Our young and fast-growing AIA chapter seeks qualified, dedicated individuals who possess a strong interest in contributing as a leader in our cross-cultural community. Our chapter is led by a team of volunteer officers serving 2 year terms, supported by a volunteer Executive Committee.

The AIA Shanghai | Beijing Executive Committee is led by 4 elected officers, each serving a 2 year term. President | Vice President | Secretary | Treasurer

Terms for office are staggered - this year, the 2022 election cycle is for the 2024 Vice President /2025 President and 2024 & 2025 Secretary.

Secretary and Treasurer are both two-year terms that rotate on an alternating cycle. Our current 2021 chapter Treasurer Hemmer Xu will remain in this position for the 2024 year.

Meet the candidates for each position, scroll down to the bottom of the page to cast your vote.

Bin CAO 曹斌
AIA, LEED AP
Managing Director, East Asia
Partner and Senior Vice President
HKS Inc

After registering as a licensed architect in the state of Texas in 1996, I became a member of AlA in 1997. Since then, I have maintained my full AIA membership for 26 years. After I expatriated to China in 2010, I also transferred my membership from Dallas chapter to Shanghai chapter when it was established. AIA has always played a crucial role in my professional career.

Currently, our region, industry, and market are confronting unprecedented challenges. Many firms are downsizing or closing down, and most foreign architects have left China. Long-time sponsors are grappling with financial constraints and reducing budgets. Moreover, a significant number of young professionals are switching careers and leaving our industry. These are undeniably trying times that demand strong leadership and a capable team for our chapter.

We should actively recruit new members to ensure our chapter's growth and influence on our community. We must take advantage of all the latest technology and popular effective mediums to keep promoting AlA's influence in our region to promote design excellence and attract new generations. We need strength the relationship with colleges and universities to build the influence on architecture students. We should engage more with big AIA firms for their support. AlA should not merely be a social club but a professional organization that upholds high academic and professional standards.

Ken HUA 花扬
AIA, LEED AP BD+C, China Class 1 Registered Architect
Director, Architecture Division 10
Shanghai TIANHUA Architecture Planning & Engineering Ltd.

My name is Ken Hua, Director of Architecture Division 10 at Shanghai TIANHUA Architecture Planning & Engineering Ltd. I am a native of Shanghai and have worked in both the United States (KPF) and China (Tianhua) for many years. Currently, I hold a management position at a large LDI (local design institute) (Tianhua). I was involved in AIA SH/BJ’s work during Anderson’s presidency in 2023. I intend to leverage my multidimensional experience to serve the value of AIA SH/BJ.

The real estate industry in China is undergoing historic changes and faces unprecedented challenges. If elected, I will support Mark in achieving his goals for the chapter during his presidency. During my tenure, I will leverage my background to strengthen AIA SH/BJ’s connections with local government parties, business resources, and educational institutions. I will focus on three key initiatives to achieve this goal.

May WEI 魏文梅
Assoc. AIA, Registered Class 1Architect, LEED AP BD+C
General Manager and Founder of Design
Better World Limited（DBW）
Chair of Woman in Architecture, AIA SH|BJ

Hi, I'm May, Chair Woman in Architecture AIA of Shanghai. I'm the Founder/Managing Director of DBW, Design for Better World Limited. Prior to DBW, I was the Principal and General Manager of CRTKL Shanghai Office.

We had difficult pandemic years since 2020, and 2023 isn't any better. If I am elected the VP of 2024, my priority is to better serve our members in such a difficult environment. I will be committed to develop AIA with the goal of "Pursuit of Happiness", and to achieve it through the followings,

• A Platform with no boundary - Build up strong AIA platform to put together all resources to benefit AIA members and all parties
  * Link all parties together to explore ways to cope with market changes, e.g. government, developers, universities, design firms and consultants.
  * Leverage AIA resources to provide professional suggestions for government
  * Recruit AIA top design teams to work with developers as solution providers
  * Work together with educational institutes to share and to educate on new-tech tools like Al, digital design and new market scope, e.g. ESG, Green sustainable design.

• Localization - Rooted to strengthen and expand AIA influence.
  * Maintain solid government relationship
  * Work closely with local intelligence to get better comprehension on market and policy.
  * Promote AIA license, learning credit and to attract young local designers to participate.

• Achieve Excellence - Enhance and upgrade AIA activities to better fit the future needs
  * Extend current Committees:
  ^ Continuing Ed+ Sustainable ESG
  ^ Young Architects + Future technology
  ^ Women Architects +Social events;
  * More events for networking and more activities for our sponsors in 2024 and 2025.
  * Associate CTBUH and ULI to keep the ethos and culture alive in the chapter.

Johnny CHEN 陈子骏
CLASS 1 REGISTERED ARCHITECT(PRC),  AIA,  NCARB, PMP, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
Vice President, Senior project manager, HKS Inc
Former Treasurer, AIA SH|BJ

My name is Johnny Chen, and I'm running for the position of Secretary on the Executive Board for the term 2024/2025. I became involved with the AIA in 2016 as an Associate member and later became an official AIA member after obtaining my New York State license in 2019. I had the honor of serving as the treasurer from 2021 to 2022. AIA has played a vital role in shaping my professional journey.

I currently hold the position of Vice President and Senior Project Manager at HKS Shanghai office, one of the largest architecture firms in the United States. With architectural licenses in both China and New York State, I bring 18 years of diverse professional experience gained from working with LDI and US firms. This background has given me a unique perspective on the importance of embracing diverse viewpoints when creating collaborative solutions.

Efficiency in time management, strong networking skills, and a deep understanding of others' perspectives are qualities I possess. I believe these attributes would be valuable in coordinating meetings and facilitating seamless communication among all chapter teams.

In alignment with AIA's strategic plan and initiatives, I have identified three key areas that I believe are vital to our collective success: Members, Influence, and financial stability.

Fafa LIU 刘雨晴
Assoc. AIA, LEED AP
Assistant Architect, AECOM
Communication Director, AIA SH|BJ

First and foremost, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be considered as a candidate for 2024/2025 Secretary of the AIA Shanghai/Beijing Chapter. In 2023, I am taking on the role of Communication Director, overseeing the chapter's social media presence and official website. Through this role and EXCO community, I've gain the useful experience and general understanding of secretary work. I'm confident that I can assist the elected officers and serve the members over the next two years to help the chapter continue thriving.

Joining the AIA Shanghai/Beijing has been incredibly meaningful in my career as an architect. Somehow it's an honor for an architect. Last year, 2022, I had the privilege of volunteering for several events hosted by the Shanghai chapter, like "Women in Architecture", "Mental Health Workshop" and "Masters Lecture". The events were masterfully orchestrated and engaging. Through these participation, I've gain valuable experience. So when the opportunity arose this year to serve the communication and media committee, Ieagerly applied without hesitation. And I appreciate the president and secretary for entrusting me for this important role.