Woods Bagot Architects China, Chinese architecture office news, Southeast Asia design studio

Woods Bagot Architects China

Contemporary Chinese Architecture Practice

25 July 2025

Woods Bagot accelerates China/SEA expansion

Woods Bagot Architects China Design Studios

Following the announcement of the wholly owned 7C Network, focused on ‘Total Place Design,’ a curation of best-in-class capabilities across placemaking (ERA-co), sustainability (Impact Futures), architecture and interior design (Woods Bagot), and ultra-luxury interiors (Customs Bureau), Woods Bagot has implemented its hub model in Asia.

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.”

Yanlord Cangjie, Suzhou:

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.

Sunshine Financial Center, Beijing:

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.

Duolun Road Urban Regeneration, Shanghai:

“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.

Woods Bagot

Woods Bagot creates Architecture for Worlds Ahead. Through architecture and design, we design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world through our commitment to exploration, impact, and community. With a global culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose spanning 18 global studios, we ensure every project contributes to our client’s vision inspiring future generations. Part of the 7C network.

Impact Futures

Impact Futures is a sustainability consultancy that understands how to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Sustainable design and planning is an ever-evolving practice, informed by new understandings of climate, conservation and resource management. We partner with our clients, other professionals, and stakeholders to deliver a response that balances a project’s needs with that of the planet. From healthcare to transit, from innovation precincts to adaptive re-use we are consulting on some of the world’s most ambitious sustainability led projects. Part of the 7C network.

7C

7C is a wholly owned network of leading place brands, ERA-co, Impact futures, Woods Bagot and Customs Bureau. Operating from 18 global cities, we understand the complexity and challenges of our time. To generate the best possible outcomes for people and place, our brands provide visionary thinking and a holistic approach to Placemaking, Sustainability, Architecture & Design and Luxury Interior Design. Total Place Design is an integrated approach to creating transformative places. We connect specialist knowledge from across our network to deliver strategic outcomes and long-term impact.

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