Woods Bagot has highlighted its perspectives on the future of architectural practice and women’s leadership at the inaugural RIBA Asia Festival of Architecture (RAFA), held in Shenzhen. Jointly organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Sinoexpo, the festival brought together leading architects and industry voices from across Asia and beyond to discuss design innovation, business evolution, and inclusivity in the built environment.
Speaking at the Future Business forum, Christopher Lye, Principal and Regional Executive Chair for Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Singapore, presented a session titled “Mutation vs. Adaptation.” Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in design and leadership, Lye explored how international architecture firms can respond to shifting global and regional socio-economic conditions. He outlined a transition from a “glocal” approach to a “local-global” model, emphasizing the importance of being deeply rooted in local contexts while remaining globally connected. Central to this thinking is Woods Bagot’s advocacy for “total place design,” integrating culture, community, and global expertise.
The festival also spotlighted gender diversity and leadership in architecture. Woods Bagot Director Jean Weng participated in the “She is an Architect” roundtable, where she shared insights from her cross-cultural professional journey. Weng called for collective action to address systemic barriers faced by women in the profession, encouraging confidence and inclusivity as key drivers for change in architectural leadership.
Adding to the firm’s presence at RAFA, the Sydney Central Station Upgrade—co-designed by Woods Bagot and John McAslan + Partners—was shortlisted for multiple RIBA Asia Pacific Awards. The project received recognition across categories including Adaptive Reuse and Sustainability & Resilient Design, underscoring the firm’s commitment to resilient, future-focused infrastructure.
Through its participation at RAFA, Woods Bagot reinforced its role in global design discourse, contributing thought leadership on business evolution, inclusivity, and sustainable design while engaging with peers to shape a more resilient and inclusive built environment across Asia.
