Re:Form - New Life for Old Spaces competition Honorable mention winner - Hami Bae

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our Re:Form - New Life for Old Spaces competition – Hami Bae from South Korea!

Hami Bae

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Design, I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in the same field.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

I’ve mainly focused on designing spaces that are closely connected to people’s everyday lives. I’m interested in projects that address real social needs and improve how people live and interact. I spend a lot of time thinking about how these spaces can be improved, both now and in the future, to better support the people who use them.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

I see architecture as the result of a process that captures the life within it. Since I’ve mainly worked on renovation projects, I enjoy reflecting on the stories embedded in existing buildings, including the stories of the buildings themselves and the stories of the people connected to them. For me, it’s fascinating to consider how these spaces will continue to hold new lives and experiences going forward.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in architectural competitions because they provide a valuable opportunity to challenge myself creatively and explore new ideas. They help me grow as a designer, allowing me to engage with diverse perspectives and address real-world problems in meaningful ways. Ultimately, I see them as valuable experiences that contribute to both my professional development and my passion for impactful architecture.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in a competition allows you to see a variety of outcomes based on the same theme. Winning and receiving a prize is certainly rewarding, but, for me, this competition was an opportunity to deeply explore a social issue and think carefully about how to address it. Focusing on the users’ perspective became a key part of the project. Also, deciding how to present these ideas and how to write about them was something I handled entirely on my own. This made the project one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had so far. So, why hesitate? If you genuinely engage with the competition’s theme, I believe it can be a great opportunity for personal growth.