Talent Spotlight: Duc Nguyen

International Women's Day 2023

February 10, 2023

Name: Duc Nguyen

Role: Senior Architect

Studio: Ho Chi Minh City

What are the most interesting things about your job?

The most beautiful thing about my job is teamwork. We discuss project issues, we debate, we agree with each other, and we solve problems together. We share time and support each other – day or night – to archive high-quality documentation.

What would you say to your younger self when you were an architecture student or earlier on in your career?

Be yourself and be patient. You will be up and down while working and studying as an architect or designer. When I was in my first year in architecture university, after the first sleepless night finishing an exercise, I told myself never to let any child study to be an architect. After graduating, I also lost my way to being an architect. I studied other subjects and asked a professor for a place in architecture institute but I found nothing until I dropped my CV at a design company. After working there, I grew up and learned a lot from others in design, in the factory, in construction, and in project management. I found myself in that company, I really appreciate all they gave in the time I worked there. Now I can honestly say that it’s really wonderful to be an architect.

What makes you proud of yourself – what’s your biggest achievement as an architect?

There’s a big step to shift design ideas into reality and I’m proud that my work is part of the process of turning a project from a design on paper into a building. For me, success doesn’t depend on who you are – whether you are a draftsman or a project leader, we all are open to share our thoughts, and all suggestions are appreciated and  welcome. Success is a team effort.

Could you share one piece of advice to young females who have a passion for the design/architecture industry?

It’s wonderful to join the design/architecture industry where you can be yourself. However, you will be faced with many challenges. The key is to solve one thing at a time, step by step. And to embrace the ability to learn through solving problems.