PES-Architects in China

PES-Architects’ story in China began in search of a stone in 2003. Over a period of two decades, we have set up an office in Shanghai, successfully entered competitions, completed major projects, and conveyed Finnish architecture ideals to local audiences. This intercultural exchange has greatly inspired and benefited our work and, we believe, also made an impact on our Chinese clients and collaborators.

Our first contacts to China were formed by our founding partner Pekka Salminen in 2003, while searching for floor stones for the expansion of the terminal serving Asian flights at Helsinki Airport. Through our Finnish and Chinese contacts, we got the opportunity to meet Chinese clients and cooperation firms and were soon invited to participate in our first competitions in China.

In 2010, we set up our Shanghai studio, which has now grown into a full design practice employing ten architects and designers.

Over the years, we have established a unique position in the Chinese market as a Nordic design practice and are the only Finnish architectural company to have a local design office. Our Shanghai office works closely with our Helsinki design teams as well as carrying out independent local competitions and projects.

Since 2003, we have worked on over 100 competitions or design commissions all over mainland China, including the major cities Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Wuhan and Chengdu. Recently, our work has extended to Macau SAR, and we are in the process of expanding our practice to Southeast-Asian markets.

PES-Architects’ design language combines beautiful aesthetics and the use of natural materials with functional and user-friendly design in the Nordic tradition. This approach has brought us continued success in architectural competitions in China.

Our main completed projects in China include the Fuzhou Strait Culture and Art Centre (2018), Chengdu Icon Tower (2017) and Wuxi Grand Theatre (2012). We are currently completing works on the Nanjing New Town Centre, Nanchang Grand Theatre, Shanghai Submarine Museum and the Shenzhen Wumart Tower, all winning entries in international architecture competitions.

We also take an active role in conveying Finnish architecture and design principles and values to Chinese audiences through involvement in events organised by the Consulate General of Finland in Shanghai and Business Finland, for example.

We have received numerous awards and recognitions for our work in China both locally and internationally, including several first prizes in the Architectural Society of China Awards. See all our awards here.