MEET THOMAS

Architect’s Advocate

Thomas Cheung has dedicated 30 years to the architectural profession, currently serving as the Managing Director of Cheung Kong-Yeung Architects. Now, as the youngest candidate for President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), he is stepping up to champion the value of the profession in a challenging economic landscape.

Since entering the field, Thomas has consistently broken through old limits to create transformative change for the industry. In 2003, as the Head of the Architecture Department at Chu Hai College, he successfully organized the institution’s first local architectural degree, expanding pathways for aspiring architects in Hong Kong. He later founded Cheung Kong-Yeung Architects in 2004, where he eventually earned recognition as a Band 1 Architectural Consultant.

Prior to leading his firm, Thomas began his career as a resident architect working directly on the frontline of construction sites. This grounded, hands-on experience forged his deep understanding of the profession’s mechanisms and pain points—from high operating costs and project scarcity to the diminishing authority of architects in project procurement.

Thomas’ progressive approach extends beyond practice. Throughout his over two decades of service to HKIA and the broader built environment, he has championed policies to protect the future of the profession. Having assumed strategic and management positions across all levels of the Institute, Thomas was elected as HKIA’s Vice President in 2021. His visionary leadership is also demonstrated through a decade-long commitment to ARCASIA, where he served as both Chair and Deputy Chair for the Social Responsibility Committee (2022-2023, 2020-2021), and was eventually elected as Vice President (Zone C) (2024-2025).

Despite current challenges and industry pressures, Thomas is committed to standing strong for architects in Hong Kong. His vision for HKIA prioritizes sustainable growth, better project procurement systems, equitable fees, and expanding opportunities for young professionals. He is also vocal against market mechanisms (such as standard Design and Build frameworks) that devalue professional services, while advocating for the restoration of Resident Architects to improve construction quality.

Thomas is not only an architect but an advocate, whose long-standing track record of leadership, service, and results exemplifies his dedication to the Hong Kong architectural community.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND AFFILITATION

Thomas's leadership is rooted in action and collaboration. Under his presidency, he aims to ensure that HKIA continues to serve as a beacon of excellence for the future of architecture in Hong Kong. 

Below are just some of his achievements to date.

  • Championing Professional Value & Scope: As Chairman of the HKIA Board of Practice (2020), he has continued to advocate for the review of fee diving control mechanisms and for fair compensation on newly added scopes of work related to quality and safety.

  • Advancing Global & Local Opportunities: Leveraged his extensive network as ARCASIA Vice President (Zone C) to promote Hong Kong architects, while actively pursuing closer participation in the Northern Metropolis for local architects through his role on the Board of Mainland and Belt & Road Affairs.

  • Elevating Educational Standards: Spearheaded the organization of Chu Hai College’s first local architectural degree in 2003 as Head of the Architecture Department, and continues to shape curriculum and standards through his long-standing membership on the Education Development & Accreditation Committee (2005-2006, 2021-2026).

  • Protecting Construction Quality: Consistently advocated for the strengthening of design implementation on site and the promotion of the Resident Architect role, drawing from his own frontline experience to ensure architects maintain control over building quality.

  • Driving Sustainability & Innovation: Served in leadership roles for the BEAM Society Limited (including Chair of the Development Sub-committee and Director), championing zero carbon design and the establishment of guidelines for new technology adoption.

  • Upholding Professional Standards: Served as Chairman of the Registration Committee for the Architects Registration Board (2022-2024) and as a Member of the Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers, Registered Geotechnical Engineers Committee (APSEC), safeguarding the integrity and competency of the profession.