RTKL appoints vice presidents
WASHINGTON—International architecture, planning and design firm RTKL has named two new vice presidents, both of whom will be based in China, and has relocated one of the practice’s strongest design talents to its new Beijing office. The move coincides with RTKL’s recent acquisition of the Beijing-based AHS International, a 40+-person practice that specializes in healthcare and medical facility architecture.

The new vice presidents are Bin Cao AIA, ASAI, LEED AP, who will relocate to RTKL’s Shanghai office; and Helen B. Jeffery AIA, LEED AP, who will join RTKL’s new Beijing office. Xiaoguang Liu will relocate from Los Angeles to Beijing.

“This move not only recognizes three of our strongest leaders, but also acknowledges the strategic importance we’re placing on the China market,” said RTKL President and CEO Lance K. Josal FAIA. “Bin, Helen and Xiaguang are all tested, experienced professionals. Together they make the ideal team for expanding RTKL’s current presence and strengthening our reputation for design excellence and client service.”

Bin Cao has been based in the firm’s Dallas office for more than 11 years. His work has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and the Chinese Association of Architects and he has contributed to some of RTKL’s most well-known projects in China, including the Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula Resort and the Wutai Mountain Resort. Cao’s local knowledge and robust architecture skills are expected to strengthen RTKL Shanghai’s core team.

Helen Jeffery is a veteran of RTKL’s Health Practice Group with more than 19 years of experience in the planning, design and production of all types of healthcare and medical facilities. Most recently she has directed RTKL’s involvement in the Shanghai Changzheng New Pudong Hospital. At 2,200 beds and 361,000 m2, the New Pudong Hospital will be the largest new medical facility built in China in a single phase.

Since joining RTKL in 1992, Xiaoguang Liu has designed the majority of the firm’s museum work in China, such as the China National Film Museum, the China Science and Technology Museum and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. Liu has a global reputation as a designer of civic and workplace facilities. His work has been recognized with numerous awards.

These appointments follow RTKL’s acquisition of AHS International, a Beijing-based architecture firm that specializes in hospitals, laboratories and medical facilities. The acquisition has allowed RTKL to establish a Beijing office and gives the practice an important base in northern China from which to provide its services.

In suit with these moves, RTKL promoted three Shanghai-based team members to the senior level of principal. Bringing over 25 years of combined architecture and design experience to their roles, Lily Wei, May Wei and Bethy Zhang form the backbone of RTKL's Shanghai commercial design practice and are resident experts in China’s local, regional and national design industry.

"In addition to their design talents, Lily, Mai and Bethy bring years of experience collaborating with China’s local design institutes,” says Greg Yager AIA, RTKL senior vice president and global urban design director based in Shanghai. “Such relationships are pivotal to staying on track with China’s local, regional and national expectations and are an integral part of the project management process.”

About RTKL
RTKL is an international architecture, planning and design firm. Part of the ARCADIS global network since 2007, RTKL specializes in providing its multi-disciplinary services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction and designs of lasting value. RTKL works with commercial, workplace, public and healthcare clients on projects around the globe.

About ARCADIS
ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, water, environment and buildings. ARCADIS enhances mobility, sustainability and quality of life by creating balance in the built and natural environment. The company develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With 15,000 employees and EUR 1.8 billion in revenues, ARCADIS has an extensive international network supported by strong local market positions. The company supports UN-HABITAT with knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world.

Source: RTKL
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