Event Description
Introduction and welcome to AIAISC’25, the AIA International Spring Conference 2025 from AIA International President, Yew Kee Cheong, and the Conference Chair, Megha Arjun.
Speakers
Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, AIA International President
Megha Arjun, Intl. Assoc. AIA, 2025 Spring Conference Chair
Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, 2025 AIA President
Speaker Bios
Yew Kee Cheong is a Singaporean architect with more than 25 years of professional experience as an architect and educator, with passion in sustainable design, biophilic design and wellness. He is the 2024-2025 President of the American Institute of Architects International (AIA Intl). He was its 2020-2021 Treasurer and Y017-2018 Director for Unassigned Members.
He received his Master of Science in Sustainable Design from the University of Nottingham, UK and Master of Architecture from the University of Texas in Austin, USA. He worked in reputable firms in USA, Mexico and Singapore with projects over eight countries. Yew Kee is Founding Principal of 2B ARCHITECTS, an award-winning boutique firm. He is a licensed architect both in Texas and in Singapore.
In his first term as AIA Intl Director, Yew Kee led and organized successfully the AIA International Region Conference 2018 in Singapore. Presently, he is spearheading efforts, working with the country representatives of Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, in Section formation for AIA South-East Asia. In Singapore, Yew Kee is a Council Member of the Singapore Institute of Architects and its Chair for SIA Wellness Committee and previously, Chairs for SIA Design Competition and SIA Sustainability Committee.
Yew Kee is active in bridging professional and community works. He serves on institutes council, sits on advisory committee of statutory boards, mentor students in university, speaks in public forum and acts as juror for institutes awards. In 2013, Yew Kee received the Singapore Ministry of National Development Medallion for Distinguished Service.
Megha Arjun is a licensed Architect with COA in India, currently working in Qatar in the field of architecture, design, and construction. Her passion for Architecture originated from her love and understanding of Life. Learning and exploring the world of Architecture, One's idea is to take Inspiration from Life itself and give it back in the Physical form. One believes in creating spaces which can contribute to the World in a way which helps create value in people's lives and in the environment.
Megha has worked for a global design firm - HKS Inc. where she has worked on different scales of projects in the US, China and India. She has been actively involved in preparing and participating in Client presentations for reputed Clients in India and Singapore. Currently, to advance her knowledge in Building construction, she has been leading the construction and coordination effort as a Project Manager with PES in Qatar for various upcoming projects in Qatar.
Megha is a member of the AIA American Institute of Architects as an International Associate. She has been awarded a Gold Medal in her Bachelors for Academic Achievement. She has also been a Better Together Champion for the firm-wide initiative in HKS Inc. as a part of HR to include Diversity, inclusion, and Equity.
Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, is a multi-faceted professional who uniquely blends her architectural background with a tech-driven focus. As an architect now immersed in the tech industry, she serves as an angel investor, startup advisor, and fractional COO for SMB Architecture firms, playing a pivotal role in their growth and success. Despite her career transition, Evelyn's passion for architecture remains unshaken, fueled by a deep admiration for the professionals in the field, their dedication to serving clients, and the indelible impact they imprint on communities.
A sought-after speaker, Evelyn regularly shares her insights on the evolution of architecture practice, leadership and team development, the integration of technology in practice operations, and the exploration of alternative careers. Outside of her architectural pursuits, she is a founding advisor for Women Defining AI, championing a more inclusive and diverse landscape in artificial intelligence. Evelyn Lee's leadership and forward-thinking approach are not just about innovation and progress, they're about guiding the architectural profession towards new, uncharted directions.
