Architect Phuong Nguyen: “Childhood memories inspired me to create memorable architecture”

In the 1990s, our family moved to District 3, where the streets were lined with narrow, tube-style homes. Their iron gates and tangled electric wires stood in stark contrast to my grandparents’ tranquil garden retreat. Those recollections sparked an inner curiosity: how could we reimagine everyday living spaces to be more beautiful, more meaningful?

Creating joyful spaces

What defines your architectural style?

As a Vietnamese woman married to a Korean man, and having studied, lived and worked in both Australia and New Zealand, my architectural voice is rooted in a deep appreciation of diverse cultures. I’ve drawn inspiration from architectural greats, and from the memories that continue to shape me. My work seeks to honour those beginnings by crafting spaces that defy convention, foster cultural connection, and above all, spark joy. For me, architecture must stir the emotions of those who inhabit it.

Shape, colour, form, geometry, boldness and creativity—these are the guiding principles I pursue in architecture. Working alongside Rob McBride and Debbie Ryan, the founders of McBride Charles Ryan, taught me to push boundaries, to be more daring and more ambitious. I adopted a mindset rooted in curiosity, always challenging what’s known in pursuit of something greater.

Female chief architect of award-winning projects

You are among the few female architects with a portfolio of landmark projects in Melbourne, Victoria. Could you share some of the ones you’re most fond of as project architect?

Logan Hall at Monash University remains one of my proudest achievements. It may not be the most widely recognised, but the impact speaks volumes. Designed to serve as student accommodation on a modest budget, the outcome far exceeded expectations. It offers a complete suite of facilities with a design that’s both environmentally conscious and visually engaging. The generous communal areas and playful use of colour bring a vibrant character to the space. It’s a clear reminder that outstanding architecture doesn’t depend on lavish spending; clever thinking within constraints can produce truly remarkable outcomes.

PEGS Gymnasium is another highlight recently completed and now in the running at the 2024 World Architecture Festival in Lisbon. It was an unforgettable collaboration with a dedicated team whose contributions were integral to the project’s success.

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Banksia Apartment, set on the banks of the Yarra River just outside Melbourne’s CBD. This development stands on one of Dockland’s most prestigious sites. Its design draws inspiration from the Banksia flower, a native Australian bloom, celebrated for its cultural resonance and natural elegance. The project serves as a statement: apartments need not conform to rigid shapes or dull forms.

Saigon Arch, the welcome gate for Melbourne’s Vietnamese Quarter in Footscray, holds a special place in my heart. I had the honour of leading the design for this MCR project, which won the competition to create a cultural symbol for the neighbourhood in 2018. The design features stylised wings of the Lac bird, drawn from Dong Son bronze drum motifs. That vision now proudly stands as the emblem of the Vietnamese community in Melbourne.

See more: Architect Tran Le Quoc Binh and the connection with sustainable natural architecture

Respect and pride in being Vietnamese

As a Vietnamese architect in a leadership role within major international firms in Australia, have you faced cultural challenges?

Australia’s professional landscape is merit-based. Hard work and skill are valued, and career progression reflects talent and dedication. Colleagues respect what you bring to the table.

That said, cultural differences are inevitable, especially having been born and raised in Vietnam. Building understanding and establishing trust takes time. I’ve never seen it as a disadvantage, though. On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to offer a fresh perspective. New ideas might not be instantly embraced, but they often leave a lasting impact. Over the years, I’ve grown to cherish and take pride in my heritage.

Connecting roots and culture through architecture

Do you keep an eye on the architectural scene in Vietnam today? How do you view the market?

Vietnamese architecture is steadily carving out a unique identity, a design language that’s gaining recognition on the global stage. These developments enrich both our cities and our culture. They serve as living proof of the power of architecture that is not only visionary and intelligent, but also deeply intertwined with a strong sense of cultural belonging.

Have you ever thought about returning to Vietnam to work?

The idea of returning to my roots has always appealed to me, of bringing back what I’ve learnt and contributing to Vietnam’s evolving architectural culture. Together with my husband, architect Haram Hong, I co-founded Comma.Studio. We’ve recently begun designing a handful of projects in Vietnam, some of them intimate commissions for family and close friends. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, a journey to rediscover the cultural and technical foundations of a place I once called home, after more than 25 years abroad.

If you practise architecture in Vietnam, what voice do you hope to bring to contemporary Vietnamese architecture?

Each architectural work, regardless of scale, carries the potential to improve the urban fabric. I believe deeply in advocating for architecture that is both beautiful and meaningful, spaces that serve their communities, respect the environment, and resonate emotionally with the people who inhabit them. My hope is to help shape places that are loved, lived in, and remembered.

Article adapted from the original feature in Tatler Vietnam, March 2025 issue

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