Recognizing continued opportunities across China and Southeast Asia, Woods Bagot is doubling down in the region through the implementation of its hub model, which concentrates its best talent in key studios – Shanghai and Hong Kong – supported by on-the-ground teams in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Singapore. This decision replicates the successful hub model across Woods Bagot’s global business including North America, Europe, Australia and the Middle East.   

Shanghai and Hong Kong have been chosen as regional hubs given their access to great design talent and ideal locations to service clients across China and SEA. Prioritizing creativity, collaboration, and empathy, the well-rounded members of both hubs will continue to provide cross-disciplinary expertise in urban planning, architecture and interior design.  

“The Woods Bagot hub model brings together the best international design talent with world-class local leaders, combining global expertise with local insight to deliver architecture for worlds ahead,” says Pearl Huang, Director, Shanghai Hub Leader. “Our collaborative approach has already delivered outstanding projects throughout the region, and this refined organizational structure will only enhance our ability to exceed expectations for both current and future clients.” 

“This nested model strengthens our delivery and expands our design bandwidth,” says Christopher Lye, Principal and Hong Kong Hub Leader. “It also gives clients access to our 7C enterprises – including placemaking experts ERA-co, sustainability consultancy Impact Futures, and ultra-luxury specialists Customs Bureau – enabling a total design solution that makes our regional hubs both local and global.” 

Woods Bagot’s global caliber in architecture and interior design has already left an indelible mark on skylines across China, experiential retail precincts and agile interiors with Suzhou Yanlord Canjie and Sunshine Financial Center in Beijing. Collectively, these diverse trio of projects have won MIPIM Asia, RIBA China Landmark, A&D, Fortune China, and Asia Pacific Property awards.  

The region has also embraced adaptive reuse as a cornerstone of its design philosophy, with Woods Bagot emerging as a leader in repurposing existing structures and spaces across China. Projects like Tianjin Jinmao Plaza and the currently underway Duolun Road Urban Regeneration project – already a recipient of MIPIM’s Bronze Award for Best New Mega Development – demonstrate Woods Bagot’s commitment to creating vibrant, contemporary environments that honour cultural heritage while meeting modern needs. 

“Our focus remains steadfast on creating vibrant cityscapes and driving urban renewal, ensuring our projects meaningfully contribute to the dynamic evolution of cities across China,” says Jean Weng, Director, Mixed Use Sector Leader – China. “Unwavering global support empowers us to refine our structure, enabling us to better serve our clients. This strategic adjustment enhances our capacity to deliver innovative designs that not only revitalize architecture but also invigorate urban environments.” 

“With continuity in regional leadership, supported by an incredible team, we are excited to bring the next evolution in architecture to China,” adds Weng. 

Additionally, with the introduction of Impact Futures – a consultancy focused on sustainability services for the built environment – to the Chinese market, the Hong Kong hub brings added value and access to sustainable outcomes for Woods Bagot clients across the region. 

“In tandem with our in-house sustainability services Impact Futures represents our commitment to sustainable design excellence across China and Southeast Asia. Its integration provides clients with seamless access to cutting-edge sustainability solutions that align with regional priorities while meeting global standards—creating architecture that delivers positive environmental and social outcomes for generations to come,” Weng concludes.  

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Shirley Hao
Content and Communications Leader (China)