His recently released book,Penang Shophouses: A Handbook of Features and Materials, is a pinnacle of achievement – the product of tireless and painstaking research into the minutiae of design, materials and techniques of shophouse styles as they evolved from late 18th century to middle decades of the 20th century. “It serves as a valuable guide”, says Dr. Jenkins, “for young designers, architects, contractors and owners, who don’t remember [or know] the old and original forms but want to return to the traditional ways, and to conserve a living heritage.”