Loh Mei Ee (Photo: SooPhye)
Options: Tell us a little about your eponymous practice, Mei Ee Architect.
Loh Mei Ee: We are a young firm, established in 2019. There are about 15 to 20 of us, all dynamic, architecturally minded and creative individuals, dedicated to crafting purposeful and excellent work from our base in George Town. Our approach is rooted in the belief that good design should not only solve problems but also inspire, uplift and create meaningful connections between people and space. We have a guiding philosophy — ‘With passion’. Our team emphasises aesthetics, creativity, effective communication and client collaboration. Our focus is on personal well-being and environment-centred design. We want to ensure every project we undertake delivers a meaningful experience which, in turn, equals a successful outcome.
What have been some of your most memorable projects to date?
Every project has its own story and challenges, which make them special and memorable. One that stands out, though, is Bungalow 19. Located in the Taman Duta enclave of Kuala Lumpur, the two storey residence with sub-basement embodies modern tropical living. The design integrates a central reflective pool, full-height glazing and a mixture of timber and stone to create a refined yet climate responsive home.
Rackson House, a heritage building in George Town converted into a corporate space is another highlight. We worked hard to balance the integrity of an old structure with a modern annex, allowing the architecture to speak for both past and present. Hillside Retreat is also close to my heart. It is one of the oldest colonial bungalows on Penang Hill, and we restored it into a boutique holiday home. The design preserves the historic character while incorporating British colonial interiors and curated vintage furniture — a true blend of heritage and comfort.
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What made you decide to become an architect?
I have always loved drawing and the arts. It was my elder sister who encouraged me to consider architecture as it combined creativity with a practical career path. Later on, I was fortunate to have been mentored by the late Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, whose passion and selfless teaching solidified my commitment to the profession and also helped me see how architecture truly impacts lives and communities.
What was your childhood ambition?
To be an artist! I spent so much of my childhood drawing and painting. Even though I chose architecture eventually, I see my work as a continuation of that same artistic passion but just in built form now.
Tell us about some of your favourite built structures.
As a Malaysian architect, I deeply admire heritage and vernacular buildings with local context as they reflect cultural needs and the climate, often built using materials, techniques and know-how passed down through the generations. Examples include the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and the early Straits Eclectic-style shophouses of George Town. I am always drawn to their intricate craftsmanship, quiet strength and timeless beauty, all shaped by the hands and hearts of skilled artisans. The detailing, layers of texture and the stories embedded speak volumes of eras past, defined by cultural richness and pride in workmanship.
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Heritage buildings also connect us to our roots, reminding us that architecture is never just about aesthetics but also preserving memory and identity. All heritage and vernacular buildings, in a way, continue to inspire my own design approach, especially the charm and honesty of tropical architecture.
Who are the architects you admire?
I deeply admire Tadao Ando for his masterful use of natural materials and simple geometry. His buildings evoke a profound calm and are rooted in clarity and restraint. I am also inspired by Geoffrey Bawa, whose work seamlessly blends architecture with landscape and climate. His approach to tropical modernism, which is grounded in context, material, honesty and sensory experience, resonates strongly with my own design values.
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What are you reading right now?
Everything That Happens is Beneficial To Me (凡事发生, 皆有利于我) by Liao Heng. It is a warm and thoughtful reflection on how life’s challenges — no matter how difficult they may seem — often carry hidden gifts. It is also a reminder that even the most ordinary or messy moments can lead to meaningful growth. The book helps me slow down, reflect and embrace life more gently and with strength.
Describe your idea of a perfect weekend in Penang.
It would start with a slow morning walk at the Penang Botanic Gardens, the island’s oldest, followed by a simple local breakfast — hot tea and kaya toast — at a kopitiam. The afternoon would be spent exploring George Town’s heritage heart: food-hunting, popping into small galleries and discovering hidden gems in the city’s quiet backlanes. Dinner would be at an open-air hawker spot or up on Penang Hill so I can enjoy the cool(er) breeze and beautiful night views.
This article first appeared on June 30, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
