Shanghai has a wide variety of pre-WW2 architecture. Lane houses, old apartment blocks and commercial structures stand in their faded glory, awaiting a chance to shine once again. Shanghai’s growth into a post-modern metropolis, arguably China’s centre of design and entrepreneurship, makes a built legacy essential for the continued growth of creativity.
My passion is restoring Shanghai’s old structures. They speak of the city’s turbulent history, contain a mixture of Eastern and Western styles, and appropriately interact with their environment. As much as is possible I use traditional Shanghai building materials and styles, relying upon my unique understanding of the city’s neighborhoods and original architects. In order to ensure quality construction I work with a small group of tested local contractors.
Today's Shanghai also includes a huge number of new residential and commercial structures. When dealing with these sites I try to instill something of the flavor of old Shanghai through decoration, moldings, colors, paintings and furniture.
A typical on-the-job scene near the end of the demolition phase of a current project: restoration of a 1930's apartment.
