Architect Keith Griffiths relishes the excitement of Hong Kong’s design expertise and its vibrant pool of professionals.

Architect Keith Griffiths, managing director of Aedas LPT Limited and chairman of global brand Aedas, began making his mark in Hong Kong before he had even visited the city - as an architect working with Sir Norman Foster, designing the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (HSBC) building. He moved to Hong Kong from the UK in the early 1980s to be involved in the final stages of the project, and joined LPT when the bank was completed in 1986. Recognised as one of Asia's premier infrastructure architects, LPT has designed a number of prestigious office, hotel, sports and infrastructure projects around the Asia-Pacific region.

"After working on the HSBC bank and experiencing the exciting potential of Hong Kong's architectural culture, where else was there to go? Being involved with the bank project remains very satisfying but no matter which project I am working on, I always feel extremely motivated and enthusiastic. Currently, it's the refurbishment of Hongkong Land's Landmark building in the Central business district, which it's finished it will look very sexy.

The quality of Hong Kong's design expertise on a wide range of building types and development projects is comparable to the best in the world. Hong Kong is the recognised regional centre for architectural know-how because we have a wealth of talented young architects with superb skills such as 3-D design. Every year since 1997, we have employed five or six young graduates from Hong Kong universities who are the cream-of-the-crop.

By combining the talent of local architects with overseas expertise, depth and capability is blended into an outward looking attitude that a multi-cultured office tends to produce. Significantly, this generates a skill base to get really excited about.

The export of professional architectural services plays a prominent part in Hong Kong's architecture industry - many Hong Kong companies are involved in residential development projects, hotels, commercial centres, and large scale urban planning and infrastructure projects around the region.

LPT Architects Limited has achieved consistent growth since its formation in the 1980s. It has twice received the Mass Transit Railway Corporation award for excellence in Quality Systems and Delivery - in 1997 for the Lantau and Airport Railway and in 1998 for the Tseung Kwan O Extension Railway.

The group also trades internationally under the Aedas banner, a global brand comprised of Abbey Holford Rowe and TCN Architects in the UK, LPT based in Asia, and Peddle Thorp in Melbourne, Australia.

We see tremendous potential in the mainland and the need for architects is enormous. Hong Kong has an abundance of quality professionals who will be able to provide such services. Hong Kong is a leading expert in high-rise design, slope design, high-density design and designing with space constraints. It is renowned for its high-rise buildings typified by the Central skyline, which showcase the versatility of Hong Kong's architects.

In the mainland, Hong Kong architects are now designing hotels, offices, shopping malls and residential housing. In the high-end housing market, Hong Kong architects are key players. Hong Kong architects also have expertise in contract management and preparing tender documentation along with international practices. This means that Hong Kong is an excellent place to operate a business."

Related links:
Aedas LPT Limited  www.aedas.com/ 
Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank www.hsbc.com/
Hongkong Land   www.hkland.com/
Mass Transit Railway Corporation  www.mtr.com.hk/