About Us

Based in New York and with a studio in Shanghai, AKAIA Architecture is a group of dedicated and talented architects experienced in creating world-class architecture. Led by Kai Sheng, AIA, the AKAIA team originally practiced under the Archilier Architecture brand. The AKAIA team operates with a fearless and tireless determination to create intelligent and distinctive solutions for every project.

Our Values

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Global from Day One

AKAIA team is a global practice, with offices in New York City and Shanghai. Being in these two locations allows us to be highly responsive to our clients around the clock, diversifies our business model, and promotes cross-fertilization of ideas across cultures.

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No Egos

We believe in a democratic and collaborative method of practice – all team members take on the challenge of contributing innovative design ideas.

No Preconceptions

We believe design is the unique product of its context, program, client, and audience - a responsive design should not have a preset style or formula.

Authenticity

Wherever we work, from US to Asia, we strive to achieve an authentic and contemporary interpretation of local cultures in design.

Local, Sensitive, Sustainable

We believe in being good global citizens. We design sustainable solutions for clients seeking LEED and other green labels and have achieved LEED Platinum in some cases. Even if we’re not working within a rating system, our work is informed by a sensitivity to issues of climate, resilience, and sustainability.

Place-Making is Fundamental

Place-making informs all our design, from the scale of a park or plaza to the scale of a room. For us, it’s all about creating wonderful places for people to inhabit or experience.

Leadership

Kai Sheng

Founder / President

Director

Tim Liu

Alan Lee

Senior Director

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