Talk Architecture
Hosted by Naziaty Mohd Yaacob, Ph.D.
Malaysian Architect | Universal Design & Accessibility Expert (MS 1184 Specialist) | Former Associate Professor (28+ years) | Advocate for Inclusive Spaces & Women in Architecture
Launched in April 2020, Talk Architecture delivers intimate, reflective conversations on architecture education, practice, and human impact—hosted solely by Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Rooted in Malaysia yet resonating globally, the podcast connects local insights with universal challenges faced by architects worldwide.
Every episode centres inclusivity, empathy, and equity, drawing on Naziaty’s expertise in universal design, ageing-in-place, sensory architecture, and professional well-being. Global listeners value candid critiques of education models, graduate employability hurdles, and practice realities.
Essential listening for architecture students, professionals, educators, and thought leaders everywhere who are shaping inclusive, resilient built environments in an era of technological and demographic change.
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Talk Architecture
Identity politics in architecture - Part 1
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When a person identifies themself as an 'architect' even though they do not have a license or a professional qualification, it does not mean that they are confronting the status quo or wish to cause mischief to the profession.
It depends on the country whether the architects are stable in terms of the 'playing field' and would not be monitoring or mindful of words used, as the legitimacy is only from a personal point of view (POV). A person identifies themself as an 'architect' "having stuck to the profession, adapted, and flexible in one's career in architecture for 40 years" since one identified very earlier in the second year of architecture school.
In this episode, the mention of two issues implies the professional architects' grouses on issues of 'identity', that is: projects given to foreign architects and; clients opting for non-architects in small projects. Hence, the concerns become a debate on hierarchical terms, legitimacy, and the use of the word 'architect' to identify oneself.
©️Talk Architecture 2023, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Photo credit: Paradox design thesis 2018-19 exhibition at Universiti Malaya: when X marks the spot.
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