The stakes are high. But the rewards are bountiful.
China is enticing many Western architects and developers with its promise of vast financial returns. The opportunity to reinvent architecture on a major scale gives architects endless possibilities to realise their ambitions. However, the risk of failing abroad can make this a daunting prospect. Entire cites are being newly built. From sports venues, airports, and tall buildings, to massive housing schemes, China’s demand for new design is insatiable. Whilst the eyes of the world will be on China for the 2008 Games, cities across the country are trying to outdo each other with innovative, signature architecture. Make sure you get a slice of the action. And the good news is that western architects are high
in demand. Join The Architectural Review and The Architects’ Journal for a tailored one-stop seminar on doing business in China for architects. Do not miss your opportunity to secure your own market share and discover how you can steer clear of the pitfalls of working in a foreign market.
top 5 reason to attend:
- Comprehensive outline of market opportunities, competitive analysis and ways to win work
- Operational advice on partnering and setting-up your office abroad
- Legal advice on building regulations and your corporate liabilities under the Chinese law
- Best practice advice on what the clients are looking for and how to get paid
- Ways in which you can benefit from the local design expertise and the construction supply chain
Who should attend:
Network with architects, developers, engineers, contractors, quantity surveyors and real estate professionals.
Program
08:30 Registration and networking
09:15 Opening remarks from the Chair
Chair: Ruth Slavid, Editor, AJ Specification and
Special Projects Editor, The Architects’ Journal
09:20 Assessing the market opportunities in China
- Identifying the design hot spots and regional differences
- Highlighting the range of work available: from housing mega schemes to iconic architecture
- Where to find work: meeting with developers and looking for tender notices
Graham Hand, Chief Executive, British Expertise
09:50 Winning work in China
- Looking at competitions and their design requirements
- Best practice advice for tendering
- Looking at design trends: what is winning the work?
- What differentiates Western architects from local designers: why hire a Western architect?
Meinhard von Gerkan, Senior Partner von Gerkan, Marg und Partner
10:55 Setting - up operations in China
- Understanding the political and cultural difference between East and West
- Setting up in China: the challenges and pitfalls
- Assessing the risk of non-payment from foreign clients
- How to mitigate the risk of IP infringement
Jeremy Butler, Head of China Desk, KPMG
11:30 Launching new business and partnering for work in China
- Understanding local requirements for doing business in China
- Working with local partners: the role of locals, engineers, cost consultants and contractors
- Splitting work between home office, satellite office and local architects
- Highlighting the cultural differences and how these were overcome during the project
Chris Wilkinson, Director, Wilkinson Eyre Architects
11:55 Discussion panel also featuring
Liu Xiaobo, Editor, World Architecture Magazine and Chief Architect, Huayou Real Estate Development Co.
(Part of China National Petroleum Corporation)
Clive Horsman, Director
Robinson Design Group
13:30 Assessing what the client wants in China and Hong Kong
- Understanding the Chinese market and the cultural implications
for architecture
- Communicating with the client on cost and design requirements
- Adapting to the Chinese end - user
- Contrasting design with the developer’s brief
Paul Davis, Chairman, Paul Davis and Partners
14:00 Working with Chinese regulatory authorities: a legal and practical view
- Assessing the regulatory climate: from sustainability, health and safety to listed buildings
- Overview of legal liabilities in China
- How to determine what regulations apply; conflicts between national and local regulations
- Experiences and lessons learnt from projects Andrew Halper, Head of China Business Group Eversheds LLP
Scott Findley, Design Director Asia, RMJM
15:35 Exploiting Chinese design culture and the construction supply chain
- What can Chinese designers teach Western architects
- Exploring opportunities in manufacturing and sourcing building materials in China
- Assessing material quality in China
- Designing out risks using local materials
- Experiences working with the Chinese supply chain
Terry Farrell, Principal, Farrells
16:05 The Games and beyond: Beijing Olympic Swimming Pool (the Water Cube) and Dongtan Eco City
- How it was done: winning the work and partnering for success
- Working with Beijing Urban Planning Commission (BUPU) and Shanghai authorities
- Lessons learnt for future Chinese business and working towards 2012
- Assessing demand for sustainable architecture
Roger Wood, Associate Director, Arup
16:40 Closing remarks from the Chair