MEET THE FACES WHO MAKE THE MAGIC HAPPEN

Image of the Team at Ground Up based in Kuala Lumpur

Learn About Us at Ground Up

Founded in 2017 and based in Kuala Lumpur, Ground Up is comprised of an ambitious, multidisciplinary team with expertise in architecture, interior design, construction, and engineering. Our approach to our work starts with a vision – ideating ways that we can creatively explore the given brief while offering a pragmatic solution where function meets aesthetics.

We aim to design spaces for your needs and bring them to life with a combination of economically pleasing ideas, quality detailing and construction prowess. We are constantly refining and expanding our knowledge on materiality and construction methods to deliver exceptional design and build solutions to you.

Keng Heng Co-founder, Business development & Project Management

Who is he?

Keng Heng completed his degree in Civil & Structural Engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and practiced structural engineering for 4 years where he worked on urban development & housing projects. His next foray was into construction where he managed housing developments and sales galleries.

His role in Ground Up

As the company's resident strategist and office ninja, he adapts to tricky situations and combats them with his craft. With his engineering background, he turns the designer’s imagination into your reality.

Did you know…

He is an all-around cool guy to have beers with. He has a love for food hunting and practices an active lifestyle to keep those calories at bay.

Megan Lai Co-founder, Head of Creatives & Sales

Who is she?

Megan graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Masters in Architecture. She further pursued her career as an architect with the award-winning architecture studio, ZLG Design and led several projects such as BOH Visitor Centre, Cameron Highlands.

Her role in Ground Up

Armed with her architectural knowledge in spatial design and the understanding of materiality coupled with a vivid imagination, she challenges the status quo by bringing a fresh perspective to the field of interior and renovation.

Did you know...

Megan is an avid traveler who loves her food as much as she loves spending quiet evenings with her love ones.

Shawn Leong Co-founder, Site Management

Who is he?

Shawn obtained his Bachelor of Quantity Surveying from the University of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the knowledge he put into good use during his 10-year tenure as a Quantity Surveyor & Project Manager with a construction firm where he played pivotal roles in costing and project management.

His role in Ground Up

If an issue pops up at the site, Shawn will be there to deal with it armed with a solution and a smile.

Did you know…

Shawn is a fan of opera music and enjoys bringing his nephews and nieces to malls & theme parks.

RJ WONG Project Manager

Who is he?

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Taylor’s University, RJ was then attached to Konzepte for 3 years as a Design Architect before pledging his allegiance to Ground Up.

His role in Ground Up

RJ’s serious demeanor at work well defines his keen sense for detail. Fiercely independent, he lives for ironing out all the little details that go on behind the scenes of each successful project.

Did you know…

RJ is good with lenses as well as drumsticks. Between his passion for photography and giving drum lessons on weekends, he also enjoys hunting for furniture; from antique to one-of-a-kind pieces, you name it.

Averie Niew Lead Designer

Who is she?

Averie graduated with a Bachelors in Interior Architecture at Taylor's University. Upon her graduation, she has worked on various private residential projects and has developed her loved for interior detailing.

Her role in Ground Up

She works on her design projects from inception to completion with speed, detail, and a whole lot of love. Her maturity exceeds beyond her years and despite being the youngest of the team, she is a quick learner and a great teacher too!

Did you know…

Don't let Averie's gentle demeanor fool you, because she will reveal her feisty side when she comes across a discussion she is passionate about. Speaking of passion, she has one for the service industry; be it in design or others; as she occasionally enjoys serving in a neighborhood cafe.

Kelvin Leong Site Manager

Who is he?

Kelvin graduated with a Bachelor of Construction Management from the University of Tunku Abdul Rahman and is armed with over 10 years of experience working as a construction site supervisor.

His role in Ground Up

As our Site Manager, Kelvin tirelessly manages our sites and also works closely with our designers to ensure builds are carried out in accordance to plan, and in a timely manner too.

Did you know…

Though Kelvin has a serious demeanor and takes work (very, VERY) seriously, he is also a free spirit who enjoys being behind the wheel on long drives

Muhamad Fitri Site Manager

Who is he?

Fitri graduated with a Diploma of Architecture from Kolej Yayasan Pelajaran Johor. Upon his graduation, he has honed his skills as a Site Manager with various interior design firms across the country.

His role in Ground Up

His calm and paced nature serves him well in his role as Ground Up’s Site Manager. Constantly in check with the design team, site vendors and also builders – he is a key person that holds the project’s many moving components together.

Did you know…

Fitri is a jovial guy who enjoys spending time with his family more than anything else.

Jessica Poon Accounts and Admin Executive

Who is she?

Jessica graduated with a Major in Accounting from the Informatics College of Malaysia. Armed with her accounting education, she then plied her trade with accounting and admin departments in various firms across a 20-year period. (Yes, she knows her numbers very well)

Her role in Ground Up

As our resident accounts expert, she ensures our books are in order and that the auditors don’t come hounding us every year!

Did you know…

Jessica is a lovable fur-mum when it comes to her furbabies (aka pets). When she’s not doting over them, she enjoys building toy model kits with her husband during her free time.