Malaysian architect Serina Hijjas on how the definition of sustainability has changed

This partnership between Swiss Watch and Tatler puts a spotlight on Asia's Most Influential 2022 honouree Serina Hijjas and her passion for sustainable design and architecture

"When I started on this journey of sustainability, it meant designing green buildings that respond to climate and context," says Serina Hijjas, the director of Hijjas Architects and Planners as we tour the campus of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. The campus boasts a stunning lakeside structure she designed with an abundance of sustainable features, including a rainwater harvesting system and optimised air-conditioning systems, and most notably, the first living grass roof in Malaysia.

With Hijjas Architects and Planners, she has also been involved in designing 348 Sentral in KL Sentral, Malaysia's Pavilion for World Expo 2015 in Milan and Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as the Telekom Malaysia Tower, the first high-rise energy-efficient building recognised as one of Asean’s leading energy efficient buildings in 2005. Serina herself has been part of the Malaysia Green Building Council since its early years and is a founding member of the Green Building Index.

"Now, sustainability has evolved to encompass climate action and climate mitigation; to be able to sustain our very existence. This isn’t just important to me but I believe to all of us," she says.

Serina Hijjas wears the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Chronometer 38mm with saffron dial

Above Serina Hijjas wears the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Chronometer 38mm in saffron dial

With so many incredible accomplishments under her belt, we asked her if there was a moment in her career that stands out in her memory.

"There have been many defining moments and most of them have to do with the successful completion of projects that make the client feel proud of the outcome. Ultimately, it's the knowledge that your creation has made a difference," she begins. "But personally, one of the most defining moments is being awarded an honorary doctorate for my work and service in sustainability."

In February 2022, Serina was conferred an honorary doctorate by Heriot-Watt University Malaysia's Graduate School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) for her contribution to architecture and for continuing to honour the legacy of her father, Hijjas Kasturi, the respected architect known for modernising and reshaping Malaysia's skyline.

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Above Serina Hijjas wearing the IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Perpetual Calendar IW344601

"Look to inspire those around you by always trying to be a better version of yourself and creating to the highest standards."

- Serina Hijjas -

Her journey in following her father's footsteps is more inspirational when considering the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. "As women in architecture, we have the same pressure as men but the biggest difference is juggling ambition with family," she shares from her own experience.

"Doing big buildings and projects brings another level of challenge as the stress and pressure are higher and in this arena, perhaps what is difficult—but not impossible—is being able to lead these projects," she acknowledges.

Serina's advice to fellow women in architecture? "Look to inspire those around you by always trying to be a better version of yourself and creating to the highest standards."

On how she wants to be remembered as an architect, Serina prefers to stay rooted in the present. Ruminating on what time means to her, she speaks less about the ultimate destination and more about the process towards it: "Time is relative to the point you are in your life. For now, time equates to designing, writing, researching, detailing, and constructing, and trying to create and innovate."

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Credits

Photography

Daniel Adams

Location

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Topics

Serina Hijjas Sustainability Front and Female Swiss Watch Omega IWC Schaffhausen

Tatler Asia

Defining moments: Malaysian architect Serina Hijjas on milestones in her sustainability journey