Nelson Chen Architects

About the project

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Architects’ perspectives

References

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Awards

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About the Practice

Nelson Chen Architects Ltd. is a Hong Kong-based professional practice noted for its design excellence and personalized client services. It was established in 1987 as Wong Chen Associates, successor to the former practices of Wong Cho Tong and Clifford Wong, originally founded in 1947. Supported by this legacy of professional achievement, the current firm remains committed to providing its clients with design solutions that are innovative and appropriate.

Under the design direction of Professor Nelson Chen, FAIA FRIBA FHKIA, an award-winning architect originally from the US, the firm maintains a diversified practice, offering full professional services in architecture, master planning and interior design, including renovations and adaptive reuse. Design commissions have ranged in size from just 1,000 sq.ft. interiors to over 5 million sq.ft. garden housing developments.

Regardless of size, each project is given the same meticulous attention to achieve the highest design quality and technical performance. Thus, Nelson Chen Architects Ltd. has earned an outstanding reputation for its professional services at all stages from design concept to construction.

The work of Nelson Chen Architects Ltd. is recognized by numerous publications, exhibitions and international design awards, including the inaugural Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Hong Kong Chapter (1999), for “overall design achievement that exemplifies the highest standards of the architectural profession” as well as the Architecture Firm Award from the AIA International Region (2020) “in recognition of creating architecture that is graceful, enduring and responsive to context.”

Firm Leadership

Nelson Chen FAIA FRIBA FHKIA AP (Architect)

Principal Architect

Prof Nelson Chen was born in New York and educated at Harvard University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude (with highest honours) in 1975, Master of Architecture degree (with distinction) in 1978, and the AIA School Medal as the first-ranked graduate. His academic achievements included the Wheelwright Travelling Fellowship, Phi Beta Kappa, Detur Academic Prize and Knox Fellowship to Cambridge University in 1976-77.

Prior to moving to Hong Kong in 1986 to establish his present firm, Chen practiced as an associate and senior designer for nearly a decade with leading firms in the United States. His designs have been recognized by numerous publications, exhibitions and more than 40 international design awards from the American Institute of Architects, Hong Kong Institute of Architects, and UNESCO, among others.

Nelson Chen Architects received the inaugural Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Hong Kong Chapter in 1999 as well as the Architecture Firm Award from the AIA International Region in 2020. Chen also received the 1999 Artist of the Year Award in Architecture from The Hong Kong Artists Guild.

Nelson Chen is a Registered Architect and Authorized Person (Architect) in Hong Kong, as well as a Registered Architect with NCARB Certificate in the United States. He is the only concurrent Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Royal Institute of British Architects and Hong Kong Institute of Architects.

In 1997, Chen was elected as Founding President of the American Institute of Architects Hong Kong Chapter. He received an AIA Award for Component Excellence in 1999 for his leadership in founding the Hong Kong Chapter as well as the Distinguished Service Award in 2007 for his dedication to the Institute and its members.

As an educator, Professor Chen has served on the architecture faculty of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in several capacities for over 30 years – since 1992 as visiting lecturer, adjunct professor, honorary professor and external examiner and, in 2014-19, Professor of Practice in Architecture and Director of the CUHK School of Architecture.

Lie Ning-Gung HKIA AP (Architect) LEED AP

Associate Principal

Lie Ning-Gung is Associate Principal for design services and project management. She was educated at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where she received two degrees in architecture with academic distinctions and scholarships. She is a Registered Architect and Authorized Person (Architect) in Hong Kong and has been with the firm since 2000. She is a LEED Accredited Professional for sustainable design and holds PRC Class 1 Registered Architect Qualification for China.

Lie has been a project architect for Fairview Park Alliance Church, St. Andrew’s Church Auditorium, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (clinics expansion), and Hong Kong International School (Repulse Bay and Tai Tam campuses), among others.

Ariel V. Santana UAP Assoc AIA

Associate Principal

Ariel Santana is Associate Principal for design services and project management. He was educated at University of Santo Tomas, where he received his degree in architecture with academic distinctions and prizes. He is a Registered Architect in the Philippines and has been with the firm since 1993.

Santana has been a project architect for the Community College of City University of Hong Kong, Logos Academy, St. Andrew’s Church (renovation), St. Stephen’s Society, Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre, Hong Kong International School (Repulse Bay campus), Kowloon International Baptist Church (redevelopment) and Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong campus expansion, among others.

Professional Services