Malaysia’s architecture is a striking expression of the nation’s identity — a fusion of heritage, innovation and contemporary ambition. Across the country, visionary architects are transforming the built environment with designs that not only shape skylines, but also influence the way communities live, connect and evolve. From iconic skyscrapers and sustainable urban developments to culturally inspired landmarks, these architectural pioneers continue to redefine Malaysia’s landscape through creativity, purpose and forward-thinking design. In this issue, TOP 10 of Malaysia takes a look at its list of the nation’s top 10 visionary architects (presented in no particular order) whose remarkable works have left a lasting imprint on the nation’s architectural journey.
Melvyn J Kanny
Ar. Melvyn J Kanny, Principal of M J Kanny Architect, is an award-winning architect recognised for his sustainable and ecologically sensitive designs. A graduate of the prestigious Bartlett School of Architecture, he completed his postgraduate studies at South Bank University before returning to Malaysia in 1993. After gaining experience in international resort and luxury residential projects, he founded his own practice in 2003. Over the years, Ar. Melvyn has earned numerous accolades, including the PAM My Green Home Award (2012), PAM Gold Award (2018) and PAM Silver Award (2025). His work has also received international recognition including the Asia Pacific Property Awards (2019–2020, 2020–2021), the Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury Architecture (2021) and Best Office Architecture Malaysia (2022–2023). Most recently, Vanavasa Resort won the Gold Award at the BlueScope Steel Architecture Award Malaysia and emerged as the BSAA-ASEAN-level winner, further cementing his reputation for architectural excellence.
Hud Bakar
Originally from Selangor, Ar. Hud Bakar pursued his architectural studies at Louisiana State University before earning his master’s degree from University of California, Berkeley in 1987. After graduating, he gained international experience with Whistler-Petri Architects and later HOK. Returning to Malaysia, he joined Kumpulan Senireka as Director before leading RSP Architects Kuala Lumpur as Principal and Managing Director in 1997. Under his leadership, the firm delivered several landmark developments nationwide, including the new EPF Headquarters, the collaborative design of the second tallest building in the world, Merdeka 118 alongside Fender Katsalidis Australia and the SOCSO Neuro-Robotic Rehabilitation & Cybernics Centre. Known for pioneering neo-futurist architecture designs in Malaysia, Ar. Hud is also affiliated with organisations such as the Board of Architects Malaysia, Malaysian Institute of Architects, Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers, ASEAN Architect Council and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
Kee Yen
An architect driven by the poetic relationship between architecture, nature and human experience, Kee Yen is known for creating spaces shaped by sensitivity, spontaneity and emotional resonance. He is the founder and principal architect of Kee Yen Architect and KY Architects Sdn. Bhd. (KYA), an award-winning Malaysian firm established in 2017. Rather than adhering to rigid formalism, Kee Yen approaches each project as a unique narrative, designing environments that respond intuitively to context, light and materiality. KYA has received numerous awards, including the Silver Award at the PAM Awards 2024 for the 3-Juxta House, alongside international honours such as the A’ Design Award in Italy. His works have also been featured in renowned publications including ArchDaily, Designboom and Architecture Malaysia (AM). Beyond architectural practice, Kee Yen actively contributes to the industry through lectures and exhibitions, with a design philosophy rooted in crafting meaningful spaces that strengthen the connection between people, place and the natural world.
Ed Mun
Known in the industry as “The Sexy Designer,” Ed Mun is celebrated for creating spaces that evoke emotion the moment people step inside. His signature approach embraces curves, fluidity and spatial movement, introducing architectural-inspired forms into interiors to create environments that feel softer, bolder and alive without compromising functionality. To Ed, design should never feel static, but instead move naturally with people while leaving a lasting impression. After years of experience, he recognised how many talented creatives undervalue their work and struggle within unclear industry standards. Today, Ed spearheads F-IND, a growing global movement advocating for a healthier and more sustainable creative industry, while S.U.A Academy serves as his platform to mentor creatives beyond design itself—teaching them how to position their value, price their ideas with confidence and turn creativity into a sustainable, profitable career. For Ed Mun, great design is always about shaping people, mindsets and the future of creativity itself.
IDr Dr. Muhsin Abdul Ghani
As the founder and leader of MAG Architect, IDr Dr. Muhsin Abdul Ghani’s journey is driven by creativity, vision and the courage to challenge conventional thinking. He believes architecture should go beyond solving functional problems, serving as a source of inspiration through ideas that are innovative, meaningful and forward-thinking. Under his management, MAG Architect has grown with the ambition of positioning itself among internationally established architectural firms. Through a strong emphasis on innovation, quality and professionalism, IDr Dr. Muhsin continues to strengthen the practice while delivering designs that create lasting value for both clients and communities. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that exceptional architecture emerges from imagination, discipline and the confidence to explore new possibilities beyond the expected. This mindset continues to shape MAG Architect’s contribution to Malaysia’s architectural identity and the evolution of its future built environment.
Datin Stephanie Teong & Low Wei Choon
Founded in 2010, t-a square Architects was built on the shared vision of Datin Stephanie Teong and Ar. Low Wei Choon, combining creativity, technical expertise and thoughtful design solutions. Datin Stephanie, a creative director trained at the University of Melbourne, brings a refined design sensibility and innovative approach to the practice, while Ar. Low contributes over 30 years of architectural experience across a diverse range of developments. Together, they have shaped t-a square Architects into a boutique firm recognised for balancing functionality, sustainability and cost-conscious design. Starting with smaller yet impactful projects such as the Kelab Rahman Putra refurbishment and the Korean School of Malaysia in Cyberjaya, the firm steadily expanded into township developments, master planning and large-scale residential and commercial works. Under their leadership, the practice has delivered thousands of homes and millions of square feet of built spaces, continuously demonstrating versatility while maintaining a collaborative and highly personalised approach to every project.
Hijjas Kasturi
Hijjas Kasturi is celebrated as one of Malaysia’s most influential architects, often recognised as the “father of Malaysian architecture” for his immense contribution to shaping the nation’s modern skyline. With a career spanning more than five decades, he has designed some of Southeast Asia’s most iconic structures, including Menara Maybank and Menara Telekom, while championing modern, postmodern and deconstructivist architectural styles. Beyond Malaysia, his acclaimed portfolio extends across the Far East, Saudi Arabia and Australia, reflecting his global design influence. A visionary master planner, educator and industry leader, Hijjas also founded the School of Art and Architecture at Institut Teknologi MARA. In 1977, he established Hijjas Kasturi Associates, driven by his aspiration to create a distinct national architectural identity. His outstanding achievements have earned him numerous international accolades, including the Award of Association of Engineers California, the Asian Award for Visual Arts and the BCIA Top Ten Award.
Lam Shen Fei
Lam Shen Fei, widely known as Shen, is the founder and principal of Fei Architect, an acclaimed Malaysian architectural practice recognised for its innovative and people-centric designs. Renowned for handling a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial and heritage developments, he is celebrated for creating spaces that prioritise functionality, sustainability and user experience rather than adhering to a singular signature style. Beyond professional practice, Shen has also contributed to architectural education as a lecturer at institutions such as Taylor’s University and Universiti Putra Malaysia, inspiring future generations of designers. Under his visionary leadership, Fei Architect has received numerous accolades and industry recognitions, including Trusted Malaysia, The Best 9 Architects in Malaysia 2023, Malaysia Best Choice – 8 Best Architects in Malaysia 2022 and Rethinking the Future’s Top 45 Architects in Petaling Jaya 2021, solidifying the firm’s reputation within Malaysia’s architectural landscape.
Azim A. Aziz & Zulqaisar Hamidin
Founded in 1992 by Azim A. Aziz and Zulqaisar Hamidin, ATSA Architects has evolved into one of Malaysia’s leading multi award-winning architectural firms. Recognised as one of BCI Asia’s Top Ten Architectural Practices in Malaysia, the firm is widely acclaimed for its contemporary Islamic architecture, sustainable public buildings and large-scale master planning expertise. Azim pursued his professional architectural studies at Louisiana State University in the United States and has authored several notable architectural monographs, including Masjid: Selected Mosques and Musollas in Malaysia and 50 Years National Mosque 1965–2015. He is also an active speaker at international design seminars and has served as a juror for university architectural competitions. Meanwhile, Zulqaisar, a graduate of Washington State University, co-leads the company while spearheading its adoption of advanced digital project delivery systems like Building Information Modelling. Under their leadership, ATSA Architects has earned numerous Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Awards and recognition from the Malaysian Structural Steel Association.
David Mizan Hashim
Renowned for blending entrepreneurship with architectural innovation, David Mizan Hashim is the founder, Group President and Director of Veritas Design Group, a prominent multi-disciplinary consultancy established in Kuala Lumpur. Educated at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, he has successfully expanded the firm into a regional industry leader with projects spanning across Asia and beyond. A fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Architects and an associate member of the American Institute of Architects, he is widely respected for both his architectural expertise and visionary business leadership. His achievements have earned him numerous recognitions, including the Brand Laureate Professional of the Year Award, while he was also a finalist for the Ernst & Young Malaysian Master Entrepreneur of the Year. Guided by his philosophy of “planned obsolescence,” he champions a collaborative design culture where leadership and creative decision-making are shared among the firm’s principals to ensure sustainable innovation and long-term growth.