Ar. Ng Shi Qi, the founder and principal architect of SQ NG Architect, has left an indelible mark on the construction industry over her 11-year career.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne, Australia, she quickly rose through the ranks, gaining valuable experience at consultancy firms such as GDP Architects and Arkitek EDP. Her expertise shone through in notable projects like The Platinum Suites in Kuala Lumpur, the Borneo Divers Dive Center and Bukit Bantayan Residences in Kota Kinabalu.

Unlike traditional career trajectories, Shi Qi's journey saw her leading projects from her first year, a testament to her exceptional talents and drive.

Driven by Design and Client Trust

For Shi Qi, the transformation of her designs from paper to reality is her greatest motivation. She finds joy in problem-solving through the unique challenges each construction project presents. Witnessing the finished product and the trust clients place in her vision fuel her passion and dedication to her craft.

Fresh out of university, Shi Qi was entrusted with leading the architectural design project for the Borneo Divers Dive Center at Mamutik Island in 2016. Despite its challenges, this opportunity proved transformative, teaching her invaluable lessons in human-centric architecture.

Guided by Mentors and Community Involvement

Shi Qi acknowledges the pivotal role her father played in shaping her career, emphasising the importance of both technical skills and good PR. 

“To thrive in the industry, one must possess both technical expertise and effective communication skills. These two components are indispensable, as they complement each other in achieving success.”

Additionally, her involvement as an active committee member in Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Sabah Chapter has been instrumental. She also serves on the Local Government Liaison Committee, attending crucial city council and Majlis Daerah meetings to advocate for development projects. 

The PAM Sabah Chapter organises the Borneo Architecture Festival (BAF) annually, bringing together architects, designers, educators, policymakers, builders, and industry leaders who share a common vision. This event serves as a platform for forging meaningful connections, exchanging insights, fostering collaboration, and wielding influence in our impactful networking event.

As the Borneo Architecture Festival (BAF) Organizing Chair 2024, Shi Qi leads efforts to unite industry leaders and foster collaboration in the architectural community.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Shi Qi aspires for her firm to transcend conventional boundaries, focusing on crafting user experiences as a fundamental core for every project. Inspired by observing how people interact with their environment, she seeks to create spaces that resonate deeply with human behaviour and society. Her involvement as a mentor in the Live Design Discourse organised by PAM underscores her commitment to nurturing future architects and fostering cultural exchange.

Community Impact and Architectural Advocacy

Shi Qi's involvement with PAM Sabah Chapter and her participation as a mentor in the Live Design Discourse exemplify her dedication to community initiatives and architectural advocacy. 

The event, organized by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) in collaboration with PAM Sarawak Chapter, brought together architecture students and young practitioners from four nations. Led by mentors, teams of students developed design responses to a given brief, fostering cultural exchange and architectural collaboration among participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Through these engagements, she contributes to strengthening ties among architectural collaboration across nations and nurturing the next generation of architects.

Advice for Aspiring Women in Architecture

Shi Qi's advice to young women in the industry is simple yet profound: invest in yourself. She emphasises the importance of self-care and personal growth, recognizing that encountering different personalities is a natural part of professional life. By investing in oneself, women can navigate challenges with confidence and resilience, carving out their paths to success in the dynamic world of construction.

Ar. Ng Shi Qi's journey exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance, creativity, and advocacy in the construction industry. As a visionary architect and champion for women's empowerment, she continues to inspire future generations to break barriers and leave their mark on the built environment.