Born to a Chinese Malaysian family in Hong Kong, David Teh moved with his family to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he was educated before boarding at Geelong Grammar School in Australia. He studied architecture at the University of Melbourne under Professor Brian Lewis, beginning a lasting connection to Bauhaus modernism and to Australia itself.

After completing his degree in 1972, Teh had intended to remain in Australia, but a visit home to see his parents changed his path. At his father’s suggestion, he returned to Malaysia to begin his architectural career, first working for the government to attain his local registration, then joining the prestigious Architects Team 3 in Kuala Lumpur.

In 1979, with his father’s support, Teh established his own practice, Pakatan Reka Arkitek (PRA). The early years were lean for the 29-year-old architect with no commissions, but acclaim soon followed through housing projects M House and Z House, and the 1983 Downtown Condominium project, which firmly established PRA in the industry.

Over more than four decades, PRA has built an expansive portfolio spanning master plans, commercial and mixed-use developments, retail, healthcare, hospitality, education and residential projects, shaping the built landscape of Malaysia and beyond. The practice is known for clean, minimalist design rooted in Teh’s enduring love of Bauhaus principles.

Notable projects include PD Marina World Resort in Port Dickson, UE3 Mall in Kuala Lumpur, the St Mary’s Cathedral extension, Sunway GEO Residences and GEOLake Residences, and the Capri Hotel Kuala Lumpur, representing just a fraction of PRA’s body of work.

Alongside his practice, Teh has contributed extensively to the profession, serving as President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) from 1987 to 1989, Deputy Chair of the Architects Regional Council of Asia, and Deputy Chair of the Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter. He is also a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, and has chaired congresses, authored papers and taught architecture across both Malaysia and Australia.

In 2022, Teh received the PAM Gold Medal, the institute’s most prestigious honour, awarded for his significant contribution to the advancement of architecture in his country, recognition of nearly five decades of practice that has shaped both nations.

Beyond architecture, Teh’s passion for food and wine has seen him serve twice as President of the International Wine & Food Society in Kuala Lumpur, and as a member of the Special Advisory Committee for the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival.

David Teh’s depth of knowledge and experience mark him as a leader who has helped shape the architectural landscape of Malaysia and Australia, an architect and luminary of distinction.

Photography: Courtesy of PRA