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Yudhistira A.P. Harahap

Vice President of Indonesian Society of Interior Designer (HDII)
Founder and Principal of PT. YAPH DESIGN GROUP

Profile
Yudhistira A.P. Harahap is an Indonesian interior designer and educator with over two decades of experience spanning commercial, hospitality, institutional, and high-profile residential design. He holds a Diploma in International Business from Universitas Padjadjaran, a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), and a Master's degree in Lighting Design from ITB's Engineering Physics Department. After starting his career as a Senior Interior Designer at PT. Grahacipta Hadiprana (2005–2012), Yudhistira founded PT. YAPH DESIGN GROUP (YAPH STUDIO) in Bandung in 2013, serving as its Principal Designer. His portfolio includes major hospitality, office, public, and government design projects—ranging from high-end resorts (such as MÖVENPICK Bali and Hyatt Regency Bogor) and corporate headquarters (including Bukalapak and Pertamina HQ) to prominent government design initiatives like the standardization of Indonesian Ministerial and High Official residences and design works for the National Museum of Indonesia. In addition to his practice, Yudhistira is deeply committed to advancing the design profession. He serves as the Vice President of the Indonesian Society of Interior Designers (HDII Pusat) for the 2024–Present term, following previous leadership roles including Head of the HDII West Java Chapter (2020–2023). He is also a board member on the Architecture & Interior Commission of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Bandung Chapter. A frequent public lecturer, workshop speaker, and competition juror across major universities and industry forums, Yudhistira actively mentors the next generation of Indonesian interior design talent..

Key Skills

• Interior Architecture & Space Planning
• Modern & Minimalist Design Concepts
• Furniture & Textile Design
• Project Leadership for High-End Developments
• Brand Creation & Product Development
• Creative Direction & Visual Aesthetics
• Client Relations & Stakeholder Management

Professional Experience

• Principal Interior Designer & Founder & CEO
  Vice President HDII PUSAT
  Delivered high-profile interior design projects for five-star hotels, multinational corporations, and luxury residences. Led multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring projects met exacting quality and detail standards. Specialized in modern minimalist interiors with bespoke furniture and textile elements. Designed hospitality, retail, and residential spaces that blend functionality with understated elegance.

Achievements & Recognition

• Five-Star Hotels: Served as the lead designer for official national standardization projects, including residences for Ministers and High Officials, as well as apartments for Supreme Court Justices (Hakim Agung) of the Republic of Indonesia..
• Multinational Corporate Offices: Designed major public and cultural spaces, including interior design works for the National Museum of Indonesia, Museum Geologi Bandung, and Museum Sriwijaya Darmakirti..
• Vice President: Vice President, Indonesian Society of Interior Designers (HDII Pusat) (2024–Present), following previous roles as Head (2020–2023) and Secretary General (2018–2020) of the HDII West Java Chapter..
• Board member: Board Member, Architecture & Interior Commission of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KADIN) Bandung Chapter (2022–Present).

Jury Member
Juror for major industry recognitions, including the Young Interior Designers Award Indonesia (HDII & APSDI) Education
Master’s Degree in Lighting Design (2006 – 2009)
Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design (2000 – 2005) Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Languages
English (Fluent)
Personal Philosophy
Yudhistira A.P. Harahap is a distinguished Indonesian interior designer, educator, and Vice President of the Indonesian Society of Interior Designers (HDII). Holding degrees in International Business from Universitas Padjadjaran, alongside Interior Design and Lighting Design from Institut Teknologi Bandung, he founded PT. YAPH DESIGN GROUP in 2013. His expertise spans luxury resorts, corporate offices, and high-profile government projects, including setting standardization for official ministerial residences. Yudhistira’s design philosophy emphasizes adaptability, local genuine exploration, and multifunctional space optimization. He actively shapes the industry through guest lectures, competition judging, and mentorship at top universities.

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Ar. Kazi Golam Nasir

Ex-IAB (Institute of Architects Bangladesh) President
Chief Architect at the Department of Architecture under the Ministry of Housing & Public Works

Ar. Kazi Golam Nasir is a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s architectural sphere. Here’s a summary of his background and contributions:

Profile & Roles

• He has served as the Chief Architect at the Department of Architecture under the Ministry of Housing & Public Works since January 26, 2015, succeeding Architect Ahsanul Huq Khan.
• He has held leading positions within the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and served as President of IAB.

Key Contributions & Views

• Urban Planning & Policy Advocacy: As IAB President and Chief Architect, he has been vocal about the need to decentralize Dhaka, regulate population density, and enforce FAR (Floor Area Ratio) regulations for sustainable urban design.
• Satellite Township Development: He oversaw master planning efforts for areas like Purbachal and Azimpur as part of mitigating urban overcrowding and promoting equitable housing.
• Preservation of Louis Kahn’s JS Bhaban Design: Played a central role in repatriating original drawings and plans for the Jatiya Sangsad Complex from the University of Pennsylvania to the Government of Bangladesh.

Recognition & Professional Engagement

• As IAB President, Nasir presided over prestigious events such as the Berger Award for Excellence in Architecture (BAEA), contributing to the recognition of architectural achievements in Bangladesh.
• He chaired programs honoring architecture educators, such as the Crown Cement Lifetime Achievement Award event in 2018.

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Ar. Masudur Rahman Khan

Ex-Vice President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)
Principal Architect & Managing Director of Bashat Architects Engineers

Ar. Masudur Rahman Khan (often referred to simply as Masudur Rahman Khan) is a highly respected Bangladeshi architect and the Principal Architect & Managing Director of Bashat Architects Engineers.

Profile Highlights

• Signature Projects & Expertise:
  • Mausoleum Complex of former President Ziaur Rahman, including the iconic Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka
  • International Mother Language Institute, designed around the concept of an open book, in Segunbagicha
  • Bangladesh Computer Council Building in Agargaon
  • Renovation and redesign of Bangabandhu Stadium and Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur
  • Other notable works include Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, public health buildings, and design planning for Payra Power Plant campus
• Philosophy & Approach: Masudur Rahman Khan approaches architecture as sculptural art—believing that a structure should inspire lasting impressions and reflect cultural identity. He emphasizes that architectural form must follow function and incorporate sustainability and green design as intrinsic values, not afterthoughts. He often laments the diminishing artistic intent within Dhaka’s built environment and advocates for elevating architecture beyond commercial metrics such as square footage.
• Background & Leadership: A BUET alumnus (Class of 1989), he initially served as an assistant architect in the Department of Architecture before founding Bashat Architects Engineers. Under his leadership, the firm has received recognition, including the Prime Minister’s Beautification Award in 2006. He is also Vice President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB).

Impact & Recognition

• Leading architect behind several of Bangladesh’s most iconic public structures and stadiums
• Advocates for democratic, context-aware, and emotionally resonant architecture, especially rooted in his cultural upbringing in Mymensingh
• His firm, Bashat Architects Engineers, is known for blending technical proficiency with design elegance, including recent international projects

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AR. Tanya Tazeen Karim

Tanya Tazeen Karim is a highly respected Bangladeshi architect and interior designer. She is a founding partner of Tanya Karim N.R. Khan & Associates (TKNRK), a prominent Dhaka-based firm known for its innovative architecture, master planning, interiors, landscaping, and graphic design services.

Background & Early Career
• Graduated with a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 1990, and later partnered with Nurur Rahman Khan to found TKNRK in the early 1990s.
• Their major break came in 1993 with the interior design of Beximco Pharmaceuticals’ headquarters in Dhaka — a project that led to widespread recognition.

Firm & Practice
• TKNRK quickly earned a reputation for corporate interior design, serving multinational banks, commercial high-rises, and bespoke residences.
• The firm has completed projects in Bhutan (e.g., Bhutan Telecom, RENEW complex), India, Malaysia, China, and Thailand.

Achievements & Recognition
• Tanya received the Daily Star Award for Outstanding Woman in Business in 2010.
• TKNRK has earned national IAB awards and international honors. Projects have been nominated for the Aga Khan Award, ARCASIA Awards, and more.

Design Philosophy & Approach
• Known for integrating context-sensitive and sustainable design, TKNRK blends climatic responsiveness with material and cultural references.
• The award-winning Tanvir Residence features handcrafted shading systems and natural ventilation strategies inspired by local climate and views.
• Tanya also mentors young architects and teaches as visiting faculty at the University of Asia Pacific.

Other Roles & Contributions
• Board Member, Bangladesh Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BWCCI).
• Managing Director, Urban Bangla Ltd — a sustainable clothing venture.
• Leadership roles in WAEPA and contributor to sustainable urban design initiatives.

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IDr Lai Siew Hong

Firm & Role:
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Designer at Blu Water Studio Sdn Bhd, a Kuala Lumpur-based boutique design firm specializing in hospitality and F&B projects across the Asia-Pacific region.

Education:
Associate Degree in Applied Science (Interior Design), State University of New York / Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

Professional Background:
With over 30 years of design experience, Lai formerly served as Creative Partner at Axis Identity Group before founding Blu Water Studio in 2010. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to a team of 20–30 professionals.

Notable Projects:

• The Edison George Town, Penang (heritage mansion conversion)
• EQ Kuala Lumpur – multiple F&B outlets
• Hard Rock Hotel, Desaru Coast, Johor
• Sky51 rooftop bar, citizenM Kuala Lumpur, Club Med Borneo, KYO Niseko resort, Sheraton Kuching

Awards & Recognition:

• Designer of the Year – Designer of the Year Awards 2020
• Named in Tatler Asia’s “Most Influential Designers in Malaysia” (2021)
• Projects awarded by IDA, AHEAD Asia, RIDA, APIDA, StarProperty, and others
• Gold in MIID Nippon Paint REKA Awards 2015 (F&B Category – Scoop at Menara Dion)

Leadership & Mentorship:
President, Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), 2022–2024.
Chief Judge/Chairman for MIID REKA Conference, AYDA Awards (2025–26), and APSDA Awards 2025.
Adjunct Lecturer at Taylor’s University Malaysia and mentor at China Academy of Art, Hangzhou.

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AR. Maria Nina Bailon-Arce

Position & Firm:
Senior Partner at Arce • Bailon • Arce Architects, a distinguished architectural and engineering consultancy based in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Professional Credentials:
FUAP (Fellow, United Architects of the Philippines), ASEAN Architect, and APEC Architect.

Education & Early Achievements:
Graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Santo Tomas in 1981.
Ranked Top 5 in the July 1983 PRC Architecture Board Exams.
Winner of national and international student competitions, with numerous academic honors including the Dean’s List and Rector’s Awards.

Early Career:
Served 16 years at F.F. Cruz & Co. Inc., working on projects ranging from industrial factories to schools and ecclesiastical structures related to papal visits.

Professional and Civic Engagement:
Volunteer since 2000 for the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Real Properties & Buildings Committee; National Board Member (2012–2015).
Held key leadership roles in the United Architects of the Philippines, including President of the UAP Manila Atelier Chapter (1997–1998), and active member of the “Balangkasan” committee.

Recognition:
Named among the “50 Notable Architects” by UAP.
Served as a juror for the UAP College of Fellows.

About the Firm:
Founded in 1987, Arce • Bailon • Arce Architects provides comprehensive services in architecture, interior design, and engineering for both public and private sectors.