Design Cluster Lecture Series: Environment Design Cluster

Rick Lam is the Co-founder of Architecture Commons / Neighbourhood Innovation Lab. He leads the architecture and interior design team on a portfolio with a key focus on the public realm, working closely with the government, NGOs, nonprofits and various educational institutions. His work is grounded in the community, where user research and the participatory design process inform both the problem definition and design outcome. Rick is experienced in environmental conservation, heritage conservation, youth, elderly, health and housing projects, and is currently most active in the education sector.   Rick studied architecture in HKU and Harvard GSD, where he was the recipient of the Core Prize, Thesis Prize, and the Faculty Design Award. He has extensive work experience in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Boston, and New York on projects that span every scale from master planning, architecture, to product design. Among his accolades are the 40-under-40 award and various projects with honours and merits recognition from AIAHK, BCI Asia and DFA. Besides his role as an architect, Rick is also a lecturer at CUHK’s Urban Design programme and an assistant professor in Architecture in Hong Kong Chu Hai College.

Canalside Studio, a creative design powerhouse based in Hong Kong, spans architecture, interior design, and place-making. Though a young practice, Canalside's diverse portfolio encompasses hospitality, health and wellness, and an ongoing art museum renovation project. Canalside Studio was founded in 2022 by Etain Ho and Francis Lam. The duo met during their architecture studies at the University of Hong Kong and established their studio after working at Heatherwick Studio in London. They firmly believe that every client and every project is unique, with its own captivating story to tell - one deeply rooted in history, location, and culture.