Koh Jie Zhi is a Senior Architect with the Housing & Development Board (HDB). He is an HDB Undergraduate Scholar who holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Architecture from NUS.
As Singapore’s public housing authority, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) has established itself as a leader in setting high standards for quality housing since the 1960s. HDB’s influence extends beyond housing, as it attracts talent through a range of scholarships for various specialisations. Among the recipients of these scholarships is Koh Jie Zhi, a Senior Architect at HDB, who had the opportunity to pursue his passion for architecture with the HDB Undergraduate Scholarship.
For Jie Zhi, the decision to work with HDB was a natural one, driven by his deep connection to the organisation’s mission. “For me, HDB represents the ideal workplace where I can enjoy a fulfilling career that perfectly aligns with my passion and aspirations to improve the quality of life of Singaporeans,” he said.
Reflecting on his fascination with architecture, Jie Zhi takes us back to a significant moment in his life when he attended an annual architecture festival. He fondly recalls, “The concept that design has the power to influence behavior and shape lifestyles intrigued me. The planning and design of amenities within our neighborhoods play a significant role in determining our living patterns and habits. This realisation sparked my deep interest in the field of architecture.”
To fulfil his dreams, Jie Zhi took up the HDB Undergraduate Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) and Master of Architecture at National University of Singapore (NUS). He emphasises the valuable opportunities presented to him, including the exposure he gained to HDB’s work through the internship and mentorship programme. Jie Zhi further explained, “The scholarship provided me with a broader sense of purpose in my studies by bridging the gap between theory and real-world practice.”
As a Senior Architect at HDB, Jie Zhi deals with design policy and enjoys being a design consultant. One of the most memorable projects he had worked on was the development of Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour Complex. “As the co-developer, the process of formulating the design brief, shortlisting and developing the selected design made me realise that developers play an important role in determining the focus of the design,” he shared. “A part of the project involved reviewing how design can de-stigmatise a space by creating a pleasant environment with amenities that can serve the neighbourhood. It was also an opportunity to redefine the spatial quality of such spaces for those coping with grief and loss.”
Koh Jie Zhi
Jie Zhi appreciates the dynamic work culture at HDB and values the abundant opportunities available for staff to cultivate new skills and competencies. Reflecting on this aspect, he said, “Being part of an organisation that plays the role of both master developer and consultant, one is able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire lifecycle of the design industry. There are avenues for assignments across different departments and collaborations with external agencies, enabling exposure to diverse work areas and the development of technical competencies.”
Looking ahead, Jie Zhi is driven by his desire to make a positive impact through his work. “I hope to be able to continue improving our housing designs to meet the future needs of residents as our lifestyles and social needs continue to evolve,” he reflected.
Jie Zhi firmly believes that the process of learning is never linear. He actively seeks out new technologies and methodologies to augment his skills and knowledge, understanding that making mistakes and encountering learning curves are inherent when adopting unfamiliar tools. Despite these challenges, he underscores the importance of taking the first step forward and breaking down complex problems into manageable tasks. In sharing his wisdom with others, he offered this advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask why! Even when we face obstacles, we should not be too hard on ourselves when we stumble. Instead, let’s keep our eyes focused on the bigger picture and persevere,” he shared. “What truly matters is that we embrace the learning process. With continued dedication, we will become better at what we’re doing over time. So, let’s keep on learning and maintain a positive spirit!”
