Last weekend, we visited Shenzhen Bay Cultural Plaza with more than 60 members—a wonderful opportunity to meet many talented architects and friends.
Special thanks to Zhang Chao (MAD), Florence Chan (KPF), Sada Lam (Oval Partnership), and Ethan Yao (CRLand) for sharing their project insights. And thank you to #ROCA for their support to our Chapter.
Three key takeaways
@madarchitects 's research-led material & detailing process
MAD shared years of work behind the project—especially the team’s focus on materials, facade logic, and the precision of key details. What stood out most was the stone facade concept, the precast concrete ceiling, and the resin clear skylight—showing how strong concept development and meticulous detailing translate into a lasting atmosphere.
@kohnpedersenfox The Wave's plaza public realm as community connector
The tour highlighted how placemaking is shaped not only by individual buildings, but by the way spaces connect. The Wave works as a connector within the district, and the waterfront/fountain interaction creates a special moment—inviting people to pause, gather, and experience the environment together.
@theovalpartnership masterplanning through user experience
Oval’s partnership involvement reinforced the importance of designing at the district level—integrating shopping and planning strategy with how people actually move, use space, and experience the place daily. It also underscored the role of green design considerations in building a more future-ready community.
AIA Hong Kong’s growing presence in the GBA will continue to bring valuable architecture and design experience to the community. Looking forward to the next event!
#AIAHK #GBA #Architecture #UrbanDesign #DesignLeadership
Great energy at our first ARE Study Program session this past Thursday.
We covered the ARE + registration process, shared study tips, and took a deep dive into Programming & Analysis (PA)—from site conditions to codes and building strategy.
Thanks to everyone who joined us, and to our instructors for guiding the session.
Special thanks to our venue sponsor @mvkm.group for hosting.
Stay tuned for Session 2 on June 11 — covering Project Planning & Design (PPD) + Construction & Evaluation (CE).
We’re pleased to welcome Eric Ho to the AIA International Spring Conference 2026.
Eric works at the intersection of architecture, urban innovation, and social impact. His work focuses on building cross-sector collaborations that bring together governments, developers, industry leaders, and communities to address complex urban challenges.
In this session, Eric will share insights from projects developed through Architecture Commons and the Neighbourhood Innovation Lab, exploring how architects can work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to drive meaningful urban change. From Hong Kong’s Well-being Design Guide for public housing to participatory design initiatives in schools and community centers, the talk will highlight practical strategies for building partnerships, structuring inclusive participation, and translating pilot projects into lasting systemic impact.
Session moderated by Shannon Ho, AIA, HKIA, ARB LEED AP BEAM Pro, 2026 President, AIA Hong Kong
🔗 Register via the link in our bio
@aiahkchapter
#AIAInternational #AIAISC26 #VirtualArchitectureConference #UrbanInnovation
Last Friday, we gathered at the Fringe Club for the 2025 AIA Hong Kong Honors & Awards Celebration, an evening dedicated to recognizing design excellence and the strength of our community. The night featured an exhibition of award-winning projects, the presentation of honors, and time to reconnect with colleagues and friends over food, drinks, and music.
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, whose work reflects creativity, resilience, and leadership. Your contributions strengthen Hong Kong’s architectural landscape and connect us to the global design community. Browse the award-winning projects here: /all/
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support:
Platinum Sponsors: @ahec_sea American Hardwood Export Council, @dowbuilt DOW Chemical Pacific Limited, Kadoorie Estates Limited, @sherwinwilliams The Sherwin-Williams Company
Gold Sponsor: @autodesk Autodesk Far East Limited
Silver Sponsors: @aecom AECOM Asia Company Limited, @cosentino.asia Cosentino, @orientop_limited Orientop Limited
The evening was a reminder of how design excellence and community come together to shape the future of architecture. We look forward to continuing this journey together.
And last but certainly not least — a very special thank you to our office manager, Clare, for her years of tireless service to AIA Hong Kong. The chapter runs smoother than a well-drafted set of construction documents because of you, and you will be greatly missed. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter (pun very much intended).
We had a great time at our AIA Hong Kong Chapter YAG Mentorship 2026 Kick-off Event at DX Design Hub, welcoming 59 mentees to an informative and relaxed morning of sharing and networking.
Thank you to our wonderful mentors, Eric Chan, Vicky Chan, AIA, Sean T Ellis, AIA, Jennifer Ge, Don Hong, Eric Ho, Charles Kwan, Julia Monk FAIA FIIDA NOMA, J Lee Rofkind FAIA, LEED AP, Hong Cheng, Ringo T., and Roger W. for generously sharing their experience, perspectives, and thoughtful mentorship plans and outlook.
The session created an open and casual space for mentees to connect, ask questions, and learn more about different paths in practice, helping them make more informed choices before finalising their mentor selection.
We’re excited to see these new connections grow over the coming year and look forward to an inspiring mentorship journey ahead.
We would also like to thank everyone involved at the AIA Hong Kong Chapter, the YAG Committee, and all those who helped spread the word and support this program.
#AIAHK #YAGMentorship #Mentorship2026 #ArchitectureCommunity #FutureArchitects #ProfessionalGrowth
The AIA Hong Kong Young Architects Group (YAG) Mentorship Program 2026 is your catalyst and is now open for applications from both Mentors and Mentees for dynamic partnerships.
Aligned with this year’s Chapter theme, Building Belonging, the program is designed to reflect the diversity of what our profession offers. We will connect emerging talent with experienced architects from across the spectrum of practice and academia, creating a more inclusive and connected community.
How It Works:
We begin with a networking mixer where Mentors will present their focus areas. Mentees will then submit their goals, enabling us to create thoughtful, purpose-driven matches. You and your mentor/mentee will build a unique partnership over the program period.
You may apply as a Mentee if you:
- Are studying architecture or a related program (undergraduate or graduate) in Hong Kong, or
- Have recently graduated from an architecture or related program and are currently based in Hong Kong
- Priority will be given to applicants who have not participated in the program before
What’s in it for you?
- Expand your network within the AIA Hong Kong community
- Join AIA Hong Kong and YAG events
- Enjoy selected event discounts (limited quotas may apply)
- Build lasting connections with fellow Mentees
Thinking of Becoming a Mentor?
We welcome AIA Hong Kong Chapter members to join the program as Mentors, sharing their experiences, insights, and perspectives with emerging professionals through meaningful, flexible engagement.
To join the YAG and Mentorship Program (HK$100 Membership Fee + HK$100 Mentorship Program Fee):
Sign up here Mentees Application Link:
https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/2026-aia-hong-kong-mentorship-program-kick-off-mentee-tickets-1980437681417?aff=oddtdtcreator
To join as a YAG Mentor:
Sign up here Mentors Application Link:
https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/2026-aia-hong-kong-mentorship-program-kick-off-mentor-tickets-1980431954287?aff=oddtdtcreator
Note that all interested Mentors/Mentees are expected to attend the YAG Kick-off Event.
For any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]
Asian Cultural Council Hong Kong - Hsin Chong Foundation Young Architects Fellowship
AIA Hong Kong has partnered with the Asian Cultural Council for the Asian Cultural Council Hong Kong - Hsin Chong Foundation Young Architects Fellowship. For 2026, we invite applications for research in Japan on the topics of:
Modular Housing
Public Space and Community
Building Technology
In collaboration with AIA Japan, the selected Fellow will be mentored by the AIA Japan professional community. The Fellowship includes participation in site visits, design workshops, and cultural immersion activities. We are glad to announce that this year's mentor will be Prof. Tetsuya Yaguchi, Ph.D., AIA, AICP, LEED AP at Waseda University.
Participants/Eligibility
This program targets architecture graduates and young professionals.
Residential Status
Applicants must be a citizen or a permanent legal resident of Hong Kong
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in architecture
Applicants must have fifteen (15) years or less working experience in architecture
Language Proficiency
Fluency in English, both written and oral
Proficiency in Japanese is an advantage
Deliverables
An Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Final Report that is to include a narrative description of the Fellowship outcome (to be submitted one month after conclusion of the Fellowship).
A sharing and/or presentation summarizing the results of the Fellowship at an AIA Hong Kong event.
Budget
Up to US$20,000 will be awarded, of which US$5,000 is to be allocated as program fees. Note that the Grant Budget is a required part of your submission document.
The allocated program fees provide:
Professional Mentorship
Engagement/Interaction with relevant academic and architecture professionals, as well as with local design practice(s).
The application deadline has now been extended to February 7, 2026, 11:59PM (HKT) and you may apply now through the link below:
.hk/assets/files/fellowships/acc-x-aiahk-guidelines-application-form_final.pdf
Tencent’s Shenzhen Headquarters visit in DaChan Bay:
The afternoon included a site walk through Tencent Shenzhen Headquarters in DaChan Bay. The campus features NBBJ's office towers and MAD Architects' Cloud Towers, creating an immersive, futuristic environment.
The day ended on a high note. Participants not only found inspiration in the building tours, but also had the opportunity to strike up conversations with esteemed guests during a coffee chat.
Stay tuned for more building tours and comprehensive presentations from renowned architects, learning from each other.
vivo Headquarters Tour: Lunch and Sharing Session with Vivian Ngo and Sherwin-Williams
After the vivo Headquarters Building Tour, we had our lunch, sponsored by @sherwinwilliams
The highlight of the lunch was a presentation by Vivian Ngo from @nbbjdesign about their journey with Tencent. She showcased their decade-long collaboration with Tencent, from their Tencent Seafront Towers to the DaChan Bay Qianhai Campus. The presentation displayed their cohesive master planning for the Net City, connecting individual interest spots and the shoreline with a zig-zag path like the network.
Additionally, Sherwin-Williams presented their newest products, showcasing how their products have been utilized for the facade of the Kai Tak Sport Park and other significant projects. Their expertise in delivering colors, façade materials and realizing sustainability can help architects create stunning visuals for their projects.
Thank you Sherwin-Williams for the presentation and delightful souvenirs
At the end of November, AIA Hong Kong and @cosentino.asia hosted an inspiring evening at the Cosentino showroom in Shenzhen, featuring a special lecture by Chen Xi, founding principal of @atelier_xi . His talk offered a deeply immersive journey through materials, color, and light as instruments for shaping collective spatial experiences.
From the ethereal membrane of light that gently redefines a vast industrial hall, to the delicate tension between metal and stone, and the slow, time-weathered transformation of corten steel in the landscape, Chen Xi revealed how materiality can choreograph perception, movement, and memory in public and civic spaces.
The projects he shared became a feast of meticulously curated moments—demonstrating how atmosphere, structure, and texture come together to form generous spaces for communities in Shenzhen and beyond.
Thank you Cosentino for hosting us in their recently opened showroom in Shenzhen and the AIA Hong Kong and Shenzhen members that came for the inspiring sharing!
Happy Holidays from AIA Hong Kong
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restorative holiday season.
A Reflection on 2025
As we close 2025, AIA Hong Kong reflects on a year that tested our resilience and deepened our resolve. The tragedy at Wang Fuk Court awakened our collective conscience and called us to recommit to integrity, safety, and service—the core principles of our profession.
Yet 2025 also brought remarkable growth: partnerships forged in Manila with UAP, learning across Southeast Asia, celebrating visionary award-winning work, and engaging with thought leaders like Professor He Jingtang. Most importantly, you—our members, partners, and volunteers—have made this chapter a beacon of intellectual rigor, creative ambition, and genuine care.
As we enter 2026, we carry forward key lessons: that design excellence and ethical practice are inseparable; that regional collaboration strengthens us all; and that the built environment is our most powerful tool for creating belonging and resilience.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community. May the holiday season bring you rest and rejuvenation. May 2026 bring you inspiring projects and the satisfaction of knowing your work shapes a more beautiful, just world.
See our latest winter newsletter here:
/pzttghfo9z-15642622?e=4d063cd422
With warmest wishes,
AIA Hong Kong
Building Community. Advancing Practice. Shaping the Future.
Building a "place" is only the first step. Keeping it alive is the real challenge.
On December 10th, we brought together Tiffany Lau (@hongkong.land ), Betty Ng (@collective_studio ), Shi Zhou (@studio10design ), and Prof. Weijen Wang (@hkuarchitecture ) to debate design excellence across scales, from a 200-person village to a 4.5 million sq. ft. CBD.
Key strategic takeaways emerged from the discussion:
Software > Hardware: Activating a district isn't just about paving and podiums; it’s about governance that empowers the community. "Placekeeping"—curation driven by active collaboration between stakeholders—is where value is generated and sustained.
Small Moves, Big Impact: You don't always need a masterplan to change a neighborhood. Precise, "acupuncture-style" interventions, whether in a rural setting or a dense urban core, can trigger systemic change and shift how people behave in a space.
Redefining ROI: The return on investment for public space cannot be measured by financial metrics alone. True performance includes community benefit, social resilience, and long-term relevance. We need to value the "public" in public space as a core asset, not just an amenity.
Great design sets the stage, but governance writes the script. Thank you to our panelists for a masterclass in looking beyond the plan.
What’s one small intervention you’ve seen make a big impact in your community?
#aiahkchapter #DesignExcellence #Placemaking #UrbanStrategy #HongkongLand
