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Alumni Spotlight:
Ar Khushairi Muhammad '91

December 13, 2022

Name: Ar Khushairi Muhammad
Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Major: Bachelor of Architecture
Graduation Year: 1991
Employer: Khushairi Architect
Title: Architect

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"The university life at the Hines College prepared me to apply architecture broadly while emphasizing design projects. One career accomplishment I am particularly proud of is the opportunity to be part of the technical team in constructing the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, from 1993 to 1998."

Why did you choose the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design? What drew you to design?
My late father was a schoolteacher and enjoyed painting and graphic design in his free time. Because of my father’s interests, I was exposed to creative works at an early age. My ambition to become an architect started when I saw my elder brother’s first-year studio assignment while studying architecture at Louisiana State University. After high school, I was offered a scholarship by the government of Malaysia to study architecture in the United States. I was provided with a list of universities. Without a doubt, I chose the University of Houston because of its well-rounded educational experience and the chance to build close relationships with students and lecturers from various backgrounds. More importantly, I was very attracted to the design of the Hines College architecture building. I will always consider Houston my home and hope I can visit again soon.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time on-campus? Was there a particular professor who influenced your education?
My most vivid memory is the feeling of nervousness standing in front of professors, crit panels, and my fellow studio mates during the fall 1988 semester. With my limited English speaking proficiency, I struggled through my presentations. Studio lecturer Virginia W. Kesley encouraged me to wade through that crit session, despite my difficulty communicating effectively in English.

During my time at UH, I had no choice but to prepare many sketches, drawings, and physical models to minimize my verbal communication. We had many lecturers and students from various parts of the world, including Mexico, Taiwan, China, Nigeria, Lebanon, and many others. One year, we organized a Malaysian Day in the atrium showing our Malaysian wedding culture, dance, and food. No doubt, these interactions and experiences shaped the way I look at life now.

Top to bottom: Drawings and photos of when the petronas towers were being constructed

What does a typical day look like in your job? Do you have a particular design or business philosophy?
We work on small jobs, including private houses, chalets, building renovation, and upgrading projects. I also lecture part-time in architecture at the MARA University of Technology. I enjoy cycling and hiking to balance my architectural work. Life and education in Houston gave me tools that have shaped my mindset regarding responsibility for the built environment, community, and family. I am now in a semi-retirement mode focusing on my sole proprietor architecture practice.

What is one career accomplishment of which you are particularly proud? How do you feel that the College prepared you for this?
The university life at the Hines College prepared me to apply architecture broadly while emphasizing design projects. My education encouraged leadership, collaborations, integrations, and communications to accomplish tasks and execute our goals. One career accomplishment I am particularly proud of is the opportunity to be part of the technical team in constructing the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, from 1993 to 1998. I was on the architectural design team for Samsung-Kukdong-Jasatera JV, the main contractor for Tower 2 and Skybridge. The design, construction, and completion of these 88-story, 452-meter-tall buildings were made possible by the collaborative skills and efforts of many individuals worldwide.

What is one valuable lesson you learned during your time at the Hines College?
The Hines College cultivated my passion for architecture and life. It taught me to believe in myself, respect and encourage others, communicate, work in teams, and maintain a work-life balance. It prepared me sufficiently for my professional career.

What is a piece of advice you would give to current architecture and design students?
Enjoy university life and the freedom of designing while you can work in your studio. After graduating, life in architecture is equally exciting when you are equipped with a good skillset required to function as an architect. Also, keep an open mind because your skills may lead you into a different profession. Architecture and design thinking processes and skills apply to many other aspects of life.

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