Mark Curtis
AT the age of 14, Mark Curtis, who had always loved drawing, sketching and doodling, decided that he would one day become an architect, despite his limited knowledge about the career at the time.
What was certain, however, was his curiosity and interest in architects’ ability to plan, design and oversee the creation of physical structures from scratch.
“Being an architect, you’ll be able to start from a sketch and you can actually see your sketch, that one line, to be built up,” he said.
Mark has been an architect at Arkitek Kumpulan Design International in Kuching for the past five years, following his architectural studies and work outside Sarawak.
His responsibilities as an architect include controlling the design of a building and maintaining its quality, ensuring that every aspect complies with the requirements of his client and the relevant authorities.
Mark revealed that because an architect is involved in the entire process of building construction from inception to completion, problem-solving skills are required at every stage in making sure the structure being built is safe and meets the client’s satisfaction.
The process itself relies heavily on teamwork, with the architects leading the civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and quantity surveyors for each project.
Teamwork also counts within the architects’ office, where a group of architects have brainstorming sessions to help each other find solutions to problems faced in certain projects.
“You need to ask lots of questions. You need to know beforehand what is going to happen so that you actually foresee what is going to be put in that design,” he said.
Mark believes those intending to pursue a career in architecture need to be hardworking, observant, creative, innovative and flexible enough to adapt to change.
The satisfaction of creating something from the ground up continues to be a source of motivation for Mark, who now enjoys the career that he has always dreamed of since he was a boy.
“It has actually kept me going and made me want to improve myself and create new things – better things, better buildings and to keep on learning.”
You can catch the video interview with Mark on the SarawakYES! YouTube channel or on SarawakYES! Facebook page.
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