portfolio
Irving Thien Architectural Projects & Community Initiatives
Spring Street Apartment Renovation
Refreshing a 90s Apartment in Melbourne
YEAR 2024
COST Approximately $300,000
ROLE Site Survey & Measurement
Client Engagement
Documentation
Interior Design
Architectural Detailing
Produced renovation plan based on the client’s needs, carried out site survey measurements and consultations with the facilities manager on structural walls, management rules on renovations and council regulations
Bespoke Interiors and Architectural Detailing
The kitchen island serves as the centerpiece of the living area that allows for family activities to take place and offers unrestricted movements.
Elevated a transitional space between master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe by incorporating timber wall finish, glass display and concealed ensuite door.
Siblings Residences
Bespoke Designed Semi-Detached
Homes
Year 2022 to 2023
Cost Equivalent of $6 million
Role Client Relationship
Schematic Design
Design Development
3D Visualization
Council Submissions
Sanctuary for Rest and Rejuvenation
The color palette, materiality and design language create a serene resort-like atmosphere. This design reflects the clients’ desire for a tranquil retreat to recharge from the demands of their busy work lives.
Collaborative Design Development
A series of sketch and design iterations of the house through months of meetings and revisions.
Initial sketches emerged from discussions of the project brief and the clients’ needs, focusing on incorporating extensive amenities within regulatory constraints.
Through multiple meetings, the design was progressively refined and, at times, significantly revised to suit the client’s requirements
Seafest Regency
Managing a Hotel Project with 10 Stakeholders
YEAR 2021 to 2022
COST Equivalent of $80 million
ROLE Documentation
Interior Design
Architectural Detailing
Contract Administration
Project Coordination
PROJECT COMPONENTS
240 Hotel Rooms
Lobby Reception & Business Center
All Day Dining Hall
Specialty Restaurants
Ballroom
Bar & Lounge
Pool, Gym & Spa
Car Park ( 5-Storey Podium)
Admin Office
Back of House Services
Combined Role of Architectural Designer & Project Management
The infinity pool exemplifies my dual role in managing the project, which involved communication with material suppliers, obtaining client sign-offs, coordination between main builder & pool specialists and design aspects such as material selection, preparing detailed drawings, and closely monitoring construction to ensure a high-quality outcome.
Alongside administering the building contract with the main builder, I managed the tender process for specialized nominated sub-contract packages such as interior fit-out and aluminum glazing works. This role required rigorous coordination with the client, main builder, project director, and multiple tenderers to ensure the project progressed on schedule and met critical deadlines.
Likas Boulevard
Overseeing a Multi-Phased Mixed-Use Development
YEAR 2022 to 2023
COST Equivalent of $300 million
ROLE Tender Coordination
Documentation
Contract Administration
Project Coordination
PROJECT COMPONENTS
9-Storey Retail Mall (Podium)
13-Storey Office Tower
24-Storey Service Suite (3 Towers, Total 1,226 Units)
Pool, Gym and Spa Facilities Car Park (1-Storey Basement & 7- Storey Podium)
Tender Documentation Team Leader
Led team of draftsmen, interior designer in reporting project director for preparation of tender documentation. Incorporated design changes and proactively coordinated with structural & MEP engineers along with quantity surveyor on respective drawings and tender bills.
Construction Monitoring & Quality Control
In addition to counter checking interim valuations, ensured smooth handing over of complete phase by main builder to developer.
Diligently documented building defects, followed up with main builder and subcontractors for closure of Non-Compliance Reports.
Carried out vital administrative works and providing project director with necessary support on document control and memos to stakeholders.
The Cove
A Mixed-Use Development with Green Aspirations
YEAR 2022 to 2023
COST Equivalent of $600 million
ROLE Schematic Design
Design Development
Consultants Coordination
Planning Application
PROJECT COMPONENTS
12-Storey Retail Mall (Podium)
Landscaped Outdoor Mall Terrace
17-Storey Office Tower
20-Storey Service Suite (2 Towers, 670 Units Total)
20-Storey Luxury Apartments (2 Towers, 500 Units Total)
20-Storey Hotel (2 Towers, 300 Rooms Total) Car Park (2-Storey Basement & 5-Storey Podium)
Accelerating design development from concepts to
working drawings
Having inherited this assignment, I pushed the development of this project forward from conceptual diagrams to eventual production of working drawings.
The project is inspired by the lushly vegetated hill (image on the right) which is immediately adjacent to the site. We wanted to contribute green spaces back to the urban environment.
I was responsible for crystalizing the programs and briefs, coordinating with engineers with structural, MEP and fire safety requirements.
Portion of the basement works which was planned for early commencement went into documentation stage where I worked closely with the structural engineers on preparation of tender documents.
Club Secretary & Newsletter Editor
Rotary Club of Likas Bay District 3310
Joining the Rotary Club of Likas Bay has broadened my horizons and enriched my worldview. I served as the Club Secretary for 2 terms and as the Editor for the club’s monthly Newsletter which helped promoted the club’s projects to the local community and in turn raising the profile of the club.
Personal Growth
Having the opportunity to work on many club projects, meeting people from various vocations and background was an enriching experience. An example was the club’s 40th Anniversary Celebration which I was part of the organizing committee.
Putting Interpersonal Skills to Good Use
My tenure as Club Secretary provided the ideal opportunity to working together on projects with fellow club members and external stakeholders.
Organizing Chairperson
Borneo Architecture Festival 2019
In 2019, I took on the role as the Organizing Chairperson for the Borneo Architecture Festival, an annual event hosted by the Malaysian Institute of Architects.
The festival featured an international Architecture conference, public urban sketching competition and the first of its kind architecture documentary showcasing prominent local architects.
The experience sharpened my communication and organizational skills while giving valuable insights into the responsibilities of leadership.
Fostering Teamwork
Worked closely with a team of architects and graduate architects, setting clear objectives, sharing common vision and empowering each team member to take ownership of their work.
Planning. Execution. Realization.
The International Architecture Conference brought together speakers from Australia, Singapore, China and Malaysia, drawing an audience of 200 attendees which encouraged knowledge sharing and meaningful discussions with the local architectural community. The event was a culmination of 8 months of teamwork, careful planning and effective stakeholder engagement.
Organizer & Facilitator
“Talking About Public Engagement In Development Process” 2017
This public forum and workshop was organized by a collective of architects and town planners which I was a part of. We facilitated conversation to address community concerns over the Tanjung Aru Eco-Development, a government proposed large scale coastal reclamation project set to permanently transform a well-loved public beach.
The event successfully brought together city planning officers, project consultants, environmental groups and concerned citizens for an open dialogue session on the project’s impact.
Bridging the Communication Gap
We facilitated in a talk and Q&A session in response to growing public dissatisfaction due to lack of communication during the public notice period. This session provided open dialogue to help clarify concerns and improve transparency during the discussion process.
The Importance of Inclusiveness
The workshop demonstrated that an inclusive and transparent design process can lead to more democratic and widely accepted outcomes for large-scale, high impact projects involving public spaces.
Organizer & Facilitator
Greater Luyang Walkability Workshop 2016
This design workshop aims improve neighborhood walking experience and reduce car depedency. We brought together architects, engineers, university students and the general public to analyze site conditions and brainstorm ideas for improvements.
As a member of the organizing committee, I was responsible for formulating the workshop structure and preparing informative briefing materials. The event underscores the importance of community participation in design of public spaces and infrastructure.
Boots on the Ground
The workshop participants first conducted a walkabout to observe, document and gather firsthand information on the existing conditions of the footpaths.
Melting Pot of Ideas
Using the observations from the walkabout, participants collaborated to sketch and collage their ideas for improving pedestrian infrastructure. The findings were then compiled into a report and submitted to the city hall for consideration.
Project Experience
Project
Spring Street Apartment Interior Renovation
SIP Corporate Office Interior Fitout
Tenghilan Primary School
Siblings Residence Private Residential 2023
Thevarajah Residence Private Residential 2023
Dixon Residence Private
Hailam Coffee House Interior
The Cove Mixed-Use 2023
Likas Boulevard Mixed-Use 2023
Putatan Apartment Highrise Residential 2023
Grandvue Residence Highrise Residential 2023
Matata Hotel Hospitality 2023
Seafest
Petron
Woodford
Likas
Beluran
Linangkit
Kudat Kota Marudu Tourism Masterplan
4
999 Bar
Labuan Bridge & Marina City
Bukit Bantayan Residence
$60 million Council Submission
