Confirmed And Invited Speakers

 "Chairman's Welcome & Opening Address"
 Alex Lush, Assistant Director, Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers, Hong Kong

 Alexander Lush is a German citizen, a registered architect in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom and an authorized person (list of architects) in the HKSAR. He is a current council member of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects.

Upon graduating from the University Cambridge in the U.K. he worked in the office of Sir Denys Lasdun in London. Since 1993 he has lived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative region and elsewhere in the PRC where, in Qingdao, he first worked in 1994. He represents the first generation of non-domestic, Western, architects to have in-depth experience of the rapidly evolving Mainland China market.

He joined the office of Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers (H.K.) Ltd (DLN) in 1996 where he is presently an Assistant Director. DLN is one of the most versatile architectural practices in the region and been responsible for the design of a number of record breaking structures including several of the world’s tallest buildings.

With DLN, Mr Lush has participated in a large number of projects both in the HKSAR and elsewhere in the PRC, including in Shenzhen, Nanjing, Jiaqing, Chongqing and Beijing where he is periodically based. In particular he was project architect for DLN’s short-listed proposal for the 1,000,000m² West Kowloon Cultural District. He is currently project architect of a new 160,000m² 50-storey office building in Kiev in the Ukraine and a high-rise office-apartment complex in Dubai.

Recent papers include ‘Tall Buildings and the Evolution of Historical Cities’ presented to the CTBUH conference in Seoul 2004, ‘Architecture and Lifestyle – A Symbiotic Relationship’ presented to the Hong Kong Business of Design Conference in 2005 and ‘Substance & Superficiality in Realization of a Lower Impact Built Environment’ presented at the PGBC 2007 conference in Hangzhou and ‘Architecture and Commercialization of Everything’ presented at Cityscape Singapore 2008..

 "Mega Projects And Architectural Icons: China's New Skyline"
 Li Chung Pei, Partner, Pei Partnership Architects, USA

 Li Chung Pei, AIA. For over 25 years Mr Pei has been involved in more than two dozen projects worldwide on building types ranging from educational facilities, laboratories and museums to commercial office, hotel and residential projects. Among his award-winning projects are the MIT Arts + Media Technologies Facilities, Cambridge, MA (1982), the Creative Artists Agency Headquarters, Beverly Hills, CA (1989), the Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong (1990), and the BaNK of China Head office Building, Beijing, China (2002). Since the founding of Pei Partnership Architects, he has directed the design of over one million square meters of building and several large-scale urban development projects in the United States, Mexico, China, Indonesia and Singapore. Among his projects currently under construction are the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Headquarters in Beijing, a luxury condominium apartment building in New York City, a theater and science center in Macao and a 90-story office tower in Shenyang. Last year the firm's partners, in close association with I.M. Pei, their father and mentor, dedicated the Suzhou Museum in the family’s ancestral home and next year will see completion of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.

 "The Watercube In Perspective"
 John Bilmon, Principal Director, PTW Architects, China

 John Bilmon is Managing Director of PTW. He joined PTW (then Peddle Thorp and Walker) in 1982, attracted by the firm's focus on the Asian region and its established network of associated offices region and its established network of associated offices. A firm renowned for its award-winning high rise commercial buildings, PTW has augmented its strong reputation through a diversity of project types. John focuses on PTW bringing a different cultural and design sensibility to projects in different countries. In 2006, John was awarded an Australian Export Hero Award by the Australian Institute of Export, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the growth and development of Australian exports in architecture. John was Chairman of the Boards of Architectural Education and Practice before being elected by his peers as President of the RAIA NSW Chapter. He is currently Chairman of an RAIA subsidiary company, IBL Limited, focusing on providing Professional Risk Management Services to building industry professionals as well as a number of other professional positions. Recent projects include the National Swimming Centre 2008 Olympics, Beijing, PRC; Thu Thiem Masterplan Competition HCMC, Vietnam; and Kunming City Masterplan competition, Yunnan, PRC.

 "Exploring Architecture In China - What Does It Mean Today?"
 Jason Marriott, Principal, Beijing, Woods Bagot, China

 Jason Marriott is a registered architect with over 12 years of professional experience within the architectural industry. His background covers all areas of the design process including concept design, design development, documentation and project and client management. With well developed concept design skills Jason’s expertise lies at the conceptual front end of the design process and project establishment particularly in relation to the lifestyle sector. Jason has worked extensively throughout Australia and China and is now permanently based in Beijing. It is now with several years of experience working full time within China that Jason has a solid understanding of the Chinese design process and market design drivers. After leading the design team that won the 2008 Beijing Olympic Village, Jason became the chief foreign design architect for the Olympic Village where he obtained a unique understanding of very large scale mixed use developments, the Beijing residential market and the Beijing development process period. Now a Principal with Woods Bagot Jason is dedicated to servicing clients within the Asia.

 "Creating A Master Plan For Vibrant Urban Communities"
 Stephen Pimbley, Partner and Design Director, SMC Alsop, China

 Stephen Pimbley is a British architect with 22 years of experience of working in various European countries, the Middle East and Asia. On graduation from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master degree in Architecture he went to work the Richard Rogers Partnership. In 1990 Stephen joined William Alsop as project architect for the acclaimed Hotel du Departement des Bouches du Rhone in Marseilles France. Other notable projects have included the Cardiff Bay Barrage and a masterplan for the centre of Rotterdam. In 2001 Stephen opened Alsop's first Asia studio in Singapore to service the redevelopment of Clarke Quay, a historic entertainment district along the Singapore River. The successful conclusion of the project gave the impetus for the growth of the business in Asia. SMC Alsop under the directorship of Stephen now has studios in Beijing and Shanghai to compliment the studio in Singapore.

 "Energising Urban Districts - Architecture That Reflects Contemporary Chinese Culture And Lifestyle?"
 Yan Yang, Principal and General Manager, Callison, China

 Yan Yang, AIA, is Principal and General Manager of Callison's Shanghai gateway office. Yan leads all China projects and the Shanghai design team. Yan has experience with a variety of project types including retail, mixed-used and corporate. His scope of work spans the globe and provides him with unique insight into different market trends and business practices.

 "The Urban Isthmus: Optimising The Contemporary China City Form"
 Karl Traeger, Regional Principal, Woodhead, China

 Karl Traeger is Regional Principal and Design Director at Woodhead, Shanghai office. He has now lived in Shanghai for almost four years after first travelling to China in 1993 as part of a tour around the world. It was then he realised that he had to live and work here if he was to understand the impact a rising China may have on the evolution of an Asian regional culture and its expression in planning and design. In his time in the Shanghai office he has been responsible for award winning designs in planning, mixed use, office retail hospitality and tourism architecture and interior design projects. In 2005 his idea for the development of a linear city model for China that overcame the problems inherent in previous models, was adopted as the focus of Woodhead’s 2005 and 2006 International Design Forums. Since that time the model - now know as the Urban Isthmus - has developed across a series of planning projects in the office. The model's current form includes detailed research into cyclic economic processes for farming and industrial systems that address Hu JinTao’s 3 farm issue and an urban laboratory for the demonstration of future sustainable technologies and city component manufacture.

 "Suburban Development Strategies In The Mega-Cities Of Modern China"
 Jianwei Li, President and Managing Principal, EDSA Orient, China

 Jianwei Li has extensive experience in the field of landscape architecture and is knowledgeable in all aspects of project management and design ranging from resorts and hotels to golf and mixed-use and community developments. Mr Li joined EDSA's Orlando office in 1996 with design and teaching experience both in China and the United States.
His primary role involves conceptual design, schematic design, design development and development of construction
documentation. A specialty of M. Li is his water color and marker illustration. He brings an artistic sensitivity and respect for aesthetic principles that is reflected in his renderings. Mr Li is currently President and Managing Principal of EDSA Orient and is active in many of the firm's projects. Mr Li has been Principal-In-Charge of numerous mixed-use development projects worldwide, including Broadwater Resort, Biloxi, Mississippi; Peabody Expansion, Orlando, Florida; and Shades of Green Resort, Walt Disney World, Florida.

 "Planning And Design For High Profile Commercial Buildings"
 James von Klemperer, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox, USA

 James von Klemperer has been responsible for the design of major commissions throughout North America, Europe and Asia, attending to projects from conception to completion. His projects have been featured in numerous publications and have received nineteen prestigious awards for excellence in design and construction. A principal at KPF since 1997, James has been responsible for such notable projects abroad as the US Ambassador’s residence in Nicosia, Cyprus, which was completed in 1993. His ZhongGuanCun West project in Beijing features a glass and metal clad office tower, office podium adn exhibition bridge. The tallest and most centrally located building in its district, the sculptural tower was a bronze award winner from the City of Beijing. Mr von Klemperer also saw the completion of the Dongbu Financial Center, winner of an Honor Award from the AIA New York City Chapter and a 2003 Korean National Architecture Award.

 "Planning And Design For High Profile Commercial Buildings"
 Paul Katz, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox, USA

 Paul Katz joined KPF in 1984. Since then he has focused on the planning, design, and development of office, mixed-use and high rise buildings. He has senior responsibilities in all aspects of commercial architecture, including business development, management and design. In addition, he has established KPF’s strong presence in Japan and Hong Kong and has been instrumental in setting up the firm's China operations in Shanghai. Presently, Mr Katz is advising clients in North America, Europe and Asia with his recent projects including 505 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the Clifford Chance head office at Canary Wharf in London and and Roppongi Hills in Tokyo. He currently is serving as the Managing Principal on the high-profile and award-winning Shanghai World Financial Center, due to be completed in 2008, in addition to the International Commerce Center and the Landmark, both in Hong Kong, and has projects in construction in Las Vegas, London, Singapore and Shanghai, such as the KPMG head office at Canary Whard in London and the Marina Bay Financial Centre in Singapore..

 "Propensity + Vitality: Reinventing Tradition"
 Peter Davidson, Director, LAB Architecture Studio, UK and Australia

 Peter Davidson, together with Donald Bates, are the founders of LAB Architectural Studio, which currently has offices in Melbourne, London and most recently in Dubai. LAB is most known for Melbourne’s contemporary civic heart, Federation Square, which was completed in 2002. This project has received an unparalleled number of international and Australian design awards, including the Cityscape Urban Design Award (2003), Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence - Asia Pacific region (2005), the FX Award for Best Museum Interior (2003) and the RAIA National Award (2003) for Urban Design and Interior Design. LAB’s projects and designs have been published internationally, featuring in many design surveys and monographs of international architecture including the Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary Architecture (Phaidon 2002), Architecture Today (Lawrence King 2004) and Contemporary Public Spaces (CABE 2006). The studio’s work has been exhibited internationally including the Venice Biennale (2002, 2004). In 2004 LAB won the international competition for the Soho Shangdu project in Beijing’s CBD for Soho China with the first stage completed in 2007 and nominated by 'Time Out - Beijing' as one of the city’s top 10 new architectural icons, the project also won an RAIA (2007) international award and was shortlisted for the 2007 Cityscape Awards.

 "How Innovative Architecture Delivers A Competitive Advantage"
 Ross Donaldson, Director, Woods Bagot, China

 Ross Donaldson is a registered architect and urban planner with over 25 years of experience with a wide range of involvement in architectural, urban design and community planning projects. His key focus is the education sector as Woods Bagot’s Discipline Leader. Ross has a reputation as both an innovative, award winning architect and as a leading practitioner in urban design and master planning. A particular focus of his work has been the understanding of the social and cultural context. This has provided a strategic direction to projects as diverse as city plans in Australia, a landmark park in Singapore, more educational institutions in Australia and the Middle East, and award winning interiors.

 "How Innovative Architecture Delivers A Competitive Advantage"
 Stephen Jones, Regional Managing Principal Asia, Woods Bagot, China

 Stephen Jones has over 15 years professional experience in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe where he has completed numerous significant projects with broad experience in Asia lifestyle, education and commercial projects. As the Regional Managing Principal Asia at Woods Bagot, Stephen leads the company’s Asia business focusing on delivering high quality design to both international and domestic clients within the Asia region.

 "High Performance Super Tall Buildings: Where Form Meets Function"
 Ming Zhang, Senior Partner, Design Director, MulvannyG2 Architecture, USA

 Ming Zhang is Senior Partner and Design Director at MulvannyG2 Architecture in China. Ming Zhang’s special creativity in the design of high imagery projects has earned him a distinguished reputation as a world class designer. His decades of experience encompass project types including office, mixed-use, retail, hospitality, high-rise residential, high-tech and public spaces. Mr Zhang has received numerous honours and awards including the 2006 Top 20 Most Influential Designers in China from the Chinese Research Centre for Urban Development and Environment. His influence has created a new image for major cities throughout China. Ming is a sought after speaker in the topics of smart building design, working relationships in China, and culture and design. He has presented for organizations including the CTBUH 8th World Congress in Dubai, Chinese Business and Technology Association (CBTA) and the American Institute of Architects.

 "From Development To Sustainable Development; From Building Making To Place Making"
 Sean Chiao, Senior Vice President and Regional Chair Asia, EDAW AECOM, Hong Kong 

 Sean Chiao is the Regional Director of EDAW’s Asia practice, serves on EDAW’s Global Executive Committee and is Executive Vice President of its holding company AECOM. An advocate of the firm's distinct collaborative practice, he has driven the growth of EDAW’s multidisciplinary teams in Asia on projects in both the public and private realm. Mr Chiao has overseen high-density master plans for new towns and regeneration of existing urban contexts that have long drawn on sustainable themes. He has also spearheaded the design and construction of a number of high profile landscape master plans and major public open spaces in Asia. Under his leadership, EDAW Asia has developed an unparallel reputation addressing a broad spectrum of urban needs through solutions that enhance and measure a project’s success through its economic, environmental and social impact.

 "Sustainable Urban Development In The Delta Areas of China"
 Tiffany Tsui, Senior International Business Development Manager, Sustainability & Innovation, DHV Group,  Asia and China

 Tiffany Tsui is a pioneer in shaping the green building trend in China. From 2001 to 2005, she was the director of the China operation of EMSI, the first international firm providing green building design and consultancy services in China. She successfully introduced the concept of “green buildings” and the LEEDTM green building certification to leading Chinese real estate developers and companies. She managed the very first green building projects that are LEEDTM certified across China totalling more than 350,000 square meters which serves as model for more companies to 'go green'. Together with government organisations and leading property developers, she founded the annual International Green Development Forum (held in Shenzhen) since 2004. She was also one of the founding members of the Shanghai Green Building Council. After joining DHV in 2006, Tiffany leads the effort to develop integrated solutions and innovative business models for sustainable area and urban development.

 "Site Specific Architecture"
 Thomas Leeser, Principal, Leeser Architecture, USA

 Thomas Leeser worked with Peter Eisenman for nine years as project designer and later as Partner-in-Charge of Design before forming his own practice, Leeser Architecture, in 1989. Pivotal projects include the Twin House (now in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art); the Axonometric Chair; the Red Bar featured in the New York Times, Domus and Andy Warhol’s 15 Minutes television program, as well as the Gold Bar. Mr Leeser has designed and built a number of small, important projects including Glass, a bar and club in Chelsea which won an Architectural Record Interiors award for Excellence in Design; ETH World; and Eyebeam Atelier’s Museum for Art and Technology. His project for the Design School Zollverein in Essen, Germany, was selected for exhibition in the 2004 Venice Biennale, along with his interactive video installation Accidental Record. In collaboration with MVRDV of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Leeser Architecture was one of five firms selected for the competition to design the Olympic Village for NYC2012. The idea of architecture as an enabler is the thread that runs through all Thomas Leeser’s projects. Recently Mr. Leeser was awarded the First Prize in an invited international competition for the World Mammoth and Permafrost Museum in Yakutsk, Russia. The museum has just received an AIA Design Award for its groundbreaking approach towards building in the permafrost and ecological sensitive environments.

 "Quality And Innovation In Developing Countries - What is China's Future?"
 Silas Chiow, Principal and General Manager, SOM Architectural Consultants, China

 Silas Chiow began his career at SOM New York in 1987. In 1992, Chiow won First Prize at the Yokohama Registration International Urban Design Competition. This ignited his interest in Japan where he collaborated on major civic projects, such as, the Tokyo Government Center in Saitama Prefecture, in addition to, several other commercial projects in Tokyo. Since 1995, Mr Chiow has focused his efforts in China and has gained tremendous expertise as an architect, urban planner and project manager in the region. His expertise extends to all project types, including hospitality, retail, mixeduse developments, residential complexes, convention centers, institutions, housing and hotels. Mr Chiow worked with SOM’s award-winning Urban Planning partner, John Kriken, to successfully, conceptualize and develop the planning of of the now prestigious Xin Tian Di project in Shanghai. In 2004, Chiow worked with Philip Enquist (a Chicago–based 1990 award-winning planning partner) responsible for the Chongming Island master plan, an AIA Award winning project noted for its sustainable planning concepts. In 2000, SOM named Mr Chiow Director of Business Development for Greater China. In this role, he is responsible for the firm's overall strategic planning in the region and facilities firm-wide architecture and planning projects throughout Asia and China.

 "Large Scale Projects And The Urban Realm"
 Scott Findley, Design Director, RMJM Architects, Asia and Middle East 

 Scott Findley is Design Director for RMJM Asia and Middle East regions. He is directly involved with many Hong Kong, China and Southeast Asia projects, responsible for leadership, vision and promoting a global design dialogue. Collaborating closely with a core team of design leaders, together they ensure a 'design led' approach is delivered on all projects throughout Asia and the Middle East. Scott commenced his professional career in his native country of USA, where he founded and operated his own successful practice prior to arriving in Asia. Scott is a licensed practicing architect in the US and holds a graduate degree from the UC Berkeley School of Environmental Design Masters Degree Programme under Gerald McCue. Scott has 30 years professional experience with over 15 years in Asia/Pacific.  Since 1993, Scott has worked for RMJM and has made significant contributions, leading and designing concepts on a number of significant, award-winning schemes and leading RMJM into large-scale planning and urban realm projects in China and India.