Indonesian-born architect Rafi Haikal, who currently serves as the Director of ASEAN Business Development at the prestigious New York City-based architectural firm Urbahn Architects, aims to address inequality and social exclusivity in his home country through design.

“In New York City, the work of architects is regulated nearly as much as that of healthcare workers. It requires an extensive amount of education, work experience, exams and certifications for architects to receive their professional license. Why? This is because architects are responsible for the safety and wellness of occupants, proper and efficient functioning of properties, and public welfare,” explained Haikal.

Pratt Institute-educated architect Rafi Haikal will serve as Urbahn’s Director of ASEAN Region Business Development. According to Haikal, “Urbahn International has already won two projects in the region, both at Sanur KEK in Bali, a 106-acre beachfront health and wellness tourism complex. These include accessibility consulting for the restoration and upgrade of the Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel, originally designed by Indonesia’s first president and architect Sukarno, and the design of 70 villas for convalescing patients and their families.”

According to Haikal, “Urbahn’s expertise in the planning and design of sophisticated residential and other facilities, healthcare projects, transportation infrastructure and hospitality developments align very well with the rapid, government-driven urban development taking place in the region. This expertise is further reinforced by our firm’s experience in sustainable and accessible design practices.”