Atkins, Hong Kong: Plan, Design, Enable.

Atkins is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. The Hong Kong studio, established in 2011, provides a full scope, holistic service with architects and engineers co-located in project spaces. “As architects our culture is to be open, understanding and inclusive,” says Hong Kong director Jason Hutchings. “Design is a conversation, and we are all talking the same language in the same room.” 

Much of the firm’s work as an integrated, multidisciplinary business requires an open office environment. Clearly visible pin-up spaces, information/display walls and shared spaces punctuate an office that thrives on collective engagement in design discussion. This was not how many engineering offices in Hong Kong were organised at the time, with seniors around the perimeter in offices with windows, technical staff and admin in the middle, so Atkins was breaking the local work culture mould in this respect. 

The office is located immediately above one of the largest and busiest retail malls in Hong Kong, which is directly connected to the China Ferry terminal and the Star Ferry. With the sanctuary of Kowloon Park and the harbour waterfront nearby, the close proximity between fast-paced metropolis living and nature that the neighbourhood can offer is typical for Hong Kong. 

Each month, the practice has an evening internal presentation and workshop, giving the floor and mic to up-and-coming design leaders. They also have a strong Atkins Young Professional (AYP) programme, which arranges sports, recreational and charity activities, as well as CPD and technical workshops. 

To work at Atkins is to be part of a growing, multidisciplinary family on some of the world’s largest and most exciting construction projects, with opportunities to travel and work amongst friends anywhere on the planet.