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Aedas
Aedas
from Wikipedia

Aedas is an architectural firm founded by the Welsh architect Keith Griffiths. Aedas employs 1,000 staff in its twelve offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Dubai, Riyadh, Delhi and Seattle and provides services in architecture, interior design, urban design, masterplanning and graphic design. It was established in 2002.[4]

Key Information

History

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Establishment

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Aedas was established in 2002 and opened its first China office in the same year.[5]

Aedas was appointed to design Fortune Plaza 1 (2003). Other mixed-commercial projects in Beijing include, R&F City, R&F Plaza and R&F Centre in Beijing. The company set up offices in Macau (2004), Shanghai (2005) and Chengdu (2005).[citation needed]

Aedas Singapore was appointed to design various rail works of Jurong East Integrated Transport Hub and MRT stations.[6] Also, Aedas completed mixed-use and residential projects including The Star,[7] Shaw Tower[8] and Woodlands North Coast.[9]

In Macau, Aedas delivered its first integrated casino resort project, Sands Macau in 2004.[10] Aedas was commissioned as lead architect for The Venetian Macao (2007).[11]

The company was commissioned to design Dubai Metro (2004). The Dubai office was established in 2005[12] and the Abu Dhabi office was set up in 2007.[13] In 2010 and 2011, Ocean Heights,[14] Boulevard Plaza[15] and Ubora Towers,[16] in Dubai, were completed.

Aedas continues to expand its presence in the Middle East with plans to establish offices in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to seize emerging opportunities in the region. The company is planning to open an office in Cairo to support the delivery of a large-scale masterplan project in Egypt.

Notable projects

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Work in mixed-commercial sector (2010s)

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Aedas' designed completed mixed-commercial projects include The Star in Singapore (2012),[25] Lè Architecture in Taipei (2017), Starlight Place in Chongqing (2011),[26] Center 66 in Wuxi (2014), Evergrande Plaza in Chengdu (2015), Sincere Financial Center in Chongqing (2015),[27] and Olympia 66 in Dalian (2015).

In 2006, Aedas established a Seattle office to expand its footprints and completed Building Cure.[28] Aedas was included in Building Design magazine’s list of the world’s largest architectural practices since 2006.[29] It remains in Top 15 to date.[30]

Recent work

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Aedas has completed more than one-hundred projects.[31] Projects include:

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Aedas is a leading global and design firm headquartered in , offering integrated services in , , , , and master planning. The firm was established in 2002 through the strategic merger of several established practices, including the British firm Abbey Hanson Rowe (dating back to the ), Australia's Peddle , and Hong Kong-based LPT Architects, with the name derived from the Latin word for "to build." Under the leadership of Chairman and Global Design Principal Keith Griffiths, a Welsh architect with extensive experience from firms like Foster Associates, Aedas has expanded to operate 12 offices across , the , , and , employing around 1,000 professionals focused on efficiency, , and context-sensitive design. Aedas has gained prominence for its work on transformative large-scale projects, including high-rise towers, transportation hubs, and mixed-use developments that blend local cultural elements with innovative engineering. Notable examples include the West Kowloon Terminus in , a major station, and the in , recognized for their responsive facade technology inspired by traditional Islamic screens. The firm emphasizes research-driven approaches and adaptability, having ranked as the world's largest architecture practice by fee income in the early 2010s before a 2014 of its European operations, which allowed the core Asian entity to refine its focus on high-impact urban projects in emerging markets.

History

Establishment

Aedas was established in 2002 through the merger of three established firms: the UK-based Abbey Holford Rowe, the Australian firm Peddle Thorp, and LPT Architects based in (formerly known as Liang Peddle Thorpe). This strategic alliance aimed to create a global practice with a strong emphasis on services across international markets. The merger combined the firms' expertise in diverse regions, positioning Aedas as a unified entity from its inception. The firm was founded under the leadership of Keith Griffiths, a Welsh architect born in 1954 who had relocated to in 1983 after working with Foster Associates in during the early . Griffiths co-founded the Hong Kong practice Hackett and Griffiths in 1985, focusing on landmark projects in the region. In 1992, he joined LPT Architects, acquiring control of the firm in 1999, which expanded it to approximately 250 staff by 2000 with operations in , , , and . As Aedas' founder and chairman, Griffiths steered the merged entity toward innovative, context-driven architecture. Headquartered in as its central hub, Aedas initially employed approximately 550 staff across multiple offices, with a primary focus on expanding within Asian markets to capitalize on the region's rapid and development opportunities. The pre-merger LPT Architects traced its activities back to 1985 in , evolving from earlier foundations established in 1982 into a key player in local and regional projects. This setup enabled Aedas to leverage 's strategic position for coordinating global operations while prioritizing high-density urban designs in .

Mergers and early growth

Following its establishment in 2002, Aedas pursued strategic expansions to deepen its footprint in key Asian markets, beginning with the opening of its first office in that same year. This move, led by Keith Griffiths, positioned the firm to capitalize on 's rapid and boom. In 2002, Aedas strengthened its European operations through a merger with Birmingham-based TCN Architects, adding 65 staff members and enhancing expertise in commercial and mixed-use projects. By 2005, the firm further expanded in with new offices in , , and , enabling localized adaptation to regional regulatory and cultural contexts while scaling operations across the . These openings facilitated a focus on high-density urban developments tailored to mainland demands. The firm's early growth was marked by significant staff increases, starting from approximately 500 employees at to over 1,400 in the region by , reflecting a 20% annual rise in Asian operations amid surging demand for architectural services. This expansion supported an emphasis on infrastructure projects, such as rail and transportation designs in and broader Asian hubs, where Aedas integrated functional efficiency with regional aesthetics. During the 2008 global financial crisis, Aedas maintained momentum through diversification strategies, including a commitment to principles that aligned with emerging standards in . Despite industry-wide project delays, the firm reported robust 15-20% global growth that year, bolstered by ongoing commissions and office relocations, such as its expanded headquarters. This resilience underscored Aedas' pivot toward eco-conscious practices to mitigate economic volatility and meet evolving market needs.

Key milestones

In 2011, Aedas was ranked as the world's largest architecture firm by revenue in magazine's World Architecture 100 survey, surpassing previous leader due to its extensive work in and . During the , Aedas expanded its presence into the and European markets, completing high-profile projects in such as Ocean Heights and Boulevard Plaza while establishing operations in Eastern Europe through offices in , , and Kiev to capitalize on regional development opportunities. In 2014, Aedas underwent a major restructuring by separating its UK, Russia, Poland, and Kazakhstan operations into a new entity called AHR, allowing the core firm to regain full independence and focus on high-density urban projects in Asia; the restructured Aedas then operated with approximately 1,400 staff across 12 global offices. Around 2015, Aedas intensified its adoption of digital tools, including (BIM), to enhance design coordination and efficiency across its international projects, aligning standards with industry benchmarks like the AEC (UK) BIM Protocol. Following the onset of the in 2020, Aedas shifted to remote collaboration leveraging its global design network for seamless cross-office workflows, while emphasizing resilient principles such as flexible live-work spaces and adaptive community designs to address future crises. Post-2020, Aedas continued to grow, earning multiple international awards in 2025 for innovative projects in and the .

Organization

Global offices

Aedas maintains a network of 12 design studios across the globe, employing over 1,000 staff as of 2025. The headquarters is based in , with key offices located in , , , and in ; ; in ; ; and in the ; in the ; and in the United States. These studios are strategically positioned to address regional market demands, with the offices specializing in high-density urban projects that respond to rapid and in the . In the , the and studios focus on luxury developments, including high-end hospitality and residential complexes that emphasize opulence and cultural integration. Central to Aedas' global structure is the integration of talent, where each studio incorporates regionally based architects and designers to ensure contextually sensitive solutions. This is complemented by a knowledge-sharing model that facilitates the exchange of research, best practices, and innovative ideas across all studios, enabling seamless collaboration on international projects.

Leadership and structure

Keith Griffiths serves as the Chairman and Global Design Principal of Aedas, providing strategic vision and oversight for the firm's international operations. As the founder, he has shaped the company's growth since its inception, emphasizing innovative architectural solutions that integrate global research with local contexts. His leadership focuses on fostering creative excellence across diverse markets, drawing from over four decades of experience in architecture and urban planning. The executive team includes several Global Design Principals who contribute to the firm's design direction, such as Ignacio Gomez, who leads projects in the with a focus on contextual and sustainable designs, and Kevin Wang, who brings extensive expertise in architectural innovation across . Regional managing directors, like Kevin Jose heading operations in and L.C. Chan in , manage localized teams while aligning with global standards. In the , leaders such as Jennifer Youngblood and Jaymon Diaz serve as Design Principals in , overseeing key North American initiatives. Aedas operates under a global board structure comprising principals and directors who guide strategic decisions, supported by studio leads in various regions to ensure agile project execution. This framework promotes collaborative, non-hierarchical design teams that encourage input from architects at all levels, facilitating knowledge sharing and innovation without rigid top-down control. The firm demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity through inclusive hiring practices and efforts to elevate female leadership in , creating supportive environments that value and cultural differences. This includes promoting women to principal roles and participating in initiatives that address representation gaps in the industry. In terms of , Aedas has implemented recent leadership transitions to build long-term stability, including the appointment of Robert Bruckner as Global Principal in 2024 and the promotion of four new Associate Directors in the —Yvette De Jesus, Khadije Hamad, Lama Al-Kharboush, and Rubén Urcola Peláez—in 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to refresh and diversify executive talent.

Design Approach

Philosophy and principles

Aedas' core philosophy centers on a "local knowledge, global sharing" model, which integrates deep cultural and social insights from local contexts with the exchange of international research and practices to create responsive and meaningful designs. This approach emphasizes that effective requires profound understanding of the communities it serves, fostering designs that respect local identities while leveraging global expertise. The firm maintains a strong commitment to , embedding standards such as into its practices and pursuing net-zero and even net-positive outcomes to minimize environmental impact. Through its Integrated , Aedas prioritizes that benefits both the natural environment and broader communities. In addressing , Aedas focuses on creating resilient, community-oriented spaces that adapt to increasing , enhanced connectivity, and operational efficiency in rapidly growing cities. This involves promoting "new urbanisation" strategies that build inclusive environments capable of withstanding contemporary challenges like and climate pressures. Innovation at Aedas is driven by research-led processes, incorporating advanced tools such as AI for rapid conceptualization and parametric modeling for optimized structural efficiency. These methods enable the firm to explore complex forms and simulations, enhancing precision and . Over time, Aedas has evolved from a primary emphasis on high-rise developments in the , driven by rapid urban expansion in , to a broader holistic in the that encompasses integrated planning and . This shift reflects the firm's adaptation to global trends toward sustainable, multifaceted urban solutions.

Services and expertise

Aedas provides a broad spectrum of professional design services, encompassing , , , and , tailored to meet the needs of diverse clients worldwide. These core offerings enable the firm to deliver integrated solutions that address both aesthetic and functional requirements in built environments. In addition to its primary services, Aedas specializes in master planning, consulting, and , supporting comprehensive project development from conceptual stages to implementation. The firm's sustainable consulting emphasizes environmental and social standards, aligning projects with global best practices through its Integrated certified under ISO 14001. Master planning services focus on large-scale urban frameworks, while complements visual branding and communication elements. Aedas demonstrates expertise across key sectors, including mixed-use developments, commercial properties, residential buildings, transportation infrastructure, and cultural facilities such as and venues. In mixed-use projects, the firm integrates multiple functions like retail, , and residential spaces to foster vibrant urban communities. Commercial and residential expertise ensures adaptable, user-centric designs, while transportation and cultural projects prioritize connectivity, , and cultural significance. Representative examples highlight the firm's ability to scale solutions for high-density urban contexts and landmark civic structures. The firm's technical capabilities include advanced visualization tools for immersive project presentations, rigorous feasibility studies to assess viability and risks, and expertise in to navigate local building codes and international standards. These tools support efficient iteration and stakeholder alignment, drawing on cutting-edge shared across global offices. Aedas employs a collaborative model that emphasizes partnerships with structural engineers, environmental consultants, and local experts to ensure contextually responsive outcomes. This approach leverages the firm's global platform for knowledge exchange, combining international best practices with region-specific insights to enhance project delivery.

Notable Projects

Early works (2000s)

In the early 2000s, Aedas established its presence in through innovative projects that emphasized efficiency, , and integration with dense urban contexts. Following the firm's expansion via mergers, these works focused on transportation and environmental facilities in and , showcasing Aedas' ability to handle complex, high-profile commissions in rapidly developing regions. A key early project was the Sunny Bay MTR Station in , completed in 2005 as an interchange between the and the . Designed in collaboration with Arup, the station features a spiraling tent-like structure with a lightweight and PTFE fabric roof, marking it as the world's first metro station serving a theme park and the first driverless heavy transit line. Its innovative transport design harnesses natural site breezes for ventilation through an open-ended form, curved ceilings, and glass louvers, reducing energy use to one-third of typical enclosed stations while incorporating a water mist system to lower temperatures by 4-6°C. The project also integrated elements to enhance , with pre-cast elements minimizing site disruption via raft foundations. Another significant 2000s endeavor was the EcoPark Administration Building in Hong Kong's , designed around 2008 and completed in 2012 as part of a 20-hectare promoting eco-friendly industries. The 2,500-square-meter C-shaped facility serves as offices, a , product gallery, and meeting spaces, enclosing a traditional to foster a welcoming environment. Sustainable features include a louvered canopy and for shading, recycled and materials, light funnels for natural illumination, and terra-cotta louvers on the glazed facade, aligning with governmental strategies for reduction and . These projects, along with others in high-density Asian environments, spanned millions of square meters in total and solidified Aedas' reputation for large-scale infrastructure in challenging urban settings. Early adoption of modular techniques, such as pre-cast components in Sunny Bay, enabled faster and reduced environmental impact, setting precedents for efficient in the firm's growing portfolio.

Mixed-use developments (2010s)

During the , Aedas advanced its expertise in mixed-use developments, creating integrated urban complexes that combined commercial, residential, and public elements to foster vibrant cityscapes, particularly in . These projects emphasized multifunctional spaces that addressed rapid by blending retail, offices, and leisure amenities within cohesive architectural forms. Olympia 66 in , , exemplifies this approach, serving as a landmark retail and commercial hub completed in 2015. Spanning 221,900 square meters, the development draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese symbol of twin carp, with curving internal arcs mimicking their graceful movement and layered roof shells allowing natural daylight into expansive atria. Precertified for Gold, it integrates to enhance environmental performance while providing shopping, dining, and entertainment spaces adjacent to Olympia Square. Another prominent example is the MCC Headquarters Complex (Phase II) in , , designed in 2017 and recognized with the RLI Future Project award in 2018. Located on Island near the Lotus Bridge to , this mixed-use complex features two Grade-A office towers rising from a shaped like a blooming lotus flower, complete with "lotus leaf" elements for shelter against 's frequent rain. The design incorporates retail, banquet halls, entertainment venues, and leisure facilities around a central sunken plaza connected by green nodes, promoting pedestrian flow and community interaction. Sustainable features include upper-level canopies that mitigate weather impacts and proximity to integrated retail, office, and residential programs in the adjacent MCC Port Complex. In , The Beacon, completed in 2017, represents Aedas' contribution to luxury mixed-use vertical living in dense urban settings. This 5,514-square-meter serviced apartment and retail development in Mongkok features irregular protrusions inspired by the city's iron balconies, creating a pixelated façade that harmonizes with the historical context. A prominent spans the structure, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces to evoke a sense of urban oasis amid hyperdensity. The project earned accolades such as Best Tall Building at the LEAF Awards 2018 and a Golden A' for its innovative blend of residential and ground-level retail. Aedas' 2010s mixed-use projects consistently incorporated design features like vertical greening, smart building technologies, and community integration to enhance livability and . Vertical greening, as seen in The Beacon's extensive , promotes and air quality in high-rise contexts, while smart technologies in developments like MCC optimize energy use through weather-responsive elements and efficient . These complexes prioritize community integration by creating accessible public plazas and green corridors, such as Olympia 66's atria-linked retail zones, which encourage social interaction and urban connectivity. Over this decade, Aedas focused predominantly on , delivering transformative projects that aligned with regional urban growth demands.

Contemporary projects (2020s)

In the , Aedas has expanded its portfolio with innovative urban projects that emphasize integration of public spaces, , and mixed-use functionality across diverse global regions. A prominent example is the Hyperlane Park in , , completed in 2024, which features a 2.4 km linear urban corridor connecting 12 plots through sky gardens and bridges to foster social, retail, and creative interactions within a . This design transforms the area around the Conservatory of Music into a vibrant, youth-oriented destination that blends urban life with green elements, including a multi-level sky park for community engagement. Extending its European presence, Aedas contributed to the Ellinikon Commercial Hub in , , with design work advancing through 2024 as part of the larger Ellinikon redevelopment of the former site. This mixed-use district spans over 185,000 square meters, incorporating state-of-the-art commercial, leisure, and business facilities to create a contemporary mini-city that revives coastal urban living standards. The hub integrates retail spaces, workspaces, and areas, aiming for completion by 2026 as a benchmark for large-scale urban regeneration in the Mediterranean. Aedas' international diversification in the 2020s is evident in Middle Eastern waterfront developments, such as the Residences at Gate in , UAE, fully built in 2020. This prestigious residential project comprises three high-rise towers (43 to 56 stories) linked by a seven-story podium with retail and villa components, offering luxurious waterfront living along the with features like glass facades and mesh fins for shading and aesthetics. Complementing this, the Dubai – Mina Seyahi, opened in 2022, is a 5-star beachfront emphasizing sustainable design in the Dubai International area. Reflecting emerging trends, Aedas has incorporated post-pandemic resilient designs that promote flexible, health-focused spaces, such as integrative live-work environments to support hybrid lifestyles and . In line with global goals, the firm has pursued low-carbon and net-zero aspirations in projects like the 2023 low-carbon collaborative smart hub, which integrates greenery into facades and operations to minimize environmental impact while enhancing urban adaptability. These initiatives underscore Aedas' shift toward resilient, eco-conscious that addresses challenges and post-crisis urban needs. Recent 2020s projects include the Golden Sky Bridge in , completed in 2025, a looping pedestrian bridge connecting residential towers and promoting vertical urban connectivity with sustainable materials. Additionally, the Changsha Jinmao Tower, a 318-meter-tall mixed-use in , , was completed in 2025, injecting vitality into the through innovative high-rise design blending commercial and cultural spaces.

Recognition

Awards received

Aedas has garnered over 221 international awards by 2025, reflecting its consistent excellence in and across diverse projects. These accolades span categories such as , , and , with a notable concentration in the and sustained recognition into the . In the realm of architecture honors, Aedas achieved significant milestones in the 2020s. For instance, four projects, including innovative mixed-use developments, were recognized at the 2021 International Architecture Awards for their outstanding design quality. Earlier, in 2018, the firm's MCC Headquarters Complex (Phase II) in , , was named RLI Future Project of the Year at the Global RLI Awards, highlighting its forward-thinking urban integration. The Institute of Architects (HKIA) has frequently celebrated Aedas' contributions, particularly in regional contexts. In the 2022-23 HKIA Annual Awards, six projects received accolades, including the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport Satellite Concourse, which earned an HKIA Award for Industrial/Infrastructural Building, underscoring the firm's expertise in and community-focused design. This recognition aligns with broader HKIA successes, such as the 2025 Annual Awards where three projects earned awards and three were finalists, demonstrating ongoing excellence in and beyond. Sustainability awards form a key category, with multiple certifications validating Aedas' environmental commitments. Notable examples include the Platinum-certified ENOC Future Station in , the world's first service station to achieve this rating, and Gold certifications for projects like One AIA Financial Center in , EDGE, and Heartland 66 in . and awards further emphasize the firm's impact, as seen in the 2024 Construction Awards where Aedas was named Architecture Firm of the Year.

Industry influence

Aedas has significantly influenced by pioneering high-density sustainable models in , particularly through integrated developments that address urbanization challenges like , energy efficiency, and environmental integration. For instance, the firm's design for a low-carbon collaborative hub in incorporates ecological measures such as flood management and water-absorbing systems to foster environments, setting benchmarks for high-density urbanism. This approach, rooted in 's innovative strategies for and connectivity, has been advocated by Aedas as a model for global cities, including suggestions for to adopt similar mixed-use, transit-oriented developments inspired by Middle Eastern and Asian precedents. The firm's research contributions emphasize publications and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on new , promoting the global exchange of Asia's advancements in urban strategies and cultural identity. Chairman Keith Griffiths has authored works and contributed to academic discussions on appropriate directions for , highlighting , connectivity, and density in contemporary city fabrics. Aedas actively disseminates this research through its global practice, believing that sharing rapidly evolving knowledge from Asian contexts is essential for worldwide urban progress. In its educational role, Aedas fosters thought leadership via Griffiths' extensive lectures and the firm's design initiatives, such as the Design Talk Series exploring shifts in office and paradigms. Griffiths has delivered talks like "A New Urban Fabric: , Connectivity and " at academic institutions, influencing emerging architects on sustainable and culturally responsive practices. As of 2025, Aedas holds a prominent market position, ranking 14th among the world's largest firms by number of fee-earning architects (749 employed) in the WA100 survey, with reported fee income of US$220–229 million, reflecting its substantial project volume in global urban developments. Aedas has encountered criticisms regarding the balance between scale and in its mega-projects, such as the 2010 Regal Tower in Birmingham, which faced sharp rebuke from the Commission for and the Built Environment for its design but ultimately secured planning approval, demonstrating the firm's adaptability in navigating regulatory and aesthetic challenges. In response to broader industry critiques on mega-project , Aedas has adapted by integrating advanced and features, as seen in its emphasis on low-carbon and AI-enhanced designs to enhance environmental and functional outcomes.

References

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