Championing Our Value: Why Hong Kong Needs Architects at the Table
Image by SimplyArt4794
Architecture is a city’s most vital asset. It reflects our cultural and social values. Successful architecture does more than shape our urban landscape and city image; it can be a catalyst for local economic growth and a magnet for tourism. The famous "Bilbao Effect" demonstrates exactly how a single, iconic piece of architecture can transform a city’s global image, boost tourism, and spark a major economic and cultural revival.
Yet, here in Hong Kong, the voice of the architect is growing dangerously faint.
This is most obvious in our civil service. According to the Development Bureau’s data for the 2025-26 financial year, there are only 492 architects (including assistant professional ranks) out of 4,792 professional grades relating to planning and construction. That is a mere 10%. The disparity at the leadership level is even starker: the highest ranking for architects in the Bureau is a D2 grade, with only 5 posts. Meanwhile, engineers, surveyors, and planners all hold directorate positions above D2—20 posts for engineers, 5 for surveyors, and 4 for planners. Overall, there are only 28 directorate-grade architects out of 398 total, which accounts to a measly 7%*.
Furthermore, architects are completely absent from 17 key government bureaus and departments where other professionals are seated. We have no voice in the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau (which has an Estate Surveyor), the Planning Department (with Town Planners and Civil Engineers), the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (with a Civil Engineer), or the Innovation and Technology Commission (also with a Civil Engineer).
These numbers reflect a systemic oversight by the government that led to a failure to include architects where our expertise is desperately needed for policy-making. Architects are distinctly trained to create appealing urban spaces, design quality habitats, and uphold healthy living environments for the public.
HKIA x HKFYG Design Charrette 2026 (Images via www.hkia.net)
We must change this narrative. Drawing from the successful experience of the Design Charrette—co-organized by the Board of External Affairs and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups for five years—I propose that our Institute resumes its Community Development Committee. By recruiting more young members and strengthening our community engagement, we can let the public truly understand our work and our contribution.
We need to raise public awareness and appreciation for the architecture of our city. Our community deserves the full contribution of architects, and the government's structure must evolve to make that a reality.
— Thomas
*Source: Development Bureau Replies to Legislative Council Questions (LCQ10: Professional grades relating to planning and construction in civil service), 25 February 2026. Available at: https://www.devb.gov.hk/en/legco_matters/replies_to_legco_questions/index_id_15435.html