Name and photo:
Yuri Leong Maish
Where do you work?
May & Russell Architects
Current job title and function?
Senior Architect
Why did you choose architecture as a profession?
Because I have always loved drawing, art, design, problem solving, maths, music, photography, working with people, gardening – architecture needs to consider all of these things, and more, so I seem to have been channelled into it.
What are you working on now?
Currently the project architect for the National Archives Preservation Facility which is under construction in Mitchell.
Most challenging or interesting project you’ve ever worked on and why?
The current National Archives project. It has been by far the most complex project in terms of the design and coordination required that I have been involved with. Working on projects like this keeps me level headed, where I have to just take each day at a time and never be surprised with what each day may bring. It has been a steep learning curve and it’s been invaluable to have the continued involvement through the construction phase.
Who is your role model?
I can’t say that I have a single, particular role model, however I have three key inspirational people that I can identify as providing me with the support to really change my life. One was my year 4 primary school teacher Mrs
Margaret Knight. I was very shy in my early years in primary school, partly due to my prominent birthmark which covers my whole left cheek. Mrs Knight gave me the support and encouragement to really stride out of my shell, and have confidence in myself and all that I do.
The second was Catherine Marshall at the Belconnen Library, who oversaw my community service as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. She encouraged me to paint murals and design holiday activities and programs for children. When she heard that I was planning to follow in my sister’s footsteps and study law, she exclaimed that it was a real shame to not utilise my creativity and follow through with something that I was obviously passionate about. Because of Catherine, I decided to keep doing art as an extra subject through year 11 and 12, and look into other creative options which definitely appealed to me more than law.
The third was Dr Peter Armstrong, an academic at the University of Sydney in the Faculty of Architecture. I met him on open day, thinking I’d like to study fine art, but he inspired me with all things architectural, and made the decision for me to study design and architecture a very appealing one.
Any advice for young architects just starting their career?
Architects need to know a little bit about everything. Don’t limit yourself and take your time! Each project you work on will be a new experience with a different client, different brief, different outcome. Think of everything you do as part of the learning curve. Also make sure you take the time to get a bit of perspective. I would recommend travel – gain more of an understanding on how different people work, think and play. You’ll grow more as a person and be more rounded and absorb details.
What is your favourite piece of art?
Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The first time I saw the real thing was at the Musee D’Orsay, Paris, where I stood in front of it for hours and got lost in the swirl of colours and the physical depth of the painting.
What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing the architectural profession?
Partial services – where we are losing control of key aspects of architectural services. Many failures in building quality and construction are being blamed on the architect, where the original architect may not have had the opportunity to have any involvement past a particular milestone stage such as lodging the DA. This is vastly misrepresented in the community, with architects unfairly blamed for issues they had no involvement in.
If you weren’t an architect, what do you think you would be doing?
I would seasonally be doing at least some of the following:
- a children’s book illustrator
- a narrator for audio books
- a snowboard guide for off-piste trails in Hokkaido
- a guide for hiking trails through Patagonia
- walking dogs at the RSPCA and pound
- running a nursery (for plants, not babies)
- the equivalent of yarn-bombing but out of origami in public places
- aerial photography after getting my helicopter pilot licence
- a piano accompanist for an amateur violinist or cellist
What is your most underrated talent?
I would say that all of my talents are fairly rated on a scale of useful, to highly not useful. Maybe being able to whip up quick, healthy dinners with riff raff in our pantry / fridge / freezer / garden. Also at making lists of the list of things that I need to do and then doing everything at the last minute without referring to my list.
What is the most used app on your phone?
The call and text function. I use my phone as a phone. OK I do use the calendar and check emails on it too.
What are you addicted to?
Speeding on a snowboard, gyoza dumplings, cherry tomatoes from the garden, bacon, stripey socks, correcting grammatical errors, good coffee and earl grey tea.
What do you wish you were told before starting in this profession?
That:
- there are practical applications for trigonometry
- this is a profession that you do for the love of it
- when you’re not running around like a headless chook, you’ll be bored (so be thankful if you are running around like a headless chook)
The world needs more…
- Everyday simple pleasures that make you laugh out loud
- Balance
The World needs less…
- Acronyms
- Litigation
- Bigots
- Fast food outlets
