A Moment With Ar. Hud Bakar
Ar. Hud Bakar started his career in HOK San Francisco. He was then made a director of Kumpulan Senireka Sdn Bhd before moving on to take over RSP Malaysia in 1996.
Today, with staff strength of more than 150 people, he has successfully completed and is involved in numerous projects from simple overhead bridges, residential, commercial, hospitality, sports and institutional buildings.
Among the notable landmarks buildings are MITEC, MACC HQ, JAKIM Buildings in Putrajaya, Paradigm Mall, Naza & LTH Tower in Platinum Park, Hilton and St Regis in KL Sentral. He has also completed many headquarters of companies and corporations such as MITI, Felda Tower, UEM, Bank Islam, Public Bank, Great Eastern, SSM and MATRADE.
The ‘under construction’ buildings of 8-Conlay Kempinski/ Residential towers and PNB 118 tower- which will stand as the 2nd tallest building in the world upon completion – are managed by him.
His practice has won many awards, being published in many magazines and newsletters and is among the top 5 architect’s practice in Malaysia.
How do you feel to be back at ARCHIDEX and DATUM:KL
It is very encouraging to see everyone back here.
The field of architecture has moved beyond the scope, where the mindset is now varied and open. But, perhaps due to the pandemic keeping everyone at home, we are thinking beyond architecture.
The most important lesson for any architect is to be versatile.
We must not stay in our traditional way of practicing architecture. Instead, to survive, we need to understand how to manage a business and expand to other areas.
How does an architect’s role fit into the KLAF theme of Mindshaping for the future?
I think creativity is an architect’s greatest asset.
Architects are planning buildings, places, and cities that influence the way people think, how they live, and how they can progress. So in many ways, their work also inspires how a country advances.
How can architects keep going forward?
The most important lesson for any architect is to be versatile.
We must not stay in our traditional way of practicing architecture. Instead, to survive, we need to understand how to manage a business and expand to other areas.
The past two years were a big lesson for all industries to embrace specific changes and to adapt to survive in the future. That brings us out of our complacencies. To an extent, we must create new typography of buildings, present new concepts to clients and cities, and create new opportunities and things to work on.
What are the biggest challenges Malaysian architects are facing today?
Creativity. We must be very good at what we do. We must benchmark ourselves on the international level. Study what architects are doing worldwide, so we stand competitive with global standards.
The general developers and authorities need to give opportunities to the local talents even when they venture abroad. We are Malaysian. We buy Malaysian. Let’s “use” Malaysians’ services and skills where possible.
Smaller practices need to relook where they are today for their vision tomorrow. If they wish to stay small, it is okay to do that. But they need to inject ideas on how to bring their companies forward instead of staying on the “traditional” ways of doing architecture. Practices must be creative. But they also need to survive, so they must look at the business aspects.
Do you have any advice for young architects joining the profession?
I always tell my team and my son, an architect working in London after completing his studies.
You must have the tenacity and stamina to open your vision from being a small entrepreneur to thinking big. Now, you may not get there. But you must have a vision. Get out of your “cocoon” as an architect. Compare your work with international standards and aim higher. Sooner or later, people will discover you.
When it comes to being an architect, don’t look for money. Instead, do your best, and money will look for you.
Being an architect is my hobby. I enjoy designing things. I can design late into the night, and I don’t get tired. You keep searching for new things, new answers; therefore, you don’t get tired.
You must have the tenacity and stamina to open your vision from being a small entrepreneur to thinking big. Now, you may not get there. But you must have a vision. Compare your work with international standards and aim higher. Sooner or later, people will discover you.
What is creativity to you?
Creativity comes from many angles. Apart from talent, you must strive, and you must learn. To be a good architect, you must live like an architect. It is like a religion. When you travel, or during your everyday life, somehow, if you relate it to architecture, creativity comes more easily to you as you don’t limit it to just a profession. As a result, more ideas and inspiration come to you.
What do you like most about attending ARCHIDEX?
What I love most is, of course, listening to the lectures. They are inspiring and take you beyond what you think you know. And there is always something new to learn, whether big or small or new concepts. Today, it was on learning about artificial intelligence and how it shapes our minds for the future. Listening to variations of lectures helps fuel thinking and creativity.
Seeing the variety of building materials here is an eye-opener. You can never keep so many samples in your office. So, this is the most extensive range of samples you have! As a result, you can see new products that help you become a better architect.