Phuwa (Chiranthanin Kitika)

On New Year’s Eve 2024, a friend suggested I visit Wat Chompoo in Chiang Mai’s Chang Moi area, where local residents and a group of young Chinese tech enthusiasts had organised a street party. That was where I first met Phuwa. He stood out immediately, and I soon realised he was one of the people helping the event happen.

Phuwa teaches architecture and completed his postgraduate studies in Kyoto. He told me that his time there strengthened his belief that communities need to be involved in the design of the places where they live. Back in Chiang Mai, he built relationships across Chang Moi, from long-time vendors to the monk at Wat Chompoo, and brought students into the neighbourhood rather than keeping projects inside the classroom.

Phuwa is also known for his flamboyant style. He often wears outfits that some might find eccentric, but he fully owns it, proving you don’t need to “look like a teacher” to be one. His genuine warmth was obvious as we walked through the neighbourhood; there was mutual respect between him and the locals, as though he was one of their own.

As a teacher myself, I find people like Phuwa inspiring. He understands that empathy is vital in art and design, and that truly listening can be just as powerful as teaching.