Principal Christopher Lye and Associate Principal Katsuhiro Ozawa were there to accept the awards in person at Bangkok – though this was truly a team effort from start to finish.  

Adding to the celebration, Chris has been invited to join the prestigious IPAX Talk Architecture Panel Discussion, where he shared insights with industry leaders on the future of architectural design in the Asia-Pacific region. 

It’s always special when great design gets recognized, and this one really showcases what happens when creative vision meets flawless execution. This recognition celebrates the fusion of innovative design and strategic placemaking, bringing a dynamic retail experience to Suzhou. 

Spanning 140,000 square meters, the project reinterprets Suzhou’s cultural heritage through a modern lens. The design harmonizes historic charm with contemporary ingenuity, featuring streetscapes that echo the city’s timeless aesthetics and a striking 3D vertical garden that bridges classical motifs with futuristic forms.  

 More than a retail destination, Cangjie was envisioned not just for the present, but for how generations will live, connect, and thrive in the future. As a cultural nexus, it hosts over 200 brands – 70% of which are new to Suzhou or China – alongside dynamic events that celebrate art, music, and community. Since its launch, the project has drawn millions of visitors, offering a sanctuary for “slow living” where serene spaces coexist with vibrant social hubs. 

Chris put it perfectly: “This is the kind of recognition that makes all the late nights worthwhile. Huge credit to our incredible client partners and the entire design team for bringing this vision to life. When collaboration clicks like it did here, amazing things happen. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our shared ambition for excellence recognized on such a prestigious platform.”  

Media enquiries
Shirley Hao
Content and Communications Leader (China)