This is the story of Tengku Robert and myself, and how our firm evolved to be the company today as T. R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn Bhd.
The firm was started in 1976 by Tengku Robert Hamzah (TRH), a prince from the Kelantan Royal family.TRH and I both studied at the AA School in London when we met around 1968.We were then both in the same AA’s Middle School Unit (2nd -3rd years) and were introduced by our Unit Master, Nico Diamantis.TRH’s contemporaries in London included Ruslan Khalid (deceased), who was also an AA alumnus.
I left the AA in 1971 to attend Cambridge University for a doctorate, and afterwards, we met again in KL in 1975 when he had just started a new company.I joined him in 1976 and became a joint shareholding partner.
TRH did his 5th Year studies at the AA’s Tropical School, which was then under Dr. Otto Koenigsberger.He became an expert on tropical bioclimatic design, which was compatible with my doctorate on ecological design (publ. as ‘Designing With Nature’ by McGraw-Hill, 1992). Bioclimatic design provided the starting armature for sustainable design.Our architectural work was redefined in an ecology-based approach that became our firm’s ethos, that drove our work in an endeavour to save the planet by design.Our firm survived the nearly 50 subsequent years through the troughs and peaks of the economy (at nearly 9-year cycles).
Part of the AA’s Diplomas’ requirements was a History Thesis.I believe TRH’s thesis was typed by his future wife, Diane, an Australian girl who was then working for the Malaysian Embassy.Years later, at Diane’s memorial dinner at his brother Tengku Razaleigh’s house, the very romantic song ‘Un Homme et Une Femme was played.The song was from the film, ‘A Man and a Woman’ (starring Jean-Louis Trintignant and Anouk Aimée), which was then being screened at the Art Cinema at Tottenham Court Road near the AA.
TRH and Diane are succeeded by three children, Adam, Sofie, and Amir.
By Ken Yeang (Dato’, Dr.)
Past President PAM
Most people know Tengku Robert Hamzah as an exceptional, inspirational architect, but to me, Uncle Robert was a friend first and an architect second.
In September 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, China reopened its doors to returning expats.After nearly nine months away from my home and spouse, I travelled alone with my young child and infant to quarantine in Shanghai.The children had recovered from colds a week prior, and although symptom-free, that detail led to a hospital quarantine for further testing.
Uncle Robert called the next day to check on us.As I showed him the dismal state of the room and explained the situation, his sharp architectural eye caught details I hadn’t noticed.He told me to check for gaps in the wall – he’d seen in our blurry FaceTime call that the walls were temporary dividers and likely ill-fitting.He was right.I sealed the gaps as he suggested to prevent contamination from the adjoining room.
To Amir and our friends, I called him Papa Hamzah – PH for short.He became a father figure to me and a grandfather figure to my children.We often had lazy weekend lunches and swim days at their home.He would sit by the pool, soaking in the chaos, always present and engaged.One visit stands out: my second child was six months old, and I was struggling.Uncle Robert had a mattress set up and asked the helpers to watch the baby.He told me to relax and just enjoy time with my older child.That small, caring gesture still brings tears.I wasn’t just a tired mother-I was his friend, and he saw me.
And he saw his family.Every conversation included stories about Amir, Sophie, Adam, and his grandchildren, always told with love and pride.He embraced their uniqueness.He never complained or spoke ill of his family -not once.Not in over 20 years.
One of my earliest and most enduring images of Uncle Robert and Aunty Diane is of them sitting on a sofa, holding hands and watching TV.A simple, sweet, uneventful moment.After she passed, he visited her grave weekly until his health no longer allowed.He showed me what love and devotion truly look like – steady, quiet, and unwavering.
PH was kind, perceptive, and had an incredible memory.He always asked about my family with sincere care and concern.When my father passed, he was the first non-family member I saw.In a cruel twist of fate, his hospital bed had been directly above my dad’s room.Despite his own pain, he held my hand with grace and didn’t let go.
To my unlikely friend, father figure, and confidante-thank you.You are deeply missed and forever will be.But in my mind, you’re somewhere beautiful, holding Aunty Diane’s hand, and dancing-just like you’d wanted.
By Michele Lean
To me, Ar. YM Tengku Datuk Robert Bin Tengku Mohd Hamzah was more than a granduncle-he was the closest person I had to a grandfather, a mentor, and one of the most steady, dignified presences in my life.
He was stern and meticulous, with an unwavering commitment to detail and correctness.Nothing escaped his eye.But beneath that firmness was a man with a kind heart – generous with his time, thoughts, and care for others.Even in his later years, he remained sharply alert, always observing, always advising.
I had the privilege of being his companion through many seasons of life.During his short visits to Kelantan, I would accompany him around Kota Bharu-visiting his old classmates, running errands, and reconnecting with the community he loved.I was also his trusted runner when he sent back a whole cod fish each month to my late uncle, a gesture that reflected his quiet consistency and thoughtfulness.
Throughout my academic years, he was my strongest supporter.He was deeply invested in my architectural journey, often asking for updates on my critiques and designs, and encouraging me to read, reflect, and refine my thinking.Our evenings were often spent over dinner, with him drinking his cumin tea and me sipping my double-shot coffee, watching renovation and architecture programs on TLC and the Discovery Channel.
Architecture, to him, was never just about aesthetics.He believed deeply in designing with purpose – in creating buildings that respond to their environment, their climate, and their cultural context.He was a strong advocate for vernacular architecture and climate-responsive design, always reminding me that the soul of architecture lies in its relationship with people and place.These were not just principles to him – they were truths he lived by, and values he worked to instil in those around him.
He shaped the way I see the world- not just as a student of architecture, but as someone who carries the responsibility to build with meaning, integrity, and care.His voice still echoes in my mind when I draft, sketch, or observe the world around me.I miss him deeply.I carry his legacy forward, one line and one lesson at a time.
May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.
By YM Tengku Diyana Puteri RH
