Mr. James Lu Joins Perkins+Will as Managing Director of the Shanghai Office

SHANGHAI, June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Perkins+Will announced today that Mr. James Lu has joined the firm as the Managing Director of the Shanghai office. James' personal background and professional skill set makes him especially well-suited for his new role. Born and raised in Taiwan, James is a Canadian citizen with a Master of Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Toronto. James completed his education and began his career in North America before moving to Shanghai 11 years ago. This experience has afforded him the opportunity to be both well immersed in Western and Chinese culture, and to speak English and Mandarin Chinese fluently.

By adding James to the firm's roster of top talent, Perkins+Will continues its dynamic growth in Asia -- part of a global growth that includes Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

"The Chinese market is an important focus for Perkins+Will. We have a strong portfolio of completed projects in China and we have a long-standing presence in Shanghai," said Phil Harrison FAIA, LEED AP, President and CEO of Perkins+Will. "We have charted a course for growth in order to better serve our clients, delivering a full spectrum of design talent and expertise from our global, inter-disciplinary offices. Bringing James on to lead the Shanghai office helps us accomplish this for our Chinese clients."

During the 11 years he has lived and worked in Shanghai, James has been instrumental in developing distinguished design practices serving high-profile projects and clients while also creating an extensive portfolio of architectural and urban design work throughout China. Recent projects include a Club Med Resort in Hainan, a British International School in Nantong, the Vertical City master plan in Xi'an, as well as the master plan for the MGM City of Entertainment in Chengdu. James' most recent position was with AECOM where he served as Regional Director of Urban Design and Architecture. Prior to that he was with HLW and then EDAW which later merged into AECOM.

"I am honored to be a part of such a forward-thinking firm," said Mr. Lu. "The global reach and firm-wide expertise Perkins+Will offers its clients allows us to offer a perspective on significant projects not found elsewhere."

Perkins+Will has several new projects in design and under construction in China including mixed use projects at the BlueOcean Huaxin Lu Development and the Fisherman's Wharf project, both in the Yangpu district of Shanghai, the Shanghai Natural Museum next to Jingan Sculpture Park, Shanghai American School Performing Arts Center, new campuses for the China Huanang Group and PetroChina in Beijing, and the Guan Happiness Hospital Project in Hebei. 

"Our China practice looks to deliver to each and every client the best global knowledge and expertise along with a deep understanding of the local context and culture," said Richard Marshall, International Strategy Director at Perkins+Will. "Our success is based upon our ability to apply design excellence in synthesizing and translating the global and the local into more sustainable, commercially sound and culturally relevant buildings and environments. Our team in China, led by James, will provide our clients these attributes."

About Perkins+Will
Established in 1935, Perkins+Will is a global interdisciplinary architecture and design firm founded on the belief that design has the power to transform lives and enhance society. With a staff of 1,500 in 22 locations worldwide, the firm serves clients across a broad range of project types and grounds its work in deep research. Perkins+Will ranks among the world's top design firms and is the recipient of hundreds of awards. Social responsibility is fundamental to the firm's outlook, work, and culture, and every year Perkins+Will donates one percent of its design services to non-profit organizations. With pioneering tools to advance sustainable design practices, the largest green building portfolio in North America, nearly 1,000 LEED® Accredited Professionals, and a commitment to the 2030 Challenge, Perkins+Will is recognized as one of the industry's preeminent sustainable design firms. For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.

SOURCE Perkins+Will