Vicky Chan, AIA

Vicky Chan, AIA

Chan is the founder of Avoid Obvious Architects, established in 2012 with offices in both Hong Kong and New York. Through Chan’s unwavering commitment to sustainable buildings and cities, the firm pursues projects that seamlessly blend art and green technology. Avoid Obvious Architects has been recognized with 55 international design awards for projects that include master planning for the World Trade Center site in collaboration with Stantec, the transformative Sheung Wan Fiesta in Hong Kong, and urban design ventures from Canada to India.

One of Chan’s most notable projects is Hong Kong’s K-Farm, a 20,000-square-foot urban farm that demonstrates the possibilities of farming in challenging environments. Situated on the picturesque Victoria Harbour, the farm is an immersive educational experience that highlights hydroponics, aquaponics, organic farming, and more through guided tours and other activities. In addition, its coastal conditions provide valuable data about farming under extreme weather circumstances.

Chan has also been involved with five different nongovernmental organizations, leveraging his expertise in architecture and urban planning to help them expand their impact. As chairman of Walk DVRC, which promotes a more walkable and livable Hong Kong, Chan has advocated for streetscape and lifestyle changes along Des Voeux Road Central, home to famed dried seafood markets, that have inspired Hong Kong to pursue more accessible and convenient public spaces.

Beyond his architectural achievements, Chan is the founder of the volunteer organization Architecture for Children, through which he has personally engaged more than 6,000 young people in the principles of sustainable design. Chan is also a leader for AIA Hong Kong, serving as its president in 2020. During the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chan instituted webinars that offered 36 learning units for members. His leadership resulted in a profit of nearly $40,000, ensuring the chapter’s success throughout the turbulence of 2021.

With his integrity and dedication to ensuring architecture’s positive impact, Chan puts his idealism into action. The built environment and communities around the world have benefited greatly from his vision.