Building with Purpose: Our Interview with Ivan Yuan, YAMA Centre Contractor
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ivan Yuan, the dedicated contractor behind our new YAMA Centre. We sat down with him to discuss his involvement in this meaningful project and to gain his unique perspective on what accessibility truly means in the realm of construction and design.
1. Please introduce yourself and what you do
For the past 15 years, I have specialised in commercial and office interior renovations, managing projects that range from boutique retail spaces to multi-floor corporate headquarters. My company’s mission is to deliver high-quality workmanship at a fair price while solving complex on-site challenges quickly and professionally. We view every commission as a partnership, aligning our technical expertise with the client’s vision to create spaces that inspire and perform.
2. How did you get involved with this project?
We originally worked with the property owner as their preferred contractor. When YAMA Foundation began searching for a reliable team, the owner recommended us based on our track record of meeting tight timelines without compromising quality. After an introductory meeting with YAMA’s leadership, it was clear that our values and their social mission aligned, paving the way for this collaboration.
3. What has been the most rewarding part of working on this YAMA space?
YAMA Foundation’s commitment to inclusion and well-being gave the project a deeper purpose beyond construction. Knowing that the centre will serve a diverse community motivated our team to push harder, and handing over the finished space—on schedule and within budget—was immensely satisfying. Seeing end-users walk in and immediately feel at home is a reward that far outweighs any project milestone.
4. How has this project influenced your understanding of accessibility and the needs of diverse communities?
Working closely with YAMA’s advisors highlighted the nuances of universal design—from clear circulation paths for wheelchair users to acoustics that support people with sensory sensitivities. The experience broadened our perspective: accessibility is not an add-on but a fundamental design pillar that benefits everyone. We now integrate these considerations into every project brief, whether or not they are explicitly requested.
5. What design or construction features are you most proud of, and why?
We installed a fully dimmable, energy-efficient LED lighting system that allows instructors to tailor ambiance for yoga, meditation, or workshops at the touch of a button. This flexibility enhances user comfort and lowers long-term operating costs—demonstrating how thoughtful engineering can elevate both experience and sustainability.
6. Were there any unique challenges you faced during the renovation, and how did you resolve them?
The biggest hurdle was a condensed construction window. Extensive upfront coordination with YAMA’s designer helped us finalise every detail before demolition began, minimising surprises on site. Our craftsmen then worked in staggered shifts, and we held daily progress reviews to stay agile. This collaborative approach ensured we met the deadline without sacrificing quality.
7. How has working on this project inspired you to approach future projects?
The project reinforced the idea that every space should welcome people of all abilities. Moving forward, we will engage stakeholders earlier—especially future occupants—to uncover diverse needs that might otherwise be overlooked. This inclusive mindset will shape our design proposals and construction methods, ultimately delivering environments that serve a broader segment of society.
Talking to Ivan, it's clear the YAMA Centre project was more than just another construction job for him; it was an inspiring journey that really boosted his team's dedication to inclusive design. His passion for creating spaces that genuinely work for everyone really comes through, promising a brighter, more accessible future for all his upcoming projects.
Want to know more about Ivan Yuan's work? Visit: https://www.spidercard.com/web/card/info?openExternalBrowser=1&cardId=HHPGI-58386&t=1761240665260