Building elegant performance

May 2010 — A lifelong painter, Dr. Zheng Ke was attracted to architecture as the combination of engineering, science and painting. He now leads the architecture practice in AECOM's Shanghai, China office. He considers Shanghai "the most exciting city in China—both eastern and western cultures find a creative spark here."

Dr. Zheng brings his artistry to building projects throughout China. "A development including old streets, art studios, young teachers' apartments and the forthcoming Luo Zhongli Art Gallery in the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute () is one of the most interesting projects I have worked on," he reflects. "Our imaginations and bold creations have been used to an extreme on this project."

The Bank of China global financial institution (), located in Beijing, is a mixed-use building, including office, hotel, and an athletic center. "The client empowered us to be leaders on this project; we were responsible for the entire project from conceptual design to construction drawings, from architecture to landscape, to interior design," says Dr. Zheng. "It was also a big achievement for green building—not only fancy but functional."

Through AECOM, Dr. Zheng has access to a global stage, more opportunities, talent, cultural diversity and interdisciplinary cooperation. Much of his focus for the future involves integrating the delivery of architectural services with AECOM's transportation, environment, and sustainability services. "These connections allow us to do projects that influence more people in positive ways," he says.

For Dr. Zheng, AECOM is also about making cultural connections. "In China, I would say Shanghai is my favorite place," says. "In Europe, I like Spain; I like the enthusiasm emitting from this country. Also Paris—I lived there for quite a long time, and I always can find something new and inspirational there. In blending the influences of many places, we create design that is evocative to both local and global audiences."

Ke.Zheng@aecom.com