Human on the Inside with Tanjung Buntaram of CHT Architects
Maxme: We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Welcome Tanjung, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight.
You’re a Senior Associate with CHT Architects.
In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what does your role entail?
Tanjung Buntaram: As a Senior Associate, I lead one of the teams in CHT Architects. In this role, a key responsibility of mine is to ensure that every member of my team receives the necessary attention and support. This involves not only ensuring the smooth progress of projects but also taking care of their overall wellbeing and helping them to advance in their desired career directions.
M: You first joined CHT as a Project Lead in early 2014, and over the nearly 10 years since, have progressed through the business to where you are today. In 2017 you were promoted to Team Leader, followed by Associate in 2019, and then into your current role in mid 2021.
Of course your career extends beyond CHT! It all kicked off as an Architecture Student with David Edelman Architects in 2004, after which you spent six years cutting your teeth with Adam Dettrick Architects as a Graduate.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
TB: At the heart of my personal values, what truly matters to me is knowing that I've given my best effort in everything I take on. I'm aware of my strengths and weaknesses, and I use that awareness to navigate my tasks effectively. Each experience I've had has contributed to my personal growth.
During my time as an architecture student, David Edelman's belief in me boosted my confidence for the next step of my education.
Working at Adam Dettrick Architect for six years then played a significant role in shaping me as an architect. In a smaller setup, I had the chance to be involved in all aspects of architecture, learning all the fundamentals of being an architect. This greatly contributed to my ability to lead in my current role.
As an individual, I find satisfaction in having done my best, continuing to progress, and making a positive impact. This reflects my last decade at CHT Architects. The opportunities I've had here have expanded my horizons and exposed me to new challenges, particularly in developing my skills as a team leader. Initially not my strongest suit when I joined CHT, this skill has now become central to my contribution, allowing me to make a meaningful difference to others.
This transformation would not have been possible were I not supported by my then team leader and the management team. Having experienced the importance of such support and opportunity, I'm committed to providing the same kind of guidance and growth opportunities to those I lead.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
TB: I began my academic journey with a Bachelor of Planning and Design at the University of Melbourne, followed by a mandatory year of practical experience before progressing to the Masters of Architecture.
My experience of tertiary education in Australia marked a significant departure from my previous education in Southeast Asia. Here, I was encouraged to voice my thoughts and question ideas more actively. Amidst these changes, one fundamental skill that stands out and underpins much of my current role is storytelling.
In the realm of architecture, every design we create must be substantiated by logic and a compelling narrative. This training has proven indispensable not only with the project work that I do but also with how I lead the team.
I understand that each individual carries a unique backstory that has shaped their journey and aspirations. By attentively understanding this narrative and tapping into their perspectives, we can collaborate effectively, helping to shape their story according to their vision. The manner in which we tell this story and guide this journey holds immense importance in fostering teamwork and collective growth. This philosophy guides my approach to all aspects of my role.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21-year-old self it would be ...
TB: Looking back, I was a very different person to who I have become now. If I could offer advice to my past self, it would undoubtedly be to embrace greater confidence and the courage to explore different paths. Opportunities are abundant, waiting for us to seize them. It's primarily about our perspective on where these opportunities lie.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace or industry right now?
TB: Human skills play a pivotal role in the architecture industry, and this holds especially true at CHT, where collaborative principles are at the core of our philosophy. This collaboration is evident throughout the design process, orchestrating our internal teams - CHT and SORA (our interiors brand) - client interactions, coordination of multiple consultants, and the art of balancing competing project objectives. Central to all of this is our ability to decipher the individual components, diverse objectives, and ultimately, it is how effectively we engage with the people involved.
At CHT, our commitment to equal opportunity is also deeply ingrained. I oversee a team of 18 members and manage resourcing for nearly double that number. Essentially, running a successful team boils down to our ability to effectively engage with people. Each individual is on their unique journey, at distinct junctures, and our success hinges on how well we listen, comprehend, and align these different trajectories. This forms the basis of building both successful teams and projects, akin to fitting together pieces of a puzzle where each fragment is as indispensable as the whole.
M: Self awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said… what’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
TB: Perhaps not as flashy as some other skills, but I must say my organisational skills. They have played a pivotal role throughout my career journey. These skills enable me to distil conflicting elements, streamline intricate problems, and pinpoint the core issues. Organisational acumen underpins all of this.
Initially, it's about how we grasp what each individual is looking for. However, if we lack the organisational finesse to address those needs and seamlessly assemble all the necessary components at the right moments and places, success will remain elusive.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
TB: I have to admit, I used to be quite introverted and probably still am to a certain extent but I've come a long way from that point. It's been an important aspect for me to actively develop, especially within my role. The best part of CHT is its people and they've played a significant role in enhancing my interpersonal skills. It’s the genuine warmth and willingness to help people. It's the inclusive and supportive atmosphere that has encouraged me to be more open, not only within the workplace but also beyond its walls.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work in a field like Architecure, what would it be?
TB: Keep an open mind and be receptive to trying new experiences. Even if they don't seem enjoyable initially, remember that they can teach you valuable skills. It's also crucial to have a clear grasp of how you want to advance in your career. Maintain open lines of communication with your leaders to ensure you're on the same page. Lastly, seek out a practice that genuinely supports your growth and development.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one university graduate to your business, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
TB: It's all about attitude.
While we can train and impart various skills once someone joins us, attitude is something that can't be imposed.
At CHT, we emphasise a collaborative ethos where equal opportunities are extended to everyone, irrespective of gender or age, etc. Therefore, a key trait is having an attitude that's conducive to teamwork—being open-minded and leaving ego behind. This quality ensures seamless teamwork.
Another critical aspect is their attitude toward personal growth. We value individuals who are eager to learn continuously and have the drive to match. It's not uncommon for people to have aspirations without the commitment to put in the effort. At our practice, progression is paramount, and we invest significantly in supporting our staff. Our partnership with Maxme is a great example of this.
So, what sets a candidate apart is someone who has the attitude to work as a team and is willing to work hard to seize opportunities as they see them.
M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.” What’s next on your #learning agenda?
TB: What's ahead for me is staying up-to-date with AI technology. As we've all noticed, AI has been on the rise and it's influencing pretty much every facet of our lives. The creative industry is no exception – AI is becoming a key part of the creative process.
Tools like midjourney are now integrated into brainstorming, setting precedents, and even testing ideas at a pace that's faster than what we've been used to. It's about adapting to these changes and making the most of the new opportunities they bring.
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