Director

BSc

Hong Kong, China

Simon Yu

Photograph by Frederic Aranda ©

About Simon

Simon Yu is a Director and the Head of ZHA’s Hong Kong office. With extensive experience in leading major projects across China and internationally, his portfolio includes the Guangzhou Opera House, the Jockey Club Innovation Tower for the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Changsha Meixihu International Culture & Arts Centre.

Profile

Simon’s relationship with ZHA began in 1996 when he joined the practice for his year-out after his undergraduate studies. He later returned, spending several years based in Guangzhou, pioneering building technologies and methodologies to realise the complexity of the Guangzhou Opera House. During this period, he also contributed to the development of the Changsha Meixihu International Cultural Centre.
 
In 2012, Simon relocated to establish ZHA’s Hong Kong office, shifting his focus to exploring opportunities across East Asia. Since then, he has played a significant role in delivering high-profile projects in the region. He recently directed the façade development of The Henderson Tower in Hong Kong and oversaw the final stages of the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum.
 
Simon’s passion lies in cultural projects and their potential to activate civic spaces. He enjoys bringing together diverse teams of designers, engineers, consultants, and clients to create a shared vision.

Featured Projects

Key Projects

From a tower design that creates new civic plazas that are enveloped by nature in Hong Kong, to a key destination to learn and explore the power of science & technology in Shenzhen, discover highlights of Simon's notable projects at ZHA.

Photograph by Iwan Baan

Education & Professional Philosophy

Simon completed his Bachelor of Science with Honours in Architecture from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in Scotland, where he has also taught. He remains actively engaged in academia, participating in critiques, lectures, and exhibitions at universities including the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

 

Simon’s interest in architecture was sparked during a school trip to London, where he visited the Lloyd’s building and was fascinated by how the design subtly influenced the experience of those working within it. He also appreciates all forms of art and design and is always curious about what he has yet to discover.