Building Dreams through Passion with Atelier Riri
The voyage that Riri Yakub has taken is an intriguing investigation into the creative process, business acumen, and the developing Indonesian design scene. It begins with the drawing board and ends with the architectural environment. Riri himself is here, and he is eager to engage in a conversation with us about his professional life and the prospects for the architectural industry in Indonesia
Q: Hi, Riri, How are you doing? Would you mind telling us about your career debut in 2005?
"2005 was the year I had my first experience working on an architectural project, long before starting 'Atelier Riri'. At that time, I was employed as a graphic designer in a print media that specialized in design and architecture. It was only after that, from 2006 to 2010, that I started building an architectural consulting firm called Atelier Riri. The connections and relationships I built during my time in the media were instrumental in helping me establish the firm. And 'Atelier Riri' has been going strong ever since."
Q: Were there any apprehensions regarding the future trends and competitive landscape of the Indonesian design industry when establishing 'Atelier Riri' in 2010?
"There were concerns, but I thought to myself, 'If not now, when?' I had to start taking action and proving my abilities. Unlike most people who follow the 'Take and Give' principle, I believe in the opposite, 'Give and Take'. I give my best first, and the rest will follow. It's this principle that has made others appreciate my work and given me the confidence to keep going."
Q: Could you tell me about your journey in developing an architectural style that reflects who 'Riri' is? And who are your biggest architectural inspirations?
"I don't have a singular, definitive benchmark for my work. Instead, I draw inspiration from a wide range of architects, including my peers and mentors. For instance, I admire architect A's approach to form and architect B's innovative use of materials. However, my 'VERY RIRI' style is highly contextual, evolving with each project. I rely heavily on intuition to guide my design process, ensuring that each project reflects my unique perspective. Some of my key inspirations include Indonesian architects Adi Purnomo, Andra Matin, and Ary Indra, as well as international figures like Ken Yeang and Renzo Piano."
Q: Over the course of your 14-year tenure at 'Atelier Riri', have you observed any significant shifts in the architectural landscape of Indonesia?
"I've noticed that there's a greater diversity in design and architecture across Indonesia now. Different cities and locations have distinct architectural styles. Buildings in Indonesia are now more specific. Architects are becoming more sensitive to contextual factors, which has led to a wider variety of building designs. Moreover, promoting sustainability in buildings is much easier now. In the past, it was very difficult to raise awareness about sustainability, but people are now more conscious of its importance."
Q: Lastly, do you have any advice for those who want to join and contribute to the design and architecture industry in Indonesia, especially for those who are just starting out?
"Always remember to align 'What You're Good At', 'What The World Needs', 'What You Paid For', and 'Do What You Love' into one whole. This industry is indeed challenging, but when we follow our passion, we will find our way. The industry in Indonesia can be said to be quite mature, but as the key players, we must continue to equip ourselves with information to keep creating and innovating."