Bryant Lu

Bryant Lu, the vice-chairman of Ronald Lu & Partners, tells Tatler why success is not guaranteed in a family business and how the pandemic gave him a new zest for life

- Tara Sobti

In 2021, Ronald Lu & Partners Asia (RLP) won the Advancing Net Zero Ideas competition for Treehouse, a biophilic workplace concept. The competition, which encourages businesses to reach zero operating emissions by 2030, was a major win for the company. But sustainability isn't a new concept, says its vicechairman Bryant Lu, rather a "basic responsibility for all architects". Here, he reflects on his journey.

Describe what you do in one sentence.

I am an architect who designs better lives for people through sustainable, life-centric, future-ready projects.

Tell us about your journey towards sustainability.

Sustainability is not new. It's a basic responsibility for all architects. However, our society seems to have forgotten the importance of respecting the environment, which is why our planet is suffering from [the effects of climate change.

My sustainability journey began in high school. I was studying in Sydney in the late 1980s, a time when the skin cancer rate in Australia was rising exponentially. Legionnaire-style hats and sunblock became part of our school uniform. This is how I first learned that irresponsible behaviour can damage the environment, and ultimately impact our health and well-being. I also saw the fragility and vulnerability of our planet, and how any positive change has to begin with changes in our own behaviour.

As an architecture practice, RLP Asia has to ensure that we leave the world in better shape for the next generation. It is essential that we consider sustainability, so that our projects last for decades, if not centuries. Right now, I'm vicechairman of RLP Asia, and founder and chairman of Behave, RLP's research arm. Behave specialises in analysing human behaviour, and that work is allowing us to create futureready design solutions.