story: legacy piece
Getting to Know Bo
Monday, March 31, 2025
At Adhami Pender Architecture, every team member brings a unique story and skill set to the table. This quarter, we’re introducing Bo, our Office Manager, Admin, and Marketing Lead.
With a background in architecture, a passion for photography, and a love for football and music, Bo plays a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly while ensuring APA’s voice is heard in the community.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself—what’s your background?
A: I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, until I was 16, then moved to Canberra. I studied Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Canberra and worked in architectural drafting for a few years before transitioning into the commercial lighting industry, where I spent nine years.
On the side, I also pursued family and landscape photography as a small business. My role at APA combines my love for architecture, creativity, and organisation—all in one place.
Q: How would your friends describe you in three words?
A: Honest. Football (soccer). Concert.
Q: If you could pick one city to live in forever, purely based on its architecture and lifestyle, where would it be?
A: Barcelona. Gaudí is my all-time favourite architect, and getting to see his works daily would be a dream. Plus, as a football fan, I’d love living in a city where football is cherished just as much as architecture.
Photo: laviwashere.com
Bo’s Role at APA
Q: How does your background in architecture shape the way you approach your role in admin, marketing, and office management?
A: Architecture and design are all about problem-solving. That mindset helps me tackle tasks in administration, marketing, and office management.
Also, working with architects and designers requires understanding their way of thinking, and because I come from the same background, I can relate to them more easily.
In marketing, APA is not about selling; we’re about connecting—sharing our philosophy, learning from others, and engaging with our community. I believe my role is about fostering that connection and supporting our team so they can focus on what they do best.
Q: If your role had a theme song, what would it be?
A: “Go Do” by Jónsi (from Sigur Rós). The music is energetic, fun, and layered—simple yet complex. The lyrics are about believing in yourself, embracing challenges, and staying positive—which is exactly what my role is about.
Architecture & Design
Q: If you could design a dream project—no budget or site restrictions—what would it be?
A: A Canberra football stadium for our future A-League team!
Q: What’s a design trend you secretly love?
A: Industrial aesthetic. I love the raw, exposed materials—steel, concrete, reclaimed wood—that bring a sense of honesty and authenticity to a space.
Creative Passions
Q: Photography and architecture share a lot in common—how do they inspire each other in your life?
Both are about perception and vision. When I see architecture or photography, I try to analyse how the creator approached their work. At APA, I am constantly surrounded by brilliant architectural minds, and that influences the way I see and capture my own photography—especially in landscapes.
Q: What’s one photography tip everyone should know?
A: Always have fun. If you enjoy the process, your photography will naturally improve every time you pick up a camera.
Q: Music has a strong connection to creativity—what’s on your ultimate work playlist?
A: Anything by The National. Their music has a depth and mood that helps me focus while working.
Q: If you could visit any football stadium in the world, which one would it be?
A: Anfield, Liverpool. No explanation needed!
Q: Which footballer do you think would make a great architect and why?
A: Ronaldinho. His playstyle was pure imagination—he created spaces and movements no one else could see. If you applied that mindset to architecture, he’d design buildings that are unthinkable yet beautiful, breaking all conventional boundaries.