IB Woman
Issue No. 12 - August/September 2003
Leading the Way
Jackie Lee
Jackie Lee was the dutiful Chinese daughter when she came to Adelaide in 1968 to finish her schooling and study at University. Despite a strong interest in more creative pursuits, Jackie satisfied her parents’ wishes by studying accountancy, a credible and stable career choice for a young woman.
As a University graduate with a degree in accounting, Jackie started working but was not allowed by her employers to fully utilise her skills. Jackie’s gender and ethnic background proved two of many obstacles in the early 1970’s in South Australia.
‘I was slightly built anyway’, says Jackie ‘so I looked even younger than I really was. I was assigned clerical and tea—making duties despite being fully qualified as an accountant.’
Jackie admits to being very shy but gained more confidence and independence in Adelaide than she could have achieved in Malaysia. However, her Chinese background meant she followed the formula of creating a solid career and marrying a dependable and educated man. Jackie’s husband, James, was an engineer with an interest in renovating old houses. Together, the Lee’s started dabbling in acquiring landmark residential buildings and improving them. This allowed Jackie to pursue her desire to be an interior designer without damaging her professional reputation with her family.
‘I worked as an accountant as well as renovating. I was doing what I wanted to do and eventually we were involved our first large development; shell units in Wakefield Street. The idea was that owners would fit—out the canvas we had built. Many clients asked me to help them with their interiors.’
Eventually Jackie left accounting altogether as a friendship between the Lee’s and former real estate agent, Peter Buchan, saw Buchan Lee evolve as a property development and marketing business.
‘The right compatibility of skills is imperative,’ says Jackie, ‘and we have the skills, expertise and experience. I have an...
