JERDE (The Jerde Partnership), an iconic and internationally renowned architecture and urban planning firm, announced that it has formally established a presence in Southeast Asia, and has hired James Chew as Director of Business Development for the region. Chew – who will be based in Singapore in a new office to be opened by JERDE later this year – will spearhead the firm’s new business efforts in Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other neighbouring countries in the region. This is in addition to JERDE’s already established offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong, which serve the Chinese and Asia Pacific markets, respectively.

To support this endeavour, JERDE Design Principal and shareholder Ken Ho will transfer from Los Angeles to Singapore early next year. Ho, himself Singaporean, will bring vast international experience to the regional office and will further lend the firm ownership presence there. Ho will help to drive growth across Southeast Asia.

With the mission of expanding JERDE’s special brand of placemaking, the establishment of a permanent presence in Singapore will strengthen the firm’s presence in Southeast Asia, coinciding with a growing demand for Transportation Oriented Developments (TODs) and mixed-use projects in the region. The move also allows JERDE to enhance its client services through the city-state’s close proximity to the region and comprehensive travel option. JERDE’s globally proven expertise in this area has seen the launch of successful projects that act as catalysts in their communities and help generate economic benefit, especially in emerging markets.

Chew has more than 30 years of real estate industry experience in planning and design, management, marketing, and business development. Working throughout Southeast Asia, his public and private sector experience includes the development of resorts, hospitality, residential, retail, office, mixed-use, new towns, golf courses, and medical parks.

Commenting on his appointment, Chew said, “It’s an honour to join JERDE – one of the world’s most respected international architectural firms – and open their Singapore office. I hope to expand JERDE’s business in the region, and in the process, help the firm expand its special brand of placemaking to generate significant economic benefits to a host of new communities in Southeast Asia.”