• 
• 

Published on July 13, 2007

Architect Sumeth Sukapanpotharam is full of purpose, eager to change the way architects are perceived by the public.

The Chulalongkorn and Harvard-trained professional says more people are realising designers can play a tremendous role in their lives.

"Among the older crowd, architects were thought of merely as signatures one hired to give buildings some stature," says Sumeth in his office in the Bangkok Insurance Building on Sathorn Road. "That's changing. Companies today are hiring architects because they can provide that vital and essential look and feel that defines their businesses."

A recent corporate client, German Auto, specifically chose Sumeth because he understood what the company wanted in its new BMW showroom along Bang Na-Trat Road.

"They are very serious about projecting a certain kind of image for their product," he says.

In the residential front, the more progressive home-buyers are turning to architects to design space that can improve their lives.

"It is not only about maximising spaces, but also about reflecting one's personality and values."

"In the Netherlands, where I worked for some time, the attitude is quite progressive," Sumeth recalls. "Architecture there is considered a service profession. As such, registration is not needed." The Dutch use architects for a multitude of jobs, he notes, everything from designing a garage to landscaping gardens.

While Sumeth taught for two years as a full-time professor at Chulalongkorn University from 1996-98, he decided to enrol at Harvard University and later travel the world, to obtain a more worldly understanding of how builders elsewhere approach their occupation.

Upon returning three years ago, he set up architecture firm TMD and later real-estate developer Supharat.

He is happiest when designing for a wide range of clients. They include Bumrungrad Hospital (for new in-patient rooms) and owners of apartments catering to long-stay guests.

Sumeth is excited about the hospital project, in which he has designed rooms that "allow patients to exercise greater control of their lives".

He explains, "When someone is admitted to hospital, it is thought he needs a nurse to do everything for him, from turning the binds to switching on the TV. In our design, the idea is to allow them to do simple things by providing an automation system. This will greatly relieve many patients."

There is also the Thai aspect of accommodating visitors.

"In Asia, especially Thailand, hospital rooms need to be prepared to allow a fairly sizeable group of people.

"We say the only time you meet all your relatives is when you are admitted to hospital or attend a funeral," he jokes. "Unlike in the West, when people are admitted to hospital, everyone from distant relatives to close friends all come to visit. Hence, the need for accommodation, even providing a place for some to stay overnight with the patient."

To be sure, when designing, Sumeth says, "It is vital to look at the people we're designing the building for. Most importantly, we must recognise that the project is meant for them, and it must work for them."

To do a good job, an architect must respect that their customers are a varied bunch.

"Every society and every individual can be quite unique," he offers. "For example, a room that works for Thais won't do for many Japanese."

He talks about his designing a successful apartment building for Japanese businessmen. "Most Thais are concerned about a good view, a spacious lobby and large spaces. These aspects are not as important to Japanese executives, who desire more functional rooms. For instance, big spaces are useless to them.

"Their kitchens need to be bigger, and they need bathtubs, as the bathing ritual is an integral part of Japanese life."

As such, many of the current apartments built on the cheap by local developers would not be able attract Japanese buyers because most of them omit bathtubs.

"The fact is that Japanese customers pay a premium on rentals," he noted. Punters who bought units to rent out to foreigners will have a rude awakening when they find their units are only good for locals, who cannot pay such a premium.

The other half of his time is divided to developing his company's own projects. They include Pran-A-Luxe, a seafront resort estate in Pran Buri district of Prachuap Khiri Khan; and The Sense, a mid-range condominium project in Sukhumvit Soi 68.

"Our beach is clean and peaceful, and the nearby luxury hotels are charging several hundred dollars for their rooms," he adds, referring to the Evason property.

Pran-A-Luxe contains 43 villas with built-up spaces ranging from 174 square metres to 680 square metres. The entry price for the smallest two-bedroom, three-bathroom bungalow is Bt7.6 million. All units are furnished excluding loose furniture. Everything else, from air-conditioners to kitchens, are fitted.

More recently, Sumeth launched The Sense, a 150-unit freehold condominium project. He has constructed a sales office with two mock-up units in Sukhumvit Soi 66.

A Skytrain station is currently being built for Sukhumvit Soi 103 (Soi Udomsuk), opposite the site. A 31-square-metre studio units starts at Bt1.5 million.

Sumeth has added large curved roofs and provided more light and space by fitting a single-loaded corridor for the eight-storey structure.

Itthi C Tan

The Nation