Words by Keith Ma
About JKMarchitects
JKMarchitects operates as a versatile architectural and interior design studio. Established in 2017 by a dynamic duo, Keith and Juliana, united by their love for groundbreaking and adaptive design, their team values the synergy of collaboration with clients and consultants. This partnership approach ensures they find the most intuitive solutions to any project challenge. Their ethos revolves around celebrating the fusion of art and functionality in architecture, enriching the spaces we inhabit.
Your role at JKMarchitects?
I co-founded JKMarchitects in 2016 together with my partner in business and in life, Juliana, when we were given the opportunity to work on an exciting development. My role at JKMarchitects is a designer, an architect, a business manager and a project curator who ensures all pieces of a puzzle in a project are linked seamlessly throughout the process.
Why did you choose architecture as a career?
It all started when I was a child, being born into a family of architects and artists where my parents both met at architecture school. My dad co-founded his own architecture company with his partner in his late 30s and grew their business up to about 60 employees. My mom left architecture and became very successful in business, though never left the world of architecture and arts and later became a full-time artist following her retirement.
I chose architecture as I was always inspired by buildings. Furthermore, I was surrounding by skyscrapers growing up in Hong Kong, therefore the concept of living in efficiently designed tight spaces and flexible environment has always been a big interest to me, leading me to always pursue ways to create better spaces.
Where was your first architecture job?
I started as a fresh graduate at Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, where I was heavily involved in the making of the Barangaroo Masterplan and International Towers. It was a complex and large-scale project and it was a great opportunity to learn from some of the most renowned architects.
Best piece of advice you could give to job seekers who are currently looking / applying for roles?
Don't be afraid to try new roles and take on new challenges. Embracing unfamiliar tasks not only expands your skill set but also broadens your perspective.
The biggest mistake you see applicants make with their job applications?
One of the common mistakes we see is when the cover letter is clearly a copy and paste and not targeted to the role or studio they are applying for. It is important to find someone that shares the same values and wants to grow with us. So the first thing we look is someone who has done their research, is interested to join us and shares the same goals.
Is JKMarchitects currently hiring?
Yes, JKMarchitects has an exciting opportunity for a passionate Architect / Senior Architect to join our small team in Pyrmont, NSW. We provide flexible work environment and opportunities to grow in different areas.
Discover more about this exciting opportunity by exploring the full job description on CO-architecture below.
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Want to learn more about JKMarchitects?
If you're curious to know more about JKMarchitects, you can check out JKMarchitects's company profile on CO-architecture. It's a great place to discover more about their project Darlinghurst Residence, and gain valuable insights into their work.
This article is part of our Talking Careers series, a series focused on discussing various careers, providing insights, sharing professional experiences, and offering advice related to architecture and design jobs.
