Tum’s Story: How Passion Shapes Design and Life

Meet Napaphon, or “Tum” as he’s affectionately known around the office. A designer with a creative flair that extends far beyond the drafting table, Tum brings a unique blend of talents to our team. His architectural expertise is just the tip of the iceberg – Tum’s diverse interests and skills both within and outside the profession add depth to his work and our collaborative environment. From his innovative approach to design challenges to his surprising hobbies, Tum embodies the multifaceted spirit we value at our firm. Let’s get to know the person behind the blueprints and discover what makes Tum not just an exceptional architect, but also a fascinating individual

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

Firstly, being an architect is incredibly cool, but that’s not the only reason I chose this path. From a young age, I loved drawing and had strong opinions on design, whether it was about colors, building shapes, or fun elements. As I grew older, I discovered that there was a profession called architect where people did exactly what I loved.

When I started studying architecture, I instantly fell in love with it. I realized that this is where I excel and where I find continuous excitement. Being an architect is a career of nonstop learning—there’s always something new to explore.

As an anonymous architect once said, architects have the power to change the world. If you ask me what inspired me to pursue a career in architecture, I would say it’s the desire to improve people’s lives through the work I do. And yes, it’s truly cool!

2. What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on so far, and why?

My favorite project has to be the Summer Hill Residence in Dhaka. What I love about it is that I was involved right from the beginning. I got to work on various concepts and designs, choosing color palettes, materials, and all the interior elements.

This project was really exciting because it allowed us to try some new things. For example, we used panoramas and interactive 3D elements, which made the whole process really engaging. It felt like a learning adventure, and collaborating with the team was a fantastic experience.

3. What’s a current trend in architecture that excites you?

To me, the emerging trend in design is all about unapologetic use of bold colors. Over the past five years, everything seemed to be beige or earth-toned, which is cool and standard, but I think we’re seeing a shift. It feels like we’re coming full circle, and color is making a big comeback.

I see design becoming more expressive, using local materials, and becoming more personal and stylized. Minimalism is still cool and will definitely be around, but I believe people are starting to embrace their own personalities more, and that’s really starting to show in their designs.

4. If you weren’t an architect, what alternative career path might you have chosen?

That’s an interesting question! I have a few ideas for where I might go, but overall, I think I’d still stay in a creative field, just on a different path.

One option I really like is game design, particularly character design and 3D art. I’ve always admired the people who work in that area. Another possibility is exploring design in different areas, like fashion or furniture. If I weren’t an architect, I could see myself studying fashion and maybe even starting my own clothing line someday. Alternatively, I might spend my days in a studio, working on a new chair collection for a furniture studio. Both options sound exciting to me!

5. What’s a book or movie that has influenced your perspective on design or creativity?

I really admire the minimalist and brutalist aesthetics in Dune. The film’s composition is incredible. While I don’t think that brutalist architecture is something people are keen on these days, the scenes in Dune are visually stunning. The Fall is another favorite of mine with its beautiful visuals.

Blade Runner is also one of the most beautiful films I’ve seen, and Wes Anderson’s movies are always amazing with their unique compositions, colors, and scenarios. Overall, I’m a big fan of sci-fi movies. I love seeing how directors and artists create these fantastical, alien worlds. It’s fascinating and really sparks my imagination. Sometimes I find myself wondering what I would do if I were directing a movie like that.

6. Do you have any unique hobbies or talents that people might be surprised to learn about?

There was this one time when I challenged myself to practice headstands for 100 days. By the end of it, I could finally do a headstand, and when people found out, they were all so surprised! It was a really fun challenge and gave me the confidence to try other things.

Most of the other challenges I’ve tried have been a bit silly, like juggling, but they’ve all been enjoyable. I’ve been working on a handstand for almost two years now, and while I haven’t mastered it yet, I’m still trying.

Oh, and here’s something most people find surprising—I also practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a great and fun way to exercise, and I really enjoy it.

7. What’s your favorite building or architectural landmark, and why does it resonate with you?

That’s a tough question! There are so many amazing buildings out there. If I had to choose one, I’d go with Renzo Piano’s Centre Pompidou in Paris. I remember choosing this building as my case study for my thesis, and I still admire it a lot.

I love the transparency and openness of the Centre Pompidou, and how it blurs the boundaries between the building and the surrounding city. The inside-out philosophy is fascinating—having the structural and mechanical systems like pipes, ducts, and escalators on the exterior is really unique. The modularity and industrial artistry make it almost like a piece of art. If I had to pick just one, it would definitely be this building

8. How do you recharge or find inspiration when you’re feeling creatively drained?

I absolutely love traveling and always jump at the chance to do it. If I had to answer this question, traveling would definitely be my go-to. But, when I can’t travel, I find that the best thing to do is to keep working, even if I’m not in the best mood. Sometimes you just have to push through, and bit by bit, you start regaining your inspiration. It’s a process that seems to work most of the time at least for me

9. If you could have dinner with any architect, past or present, who would it be and why?

Bjarke Ingels seems like such a fun person to hang out with—his personality and energy are just unmatched. Beyond that, his design philosophy really stands out to me. He blends bold, big ideas with a genuine concern for social and human issues. With all the iconic buildings he’s created, I’m really curious to know what he’s planning next.