Catharine’s interest in architecture began at a young age, as she grew up loving crafts and design. “My father was very gifted in craft. So, I was that kid who built little doll houses for my paper dolls. He used to tell me that the buildings are living elements; so, you must nurture them, and [in return] they will protect us.”
Upon exiting the Westminster Underground Station in London, one is greeted by the majestic sight of Big Ben set against the backdrop of the Palace of Westminster. This writer stood transfixed for several minutes, wondering how centuries-old buildings could appear aged, yet so fresh.
Behind the rejuvenation of such buildings is a team of architects, of which Ipoh-born, London-based Catharine Dass is a part. Her journey to this point was far from easy — it took “just 22 years”, she says drily in an interview with City & Country.
