How’s married life treating you?
Even though we’ve been together for almost 12 years, it’s different. Waking up to her every morning is beautiful, and now I have someone to look forward to coming home to. We also get to spend more quality time together. I’ve waited so long for this, so it’s obviously something I appreciate; married life is a true blessing for me.
How did you know she was the one?
It’s not just one thing or occasion; it’s through many years of seeing her put family first. I know she’s the one because I wanted someone who knows her priorities, who’s able to take care of and love the family when we eventually have one. Everything she does completes me, and I’m not just giving the standard answer. We’re compatible because we constantly push each other to achieve more, and that lets our relationship grow to the best it can be.
What makes a successful husband?
One thing we’ve both learned throughout the course of our relationship is that it’s easy to love someone during the good times. The true test is whether you can love that person at his or her worst. That’s what we’ve developed over many years. We have this baseline trust towards one another, and what I feel is successful is no matter how bad she’s feeling on a particular day, I want to be there physically and mentally for her, to cheer her up or provide a shoulder to lean on. Of course, another aspect is to be able to provide for her and not let her suffer.
What sparked your interest in architecture?
I’ve always had a fascination with cities, where all of us are constantly in a built environment, interacting with buildings, streetscapes and interior spaces. As an architect, I’m blessed to be able to create spaces which inspire people, and that makes going to work every day meaningful.
What improvements would you want to see in Singapore’s architectural landscape?
I’m going to offend people. [Laughs] But at the end of the day, architecture is very cost driven, dictated by developers who try to earn and maximise space as much as possible. That leaves a lot of compromised spaces. My vision is to have more open communal spaces which are socially beneficial for everyone to enjoy, rather than keep counting the cost of every square feet.
Check out the other interviews of Men’s Folio 20 Men including cover star Pierre Png, DJ MYRNE and more in our 20th anniversary October issue, available now.
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