24.6.2025 Tuesday - a bit of a mess

23.6.2025 Monday - documenting local heroes

 Months ago, SY and I had the idea of producing series of documentaries recording the achievements of the architectural pioneers in Sarawak - they would 5-7 minutes long with interviews, archival material and perhaps a retrospective look at their projects. The conversation was triggered by PAMSC's announcement that they intend to celebrate the Chapter's 50th anniversary in January 2026.  So when IJ asked SY and I if we were able to help her in the production of the documentary (the original PIC withdrew from the team) - we said OK. 

This afternoon we sit down to listen to her plans, and to find out who are her internal team members, who she intends to engage as external support (videographers, art direction, etc) Since she has only recently taken over the reins, she does not have many of the answers neither does she have the experience of doing this - and is unclear about the role of the production companies. But she seems genuine interested in our ideas and promised to engage with her people and recruit more deputies from her committee. 

Later I speak to SY, and his tone is not optimistic (and he points out that neither was hers) - but he wants to be open and open-minded about this project. At the lunch, he pointed out something which I value - that if he and I set our minds to something we can usually make it happen. Let's see if she make it happen, if they revert to the original idea of the 'corporate' pet-yourself-on-the-back video, then our help is not needed. 

22.6.2025 Sunday - bed, breakfast and painting

I go for a long walk and end up having breakfast at gala - we talked about mutual friends and I ask for an opinion about JC's future involvement in our office. A clean cut is preferred - we will pick up the loose ends ourselves. 

I achieve a small sense of achievement when ew complete the planters, locate them and dress them with the leftover paint from the office. I do so while listening to Ruthie's table 4 podcasts; 2 Davids - Beckam and Adjaye

Here is a list of work things to do:

1. Wait for the hostel appointment (contact EJ and ask)
2. Temple Street renovation (work with Milan)
3. Check Toorak house floor plans and 3D views (80%)
4. Super Santai - club house
5. School library (Clarissa)
6. Impiana BOMBA inspection (Freddie)
7. Ask for LH's semi-d drawings (look)
8. Status for 4.5 Mile
9. Ryan and the hostel
10. draw up Singgahsana details
11. Impiana water leak issue
12. BSC lounge (review)
13. Singgahsana ID details

List of non-work things to do

1. Record food intake
2. Line the bottom of the planters
3. Clean and clear up kitchen
4. go look at IKEA catalogue for tall pantry cabinets
5. I really need to find one hour of free time each day
6. Paint

21.6.2025 Saturday - Mom in law is not well

Sam travels to KL to be with her parents; mom is not well. She is bleeding from the brain due to her blood thinners apparently - we three are left to hold the fort although later that weekend Sara joins Sam to be by her grandma's bedside.

Life goes on; gardening, work, pickleball, squash - we remind ourselves to take care of Dad as well; the carers are often forgotten. 

20.6.2025 Friday- fellowship

This picture captures the spirit of the evening; a seemingly random mix of food thrown together with an equally arbitrary collection of half finished bottles of alcohol and friends accumulated by chance and time who decided work together - but talk about anything other than the work at hand. 

19.6.2025 Thursday - building bridges

Several weeks ago, we made an offer to an young architect to work together. It seems like we might have a new working partnership soon; one which is based on trust (I do not foresee the need to sign contracts and agreements) and learning (he is going to train the office in BIM while being involved in the project himself). More soon

This morning, we start our first site walkabout - the 4 of us, to look for things we might have missed and for design opportunities. Kenneth was there and we talked about upcoming work - I might put in a word for him with our client. 

 

18.6.2025 Wednesday - springing forward

A brainwave for me - to meet with the Springvale team daily; to have a short review, a quick chat and see what they have done, what is on their minds. I hope this will force me to keep abreast of developments. And we will drop by the site each Thursday morning. They seem to like this idea, we will do this until all the details are sorted out. After which, we will move on to the next project that goes on site. 

Another person must have a brainwave - contacting me to ask if I would like to be involved in PAMSC's gala dinner documentaries. I said yes - it would be good to see how I can be involved and if it is meaningful to me; I will stay. If not, I will leave.