Shirley Chen

Shirley Chen is a seasoned landscape designer and a leading advocate for sustainable urbanism, representing the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects at ReThink HK 2025. As Head of AECOM’s Buildings + Places division in Hong Kong and Asia Strategy and Growth Lead in the same sector, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s regional direction. With over 20 years of experience at AECOM, Shirley has led award-winning low-carbon projects such as the Shenzhen Baoan Airport Renewal and the Sanya’s Haitang River Eco-Park in Hainan. She collaborates with governments, developers, and academia to champion innovation, inclusion, and sustainable design, including her role in the ULI GBA and InnoSpace GBA Green Future Innovation Think Tank. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple international accolades, including the 2025 Gold Stevie Award for “Sustainability Hero of the Year” in Asia, celebrating her visionary impact in advancing sustainable development.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

1. Embed resilience metrics into integrated design services
2. Advance nature-positive solutions that enhance ecosystem services
3. Promote inclusive, low-carbon designs that improve community well-being