

Being Melbourne born and bred, I have a great passion for improving the way people live, work, rest and play in our ever-growing city. Graduating with a Master’s degree from Monash University, my education has given me the best leap pad to continue learning and constantly improving in the design industry every day. Seeing the positive impact that good design can make on local communities and different user groups is a great reward for hard work.”

Jenny Lee

Practice Manager, Kuala Lumpur

In 2022, Jenny Lee was instrumental in the formation of the arm of K2LD in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and has been entrusted to lead our KL Team.

“My primary role is to foster and build a healthy work environment, by instilling both the Australian work culture and mindsets of Malaysians. I believe that the diversity properly managed, will empower the teams and align with K2LD’s visions – I am committed to nurture and maintain our team of dedicated and enthusiastic people who forward to coming to work every single day; with a higher purpose to grow with K2LD.

My first aspiration was to become an artist but that did not happen as my parents wanted me to pursue a professional degree instead. Law was my second choice, and I became an Advocate & Solicitor of Malaysia since 1997 and a co-founding partner in Messrs Hazidin Chan. In 2011, I was appointed a Mediator at the Financial Mediation Bureau of Malaysia (now known as Ombudsman for Financial Services) in both the banking and insurance sectors. Thereafter, my entrepreneurial nature led me to venture into food & beverage business where I started a couple of restaurants and ventured into catering. Just before K2LD, I was a consultant to a law firm where I helped develop and implement solutions for operational efficiency and training – It feels like I have come a full circle and being a part of K2LD now has given me a sense of belonging.”

Matthew Lim

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Yan Ho

Clients and Operations Manager, Kuala Lumpur

With over five years of experience in fast-paced environments, I bring a sharp eye for detail and a passion for building strong, lasting relationships. My career began as an Early Childhood Educator, where I learned the importance of patience, creativity, and the power of nurturing meaningful connections. This experience laid a solid foundation for my ability to communicate effectively and understand diverse needs—skills I carry with me in every role.

I later transitioned into the finance sector, where I conducted misconduct investigations, managed fraud cases, and led operational improvements at National Australia Bank. Through this journey, I developed a keen understanding of business operations, stakeholder engagement, and the art of identifying inefficiencies to drive performance—skills that are crucial in the fast-paced and dynamic world of architecture.

I thrive on creating positive, proactive experiences for clients, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded. Whether liaising with cross-functional teams, ensuring smooth project execution, or providing strategic insights to leadership, I approach each challenge with a solution-oriented mindset. My ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, coupled with a meticulous focus on process improvement, allows me to bridge the gap between clients and teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and client satisfaction every step of the way.

Cathie Nguyen

Graduate Interior Designer, Melbourne

Cathie has a strong appreciation for cultural diversity, having grown up in Vietnam and moved over to Australia; This has inspired a passion for the art and beauty of the environment, both built and natural.

“Since beginning my journey in interior architecture, I have been passionate about how design shapes spaces. For me, architecture is more than just structures; it’s about creating meaningful interactions. I find joy in working with materials and designing for people, always considering the site and its context. I aim to explore how materiality and functionality influence the aesthetics and emotional atmosphere of a space.”

Yen Teh

Architect , Kuala Lumpur

“As an Architect at K2LD KL, I bring a great of experience in design development, contract documentation, and project execution. My journey in architecture has taken me from studying in the UK and Zanzibar to working in Dubai, where I was exposed to dynamic, large-scale projects. Along the way, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned firms like BIG and Zaha Hadid Architects—an experience that has been both enlightening and inspiring.

With a portfolio that includes high-profile projects such as the Malaysia Pavilion at Dubai Expo, data centers, and community-driven spaces, I thrive on crafting designs that are both functional and bold. At K2LD, I find inspiration in the firm’s diverse and talented team, where different backgrounds and perspectives fuel creativity and innovation.

When not sketching out the next big idea, you’ll find me exploring design inspirations in nature, rolling up my sleeves for some DIY woodwork, or making a dash to drop off my little one at school just in time.”

Megan Voo

Architectural Graduate, Melbourne

Megan completed her Master of Architecture at RMIT in 2021. Her interest lies in residential and commercial project with a focus on feasibility studies. Her role involves assisting the team analysing opportunities and risks on a site to develop building envelopes from concept to realization, creating spaces that are both practical and innovative.

“I find passion in redefining cultural identity through architecture, creating spaces that evoke a sense of belonging. Activating civic spaces as places to mingle, delight and wonder. My personal interests expand within the creative industry, finding joy in the creation of digital art by volunteering at my local church weekly as a graphic designer for kid’s illustrations as well as developing concepts, banners and backdrops for various events. Through my interest in graphic design, I hope to continue to bridge the gap between architecture and the creative arts, to combine my interests together in the pursuit of perfect design.”

Suraiya Shahid

Architectural Graduate, Melbourne

Suraiya (fondly known as Sue) is one of our very skilled architectural graduates with a refreshing attitude and willingness to contribute wherever required. Sue has worked across a range of typologies including hospitality, industrial, residential and more recently, healthcare.

“To me, architecture has always been an art form that transforms creative ideas into tangible structures. I find it incredibly fulfilling to see how thoughtful design and functionality can evoke emotions and enhance people’s everyday experiences. I am particularly fascinated by vernacular architecture and how it adapts to its context and surroundings while still fostering a strong sense of community and respecting user’s boundaries. Growing up in Malaysia with deeply ingrained traditional values has likely shaped my appreciation for these principles.

Another area close to my heart is designing for special needs. I become deeply invested in this field during my master’s year. Although I have yet to fully apply this knowledge in practice, I am eager for the opportunity to do so in the future.”

Tyler Lim

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Chua Boo Chuan

Technical Officer, Singapore

Norman Canilao

Designer & 3D Visualiser, Melbourne

Part of our Melbourne team, Norman is highly specialised in 3D Graphics, Visuals and Virtual Reality – bringing to life our projects with great detail and acuity. A huge influence on his 3D skills have formed through his experience as a Graduate Architect. Norman along with David, our BIM Manager, work collectively to push our technical and technological outputs through their own R&D.

“As a 3D Artist for K2LD, each project is very personal to me. I take pride in bringing our studio’s ideas to lifelike imageries, ensuring each portray a strong visual experience. My passion for Art and Architecture is translated into every image I create. Expressing emotions through my work and mood, I aim to communicate with high precision and detail.

My drive to convey my art awarded me the opportunity to travel and work from the Philippines to Singapore, and finally, Australia. Pushing the limits of CGI and technology gave me extensive and diverse experience working with Marketing Agencies, Home Builders, Designers, Architects, Engineers and Constructions Companies.”

Matthew Trawn

Senior Designer, Melbourne

Matt works as a designer specialising in ensuring the project’s design intent is carried through into built form. The vast majority of his work has been in the education and health sector, from maternal health through to high schools.

“I particularly enjoy working with builders and consultants on design and construct projects, resolving problems to create positive, efficient and effective outcomes for our end users. I enjoy being able to both creatively and technically problem solve to find the best outcomes. The challenge in the design and construct environment to work to tight timelines and efficient budgets attracts me to this area of design and construction.

Being able to work with a number of skilled design professionals & tradespeople is also an enjoyable part of my profession. The effectiveness of this scenario was recently celebrated with our team winning the Minister’s Award for school design at the 2019 Victorian School Design Awards. Project-wise my portfolio includes a broad depth of work from small scale residential extensions & new homes, through to large scale multi-site prison projects & student accommodation. Since becoming a parent I have increased my appreciation for working in the education/community sector with a particular interest in early learning centres.”

Faris Azim

Architectural Graduate, Kuala Lumpur

Coming from Jitra, a small village in the northern part of Malaysia, Faris is a passionate architecture graduate whose early fascination with creativity, art, culture and traditional value laid the foundation for his career. From a young age, he was captivated by the artistic and cultural elements around him, which sparked his interest in architecture. Faris enjoys exploring new construction technologies, particularly green and sustainable architecture. His experience includes working on residential projects and tropical designs that evolve around the local community.

“Architecture is a form of expression and escapism to me — I find true satisfaction when my design moves and elicits emotions from people. This inspires me to create good spatial relationships in habitable spaces so they can be experienced by all types of people. It’s impressive how ordinary spaces can become both humble and regal experiences. This challenges me to be more experimental in my design work, followed by a positive attitude to produce an excellent outcome.

Communities and architecture are closely linked – with a diversified mix of people and interests, architecture can help build a sense of community, bringing people closer together and fostering stronger ties.”

Tan Swee Cheng

Technical Officer, Singapore

Michelle Ma

Architect, Melbourne

Excited about the change that Architecture can bring to society. Michelle’s interests lie in the capability to reach a design that goes beyond the façade and appearance but rather design that is purposeful and intentional. she believes that Architecture plays a significant role in everyday life, therefore the design should be accessible and enjoyable.

“I was born and raised in Melbourne and attended Monash University. Whilst studying, I gained experience in an international architecture firm based in Beijing and local residential firms. Having the combination of these experiences has brought an appreciation to design from large scale conceptual thinking to small scale design details.”

Luke Moran

Architect, Melbourne

Since starting at our Melbourne office, Luke has developed a wide range of experiences as one of our Architects, from feasibility designs right through to interiors documentation.

“Originally hailing from the UK, I am a Registered Architect who completed their Masters of Architecture at the University of Sheffield in 2018. Here, I was nominated for the RIBA Silver Medal, the RIBA’s oldest and most ‘prestigious prize in architectural education globally’ [RIBA]. Prior to moving to Australia, I worked for two years at the London based practice Squire & Partners where I covered a variety of different work.

The strong design ethos; educational expertise and its dedicated and light-hearted staff, make working at K2LD an absolute pleasure. Professionally, my main passion has been project managing, co-leading the design team and working on site, for the build of Project Riandu; a community secondary school for the Deaf in Kenya. It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the opportunity to use my skill set in a truly positive manner.

Hanis Halim

Architectural Graduate, Kuala Lumpur

Hanis’ professional experience has provided her with exposure to a diverse array of projects, significantly enhancing her continuous development across various architectural disciplines. She has been involved in numerous small to medium-scale projects, including kindergartens, residential, commercial, healthcare facilities, and community buildings. Hanis is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and precision in documentation. Her flexibility and ability to adapt to new situations have been crucial to her success at K2LD.

“Growing up in the picturesque town of Ipoh, Malaysia, surrounded by stunning hills and mountains, I developed a profound appreciation for nature. I believe that God has created nature as a guide for us in designing and producing buildings that truly benefit the users. Nature’s design is inherently economical, and I strive to follow this model by minimizing information and maximizing understanding in my architectural work.”

Momorumani Hatano

Interior Design Graduate, Melbourne

“Beginning my journey as an interior design intern in K2LD, this company opens up my perspective and gave me the opportunity to express my passion towards interior design in multiple projects.

I was born and raised in the countryside in Japan, and nature was always a big part of my earlier life. It inspires me to consider how can we invite the exterior elements into the interior design space to create a smooth spatial flow to blur the boundaries in between, as well as use lighting as an element to enhance the quality of space. Also my multicultural background and experience living in various countries opens up my perspective to approach my design based on people’s various cultural needs.

I am passionate about visualising my ideas through drawing/sketching as a primary tool to express and develop my design ideas, which comes from my love for sketching since childhood, where I always carry around a pen and sketchbook everywhere I go.

As a girl who lives in the coffee capital of the world, I grab a coffee in my hand and visit exhibitions, galleries, theatres and shows during my free time to get inspiration.”

Johnny Zhou

Designer , Melbourne

Experienced in work across both China and Australia, Johnny is one of our extremely dedicated Architectural and Interior Design Documenters based in Melbourne.

“I graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, in China in 2002. Immersed in the hustle and bustle of city life that Shanghai has to offer, I designed for a handful of leading practices before calling Australia home. Energised by my passion for interior design and the remanent buzz of Shanghai life, I worked on various projects around Australia, cultivating my experience as a talented all-rounder. My patience and focus makes me brilliant at documentation and my creative knack confirms my conceptual ability.

Being keen to extend my range and develop myself made me step into the architectural world in 2016. My biggest asset is my ability to practice architectural design with an interior designer mentality. I’ve developed effective verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills through contact with clients due to the collaborative nature of design.”

Kai Siow

Executive Assistant to David & Tisha Lee, Melbourne

Kai joined K2LD Architects in January 2023 as the Executive Assistant to David and Tisha Lee. With a strong background in strategic thinking and a passion for all things administration, Kai brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the team. Prior to joining K2LD, Kai spent 8 years working in the not-for-profit sector, where he honed their skills in working with board of directors and senior leadership teams. His expertise includes calendar management, travel planning, event planning, and enhancing organizational efficiency. At K2LD, Kai is committed to supporting the executive team and ensuring smooth and efficient operations across the board.

Felmen Tse Tow

Architect, Melbourne

As one of our Architects, Felmen brings a unusually fresh set of perspectives to our office combined with his huge willingness to question and learn.

“Born and raised in the small country of Brunei, I grew up learning the fundamental values inherent to a small community: compassion, interdependency and collaboration. I fell in love with the idea of fostering meaningful relationships between people using well-designed spaces.

I believe that the core of good design is its innate ability to deliver added convenience, productivity and excitement to people’s lives. Using architecture as a design vehicle, I aspire to one day leave behind a physical manifestation of my creativity to spark a positive influence on people all around us every day.”

Susan Chaisiriroj

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Asilah Razuki

Architectural Graduate, Kuala Lumpur

Hailing from Kelantan, Malaysia, I pursued my education at UiTM Perak and UiTM Puncak Alam, where I honed my skills and gained a solid foundation in architecture. In my role as a graduate architect at K2LD, I embarked on my Australian architectural journey, harnessing each project as a learning experience. Collaborating with talented colleagues, I have gained valuable insights and expertise that I am eager to apply to every project.

At the core of my design philosophy lies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate relationship between users and the spaces they inhabit. I firmly believe that architecture has the power to communicate with its occupants, shaping their experiences and interactions. By comprehending how people engage with their surroundings, I strive to create spaces that seamlessly blend functionality and aesthetics. This holistic approach extends to guiding users through intuitive wayfinding, fostering meaningful spatial connections, and effectively translating the intended functions of each space. My mission is to contribute to the creation of spaces that uplift, inspire, and transform lives. As I continue to collaborate, learn, and innovate, I am confident that my architectural designs will leave an indelible mark, making a profound difference in the lives of those who inhabit them.

Xu Mingzhe

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Geoffery Phung

Architectural Graduates, Melbourne

Geoffery is an architectural graduates working with us in Melbourne. He was born and raised in Vietnam and moved to Melbourne after he graduated from high school, and subsequently university.

“My main role in the office is to experience, absorb and bring to life the knowledge I’ve gained from my studies. Additionally, I use my technicality in design to improve the workflow in the office. I approach every task with enthusiasm because I see each one as a learning opportunity. The realisation of a task from its virtual roots always give me a sense of excitement.

My passion for architecture stems from the love for technology – computer graphics specifically. It’s amazing how we can generate numerous iterations of a design to fit best to the brief and how realistically they can look at time, and I would love to be able to deliver these positive points of using technology into architecture.”

Jacqueline Goh

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Angelyn Chong

Accounts Assistant, Kuala Lumpur

” I graduated from Monash University in Melbourne with a degree in accounting. After completing my studies there, I returned home to Malaysia. Before joining K2LD, I worked with an exhibition company in Kuala Lumpur. Coincidentally, they organised the only architecture exhibition in Malaysia annually. Once, I had the opportunity to assist them onsite. From that experience, I learned that architecture is about building one’s dream into reality. Joining K2LD has been an adventure. Everything is new to me, and I appreciate the way K2LD actively involves everyone in the company’s growth. Every 2 months, we have a staff forum where everyone comes together to be briefed on ongoing projects, their progress, expectations, and even to celebrate birthdays!”

Elaine Leow

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Nicha Praesuwatsilp

Architectural Assistant, Singapore

Celia Autin

Architectural Assistant, Singapore