Young Malaysian woman architect celebrates 35 years of growth with her firm

For Sarah, architecture has never been just about aesthetics; it is about shaping the quality of daily life. Photos: GDP Architects

Growth has been a constant thread in Sarah Merican’s story.

From her early days studying and teaching at RMIT University in Melbourne, to practising at award-winning Australian architectural firm Fender Katsalidis, and now a partner at GDP Architects (GDP) in Malaysia, Sarah’s journey has been marked by a steady expansion of skills, perspectives and purpose.

"Only by going outside of your comfort zone and learning to fend for yourself can you really develop a sense of who you are," she reflects.

That willingness to grow has shaped not just her outlook as an architect, but also her contributions to one of the country's most influential design practices.

GDP Architects commemorated their 35th anniversary with an exhibition this year.

This year, GDP celebrates its 35th anniversary with a landmark exhibition and publication that look back on the firm’s evolution while charting the road ahead.

"I very much see myself as a cog in a big machine that has magnificently sustained itself for 35 years," says Sarah, who also celebrates her 35th birthday this year.

"The practice has weathered shifting economies, two major recessions, a pandemic, and changing politics. To be part of that resilience is something I’m incredibly proud of."

Across three and a half decades, the firm has played an influential role in shaping Malaysia’s urban fabric – from masterplans in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, to projects that quietly enrich everyday life. Yet Sarah believes the company’s greatest contribution lies less in its buildings and more in its ethos.

GDP Campus in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

"What we’ve tried to show is not just the specifics of our work, but how we’ve gone about doing it. This practice was built on the spirit of 'let’s go out there and do great work'. That attitude, I hope, inspires more Malaysian architects to take pride in our profession and continue raising the bar.

"The anniversary exhibition traces GDP’s journey, showcasing projects that answer evolving human needs. It also foregrounds the practice’s DNA: collaboration. There has never been a moment where I felt unsupported here. Architecture is a team sport – people can't do anything on their own. And I’ve most definitely experienced the camaraderie and teamwork that make this profession so meaningful."

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Research, reflection, and the female lens

 

 

Sarah Merican is a partner at GDP Architects.Sarah’s leadership extends into research and experimentation. She co-heads R+, the firm’s female-led unit focusing on applied design research. R+ interrogates phenomena beyond architecture – cultural shifts, lifestyle changes, demographics – to better inform how spaces are created.

"As cultural nuances and changing statistics affect how people experience our built environment, R+ plays an integral role in unpacking and understanding those sentiments," she explains.

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Being female-led is no coincidence. In a field still male skewed, Sarah sees value in bringing different voices to the table.

"Women are still seen as the weaker sex in many professions, which robs us of opportunities. But I’m encouraged to see more amazing women making headway. The growing acknowledgement of women's intelligence and merit will help overcome outdated mindsets."

R+ also runs Testing Ground, a series of spaces at GDP Campus (which is what the firm's premises is called) designed for public engagement. From exhibitions to collaborations with global names, these initiatives make design accessible to the wider community.

"We hope to democratise knowledge, to show how design touches everyday life. Architecture is often the unsung character in our stories – the hospital we’re born in, the home we grow up in, the places we gather. By opening our doors, we hope people will take design a little less for granted."

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Mentoring the next generation

 

 

The GDP Campus in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur incorporates greenery in the building.Sarah is equally invested in nurturing future architects. As lead coordinator of her firm's Architecture Graduates Incubation Programme, she sees mentorship as a way to sustain the practice’s legacy.

What does she look for in young architects? Not polished talent, but openness.

"I want to meet candidates who are humble enough to admit they don’t know everything, yet eager to learn. Architecture demands both creativity and practicality, and the sooner you accept that balance, the sooner real work can begin."

Her advice to graduates is refreshingly simple: "Be authentic. Never stop learning and remember that you can’t do anything completely on your own."

For Sarah, architecture has never been just about aesthetics; it is about shaping the quality of daily life.

"Whether we like it or not, we all interact with architecture constantly. It’s the backdrop to both significant and ordinary moments. Perhaps because it’s everywhere, we take it for granted.

"But I believe we need a healthier respect for our surroundings, both built and natural."

This awareness drives the firm’s approach to sustainability. Rather than chasing buzzwords, Sarah advocates for sensitivity to context.

"In Malaysia, we live in a tropical climate. Global warming means our dry and wet seasons will worsen, which naturally affects how we design.

"Sustainability is not rocket science – it’s about applying what is most relevant. The projects that endure are those that owners still enjoy and maintain years later, treating them like heirlooms."

If the firm’s first 35 years were about establishing itself as a Malaysian practice with a global outlook, Sarah sees the next phase as one of deepening connections between architects and communities, research and practice, and heritage and innovation.

"What excites me is that I can continue to grow with the people around me, addressing new challenges that will be different from the ones before.

"It’s not just about what buildings we will create, but how we will continue shaping lives through them."

To Sarah, GDP’s story is both personal and collective.

"It is a story of growth, persistence, collaboration and possibility. And at 35 years strong, it is still only beginning," she concludes.

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