Visit Hong Kong and one cannot help but admire the gleaming, modern buildings that shape the skyline. The towering IFC, the unmistakable HKSAR Government Headquarters, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, One Peking Road and many more. These are the signatures of Rocco Design Architects Associates, the legendary architecture firm that has become synonymous with distinct and innovative designs across Hong Kong, China and beyond.
One of the people responsible for the company’s international success is Executive Director, Derrick Tsang, who after 28 years in the business, is focused on the latest innovations in architecture and future-proofing the company’s brand.
Strong foundations
Born in London and educated in Hong Kong, Canada and the United Kingdom, Tsang studied architecture alongside now-famous classmates at the University of Dundee and the Royal College of Art, before joining Rocco Design Architects Associates in 1996.
Tsang’s first projects with the firm were the development of Hong Kong Station and the Four Seasons, two major landmarks in the city.
“The project in central took 10 years and I was on site for four years in Central, working alongside the client manager and other consultants,” he says. “We were all housed in one project office, and seeing the whole project from its beginning to completion was good training for a junior architect.”
“What attracts me is the way we do things, our work ethic and the opportunity to work on so many award-winning projects.”
Following the project’s success, Tsang was tasked with leading the company’s expansion into mainland China.
“In 2006, we set up our first branch office in Guangzhou because we were designing the Guangdong Museum and several other projects there, then in 2013 we relocated to Shenzhen,” he explains.
Since being appointed Executive Director in 2018, Tsang can barely believe where the time went.
“It’s been 28 years, and people keep asking why I’ve stuck around so long. It was never my intention, but what attracts me is the way we do things, our work ethic and the opportunity to work on so many award-winning projects,” he says.
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Under his leadership, the company has grown to 140 people across its Hong Kong and Shenzhen offices, building its international reputation as a medium-sized but highly influential firm. Today, its portfolio includes a mix of cultural buildings and commercial projects such as a major office development in Hong Kong’s Cyberport, two new hospitals and comprehensive developments in mainland China.
“There’s a misconception in the local building community that we mostly do cultural and institutional buildings, but that’s not true, we have lots of commercial projects. We are very unique in that sense, I can’t name another office in Hong Kong that has a similar portfolio to us,” Tsang says.
Changing tides
Tsang’s career with Rocco Design Architects Associates has charted a period of incredible growth in mainland China. But recently the business environment has cooled, creating greater competition among firms. While many larger firms have laid off staff to survive, Rocco has maintained its workforce thanks to its steady workload.
“The world in general has changed, things that used to be normal are no longer normal,” Tsang says. “My advice is to be resourceful and open-minded; we can no longer take things for granted.
“There are fewer projects available, meaning the pie is now smaller for everyone, so we need to stay ahead and equip ourselves with the knowledge and skill set to survive.”
SCT Tower, Shenzhen. Photographer: ZCStudio
This is especially true as there are greater demands and expectations for modern architectural considerations and practices such as modular integrated construction, transit-oriented development, urban renewal conservation and ESG.
“We architects need to gain experience in all these topics in order to remain competitive, but it’s hard to just talk about it without having hands-on experience. If you lack in any of these areas, the harder it is to catch up,” Tsang says.
Of these trends, environmental considerations are not new, but Tsang notes its greater importance today. “We have been pioneering sustainable design in our award-winning projects for a long time, such as 20 years ago when we designed One Peking Road in Hong Kong,” he says.
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This building was considered a pioneer in sustainability design at the time of its construction with features such as a triple-glazed walling system with a ventilated cavity to reduce thermal transfer, solar panels, light reflectors, automated light sensors for blinds and more.
“We are currently working on a pioneering carbon zero building in mainland China which we hope will become a new benchmark of green building in coming years,” Tsang adds.
There are also several near-future technologies such as vehicle automation and drone delivery that Tsang believes will impact architectural design today.
For example, having spaces where drones come, drop packages and then leave. “These things will affect architecture one way or another. Although they’re not here yet, we need to prepare ourselves for it,” he says.
Long-term leadership
Looking ahead, Rocco Design Architects Associates is focused on continuing its legacy while preparing for the future. A key part of this strategy involves transforming the firm from one that relies on the reputation of its Founder, Rocco Yim, into a brand that stands on its own.
“While Rocco is still very involved and passionate about his work, he will eventually retire someday. So, we have been slowly driving our succession plan. Our ultimate goal is to transform the company from a star architect into a brand, so clients come to us not because of one person, but because of the team,” Tsang says.
“We are currently working on a pioneering carbon zero building in mainland China which we hope will become a new benchmark of green building in coming years.”
Choosing the right leader is a challenge for any company, but especially in a creative industry like architecture, Tsang notes.
“Everyone has an opinion one way or another in design, there’s usually no clear right or wrong. What is considered a good design is a very subjective notion,” he says.
“Imagine you have a team of 10 designers working on a project, you’re likely to have at least 10 different ideas. Each of these designers is highly educated and highly talented. A great leader is someone who can review the options and make a decision while getting all the designers to agree and support wholeheartedly, that’s the hard part.”
2015 Yunnan Provincial Museum, Kunming. Photographer: Arch-Exist
In addition to leadership planning, Rocco Design Architects Associates is committed to maintaining strong relationships with its partners, a crucial aspect of its success. Over the years, the firm has built a network of trusted partners, including clients, consultants and contractors who share its vision and dedication. These include leading engineering consultancy J Roger Preston and renowned architecture, urban design and environmental practice ADI.
“Architecture is very much a collaborative effort; architects are only one part of the entire team,” Tsang says. “We treasure those who share similar visions and dedication toward projects.”
As Tsang and his team look to the future, their focus remains on innovation, sustainability and maintaining the high standards that have made Rocco Design Architects Associates a leader in the field. With Tsang’s leadership, the firm is well-positioned to continue shaping the skylines around the world.
