Theresa Chan

Theresa is an Associate based in Hong Kong. Her role involves localising project work, managing local statutory applications, and leading local business development.  Her day-to-day is focused on planning and ensuring the team’s quality delivery of architectural projects with the construction phase being the most of interest to her.

‘Most architects will probably say they prefer the drawing or designing, but for me, the construction stage is the most exciting because that’s when you really get to see things happening.’

After 4 years working in New Zealand for a conservation firm focussed on existing buildings, Theresa returned to Hong Kong where she was employed by a local firm specialising in residential and commercial projects. Following this she took an opportunity which saw her working on a variety of exciting sites including theme parks, animal exhibits, and the Kai Tak Sports Park – a Hong Kong icon, something she is incredibly proud of.

Theresa’s approach to architecture is centred around functionality, she is focused on how the end user is going to access and really enjoy the space. She enjoys working on a variety of project scales but feels the smaller projects give her more opportunity to build relationships with those using the space and enables a more personal delivery.

Growing up in an apartment in Hong Kong, Theresa’s experience with spatial planning started from a young age when a transport terminal outside of her window was bought and developed into a shopping arcade.

‘I experienced first hand open space being transformed into a closed shopping environment. I would watch every day for changes and how various parts were transforming over time’

This development sparked Theresa’s interest in transformation of living environments and she realised how any space can become something new. She became aware of the psychology behind buildings and space and how peoples feelings and emotions change responding to natural elements within a built environment.

An encouraging and passionate presence in our Hong Kong studio, Theresa led the curation of Purcell’s exhibition entry at the 2022 Hong Kong Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture which was focussed on the environmental, social, and well-being benefits of establishing Heritage Action Zones (HAZ) in the Sai Ying Pun and Tai Ping Shan districts.

She also contributes to the Hong Kong Economic Journal on behalf of HKIA on topics such as  ‘The Survival of Heritage Buildings Under Climate Change’.