Ho & Partners Architects was founded in 1980 by Bosco Ho Hin-ngai (right), who studied architecture at the University of Hong Kong and spent his formative working years in Britain. Originally called Ho & Kwan Architects and Development Consultants, the company's early incarnation comprised just a handful of staff working out of an office in Sheung Wan. In 1987, Ho and Kwan went their separate ways and Ho & Partners Architects was formed. Today, the company employs a staff of more than 200 and has three main offices, in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
You've just published a monograph. Why? 'All we've ever wanted to do is produce great architecture and this book is a reflection of some of our best work,' says Ho, 65. 'Most of the big Hong Kong architecture firms that existed 40 years ago collapsed when the founder left. For me, the ambitions of my successors will be key to the successful continuation of this firm once I've retired.'
What kind of work does the company do? Since the 1980s, Ho & Partners has been responsible for more than 70 million square metres of architectural development in Hong Kong and the mainland. The work has ranged from public buildings, such as the Kowloon MTR station, and residential developments, such as Le Prestige in Lohas Park, Tseung Kwan O, through to complete town and city planning on the mainland. The firm is one of only 10 'band one' practices recognised by the Architectural Services Department of the Hong Kong government, entitling it to undertake projects of any size in the SAR. In 2004 the firm was placed 47th on the list of top 200 global architects by Britain's World Architecture magazine.
Where can people see the firm's defining work in Hong Kong? 'The Baptist University in Kowloon Tong is a particularly good example of our work,' says Cissi Chan, deputy director and design director. 'We blended traditional Chinese architectural styles with contemporary design detailing to produce an original learning environment. Among the interesting features is Students' Street, an elevated corridor linking two sections of the campus. The intention was to create a place where students could interact, relax and continue learning outside the classroom.'
What does the future hold for the company? 'Our future is very much focused on the Chinese markets,' Ho says. 'We're keen to do more work developing the infrastructure of the tier two and three cities. There are more than 250 cities in China. The book shows that we've covered 40 or 50 already, so there are 200 left to do.'
HPA: The story of Ho & Partners Architects, part of the Master Architect Series published by The Images Publishing Group, is available through Amazon.com.