UK-based architect short-listed for two awards

Kinta Valley-born architect, Catharine Ann Arul Dass, is a finalist for two prestigious awards in the United Kingdom this spring - the 2022 European Women in Construction & Engineering (WICE) Awards and the Asian Women of Achievement (AWA) Awards 2022.

Apr 16, 2022

Catharine Arul Dass stands on a level above the Big Ben's clock face to inspect the progress of its restoration work. (Photo credit/UK Parliament/R. Hieatt)


By Gwen Manickam

Kinta Valley-born architect, Catharine Ann Arul Dass, is a finalist for two prestigious awards in the United Kingdom this spring - the 2022 European Women in Construction & Engineering (WICE) Awards and the Asian Women of Achievement (AWA) Awards 2022.

Currently a public servant for the Houses of Parliament, Catharine told the HERALD, “I am humbled and honoured to use my passion for architecture and knowledge of digital construction technology to conserve the internationally well-known and iconic building, the Palace of Westminster. Am also grateful to my manager, Adam Watrobski, Principal Architect at the Houses of Parliament, and my mentor, Dr Marzia Bolpagni, for nominating me for the respective awards.

“Both nominations are in recognition of my work in pioneering and setting the benchmark for the digital conservation requirement for heritage projects, which involves cataloguing heritage assets in a specific format. This structured information can be used to manage, maintain, and conserve any heritage building worldwide, that applies Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach in their building construction. My innovation has been well received by the Heritage community, project teams and my organisation. We believe it can influence the project requirements for future conservation projects.”

Humble beginnings
Growing up amidst serene limestone hills and caves, the ‘Ipoh mari’ 40-something lass always wanted to be an architect. She said, “I inherited my father’s talent and love for art, crafts, and design.” The youngest, with two older brothers, Catharine said she is blessed and grateful for her family's full support in choosing her career path and to study for as long as it takes.

The Infant Jesus Convent alumnus quips, she did “upper six, super six and mega six” to achieve the desired grades for entry into Universiti Malaya (UM). “I sat for my STPM three times. In Form Four, I mistakenly switched from the science stream thinking architecture was arts based. Since I couldn’t get into the faculty with my arts subjects, I enrolled for a Certificate for Architecture at the Polytechnic Ungku Omar, Ipoh.”

During her practical training, she was part of the team that won the Proton City master plan project. “It was the first time I appeared in the print media, and I was thrilled to share the article with my father, who was critically ill in hospital. Sadly, we lost him soon after.”

Post Polytechnic, while working at an architect’s firm in Subang Jaya, Catharine’s perseverance earned her the coveted seat at UM. “Student life when you are slightly mature has its challenges; my faith kept me going when the going got tough,” said the former Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Ipoh, parishioner, who paid her own way through university. “Architectural studies were similar to the medical field, with endless pressures and datelines. I missed soaking in a regular student’s idea of campus life.

“To maintain my sanity, I would hop on a bus and “balik kampung” to see my mum and family almost every weekend, with my homework and drawings scrolled in a bazooka. At one point, I was even stopped by the police to investigate its contents. Fortunately, they had a good laugh!”

“Thanks be to God, I graduated with an Honours Degree and was reemployed by my previous firm.”

Relocation
Four years later, with her family’s blessings, she took a massive leap of faith and relocated to Scotland. “It was far from easy. In addition to the challenges of adapting to life, climate, culture, dialect, people, and work environment, I could not ‘balik kampung’ every weekend. However, I took it in stride, I approached life with the belief that I have God with me, nothing can be against me.” Upon settling in, Catharine signed up for part-time classes at the University of Glasgow to continue her quest to become an architect. “This time, it was even harder - working full time and studying was no joke. Thankfully, my brother and sister-in-law moved to the UK too, which helped a little whenever I felt homesick. My passion to achieve my ambition and Jesus' grace kept me going.”

Towards the end of her studies, due to the economic crisis, she lost her job. “By God's mercy, I completed my Postgraduate Dioploma in Architecture. This was also when God revealed the man he had prepared to be my life partner. My now-husband, Sebastiano Ingaliso, was great support during that difficult time, and continues to be so.”

Catharine moved to Dubai for a six-month work stint. She said it was another eye-opener to experience the good, bad, and ugly sides of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Upon return to the UK, she completed her Master in Architecture and secured a job with the UK civil service in London.

“Joining the civil service allowed me to learn and embrase new skills, and I began to explore digital construction using my architectural knowledge. As I started my final, qualifying studies, my brother in the UK passed away suddenly. It was devastating to all of us who knew him. I couldn’t continue my studies, and thanks to my understanding and supportive tutors, I was allowed to take a year off. Once again, with God’s guiding hand, I gave it a last push and finally qualified in 2017.

“It took me 22 years to become an architect. I didn't achieve this on my own, it is with blessings from above, and Him sending me the right people and organisations to engage with at the right time. Sadly, my dad and brother are not around to share my joy. It has been a struggle, but as the poem the Footprints always reminds me, this was when He carried me.

“I always pictured myself as a floating feature through time. These historic buildings will be here for years to come. As an architect, it is my duty and privilege to innovate and conserve our UNESCO world heritage site for future generations.

“I hope my humble journey inspires someone. Remember not to limit yourself by setting barriers based on age, gender, or origin. When you put your mind to something, go for it! Carpe Diem and ask God to lead your path.

Total Comments:3

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Catharine Arul Dass[email protected]
A massive thank you to Herald to share my story. Thank you for both your comments. Isama, it is very impressive that you have converted a barn as a home. I am always impressed by these kind of projects. Well-done to you and your family. Best wishes
Tara subramaniamraradubramaniam @Gmail,com
Great inspiring journey all the best
Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your journey all the way to receiving the current awards. I too am a Ipoh girl, Methodist girls school and came to England to do nursing… worked for 6 years as a nurse then on to a project of converting a barn to a home took us a very long time as we both had to work and play hard to get this project done… Finally it is completed and we snd family are enjoying it…. Just thought I would share my small insignificant project with you….????????