8.1.2026 Thursday - why is he always walking so fast?

some of the young ones briefing on their projects, Thursday seems like a good time of the week to do this you have Friday to tidy things up if needed.

What's the hurry? Perhaps if one slows down and take in the view, you might say there isn't much of a view. But what if it is not a view but an interaction with some old men having an early morning coffee - remarking on my bike: how small it folds, how long I have had it, how much it costs.. A few smiles, a few words exchanged - it's a good encounter allowing them a new subject to continue their morning's chat.

The RM1 kopi is now RM 2.20 - reason to make it last longer. 

7.1.2026 Wednesday - a good idea from Fiona

 We talked about the office meetings, whether our former method of sitting down on Monday mornings work better than my recent way of speaking to individuals or small groups. Fiona is diplomatic, and says both work but suggests that letting the others know what their colleagues are working on is more informative and provides better learning. She recounts how sorting her internship the studio gets together on Friday to share news about projects, and report on progress.

So we're trying it out tomorrow, let's see how we go. 

6.1.2026 Tuesday - a small hotel in Bali

 

The construction costs for our little hotel in Bali is about twice the allocated budget, so Ricco and I are looking at ways to reduce the floor area. 

Suen Ling and I chat about how to reduce the cost of construction (400SGD for the building and basic finishes, plus potential another 60SGD) at the moment. I mark out our thinking which:

1. omits the mezzanine within the rooms (reduce costs of slab and staircases)

2. instead the communal areas (dining, lounge, check-in) will be large and will have a mezzanine so that guests can enjoy views of the padi) - this is accessed via one staircase, close the the kitchen at the rear.

3. the number of the rooms remain at 20, their width have been reduced to 3250mm (construction grid reduced from 7m to 6.5m)

The roof form will still be quite interesting though modular in nature, I will brief the client soon, so that they don't worry and start chasing us for results. Usually when they start to do that, it takes away some of my enthusiasm for the project. 

5.1.2026 Monday - drawing in sheets of recycled print outs

 

4.1.2026 Sunday

 

3.1.2026 Saturday - day after the reunification

 

2.1.2026 Friday - last pig out for the new year?

 It's afternoon tea (which merged into dinner) - a simple way to close out the first work day in the new year. I like how the young ones get into the spirit of things cooking bird's nest drinks and helping with the food preparation. Fiona brings James, someone I have met at the club (we say hi to each other while he goes to the gym and I am playing squash). Rachel and Chloe are delightful in their chatter and their energy - they spent a lot of money on their food gifts.

After this, I will follow a new eating plan to reduce calorie intake. I have the will power so it should be easy, use the focus and routine which I use for my exercise routine for the eating plan. And get into a habit.

another milestone for BAJ, videos of Pioneer Architects in Sarawak, by Punch and Judy