Celebrating 2024 with Populous in APAC

But we couldn’t do this without a diverse team that brings different ideas and ways of thinking to each space we shape across such different cultures in the Asia Pacific (APAC).  As we celebrate the end of 2024, we wanted to also celebrate our people and the cites they call home. 

In this blog, our colleagues across each of our APAC offices, share their local design perspectives and how they’ve found their place at Populous. Their voices illustrate a blend of international knowledge and local culture that brings their ideas to life to help shape the cities they call home. 

Perspective from Architectural Assistant Kyle Jones: 

How does Brisbane inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise? 

I joined the Brisbane team at 17 during my first year of university and since then I’ve had the chance to work on some incredible projects with even more incredible people. Many of them have become mentors and close friends along the way. 

Brisbane is such an active city, always inspiring me to get outside and move. Whether it’s early morning runs, ocean swims or playing local footy, the city really encourages a strong outdoor culture. 

When Brisbane won the 2032 Olympic & Paralympics Games it was such a huge moment for me as a young architect who grew up in the city.  The idea of Brisbane hosting the Games and having the chance to personally be part of it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s pretty special to think about being able to help shape the future of your hometown. 

Perspective from Principal Moddy Bujitta: 

How does Bangkok inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise? 

My perspective of Bangkok changes over time, whether it has been studying here, working here, or even working outside Bangkok and coming back – each time I get a different view of this amazing city, but what fascinates me is the reaction of other people to the city over time.  Bangkok is well known as a city that doesn’t sleep – colourful, filled with spice, lively and full of variety.  

For me, Bangkok’s charm is its freedom – by this I mean freedom to think out of the box and the freedom to try something new.  Bangkok has its own unique way of absorbing the out of the ordinary situations and accepting them.  The diversity of this city ignites its culture with so many different colours.  Whether day or night, people find their own space in Bangkok and find comfort in how the same space can transition over time, often transforming to serve different functions and create different emotions.  

Being part of Populous’ work in Bangkok allows me to add my own colour and enjoyment to the way we as designers think. 

Perspective from Associate Principal Andrew Rieper: 

What has been the most fulfilling part of your experience working at Populous in Christchurch? 

Having the opportunity to shape Christchurch’s CBD with the work we do is mind blowing.  We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive public response to the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha build as the city cannot wait to have its sports heart back after the devastating earthquakes of 2011 to 2012. It gives me a sense of pride to be part of that.   

Christchurch is historically known as New Zealand’s garden city, and the built fabric has embraced that. The resilience of a place decimated a little more than a decade ago by natural disaster to now come back as one of the country’s most liveable and unique cities gives me great joy.  

Perspective from Senior Associate Janice Lau: 

What has been the most fulfilling part of your experience working at Populous in Hong Kong? 

The last five years working with Populous in Hong Kong have been an incredible experience, especially because I have had the privilege of being involved in the Kai Tak Sports Park project. This upcoming landmark allows me to contribute to the city’s vibrant urban landscape in the place where I was born and raised. After studying abroad and returning to Hong Kong, I have gained a fresh perspective on the city’s dynamic identity through my interactions with project team members who have unique stories and backgrounds. Every day brings new excitement. The collaboration and exchange of ideas within the project team to create something special for Hong Kong is truly inspiring. Being part of a project that will shape the city’s future fills me with pride and enthusiasm.

Perspective from Senior Associate Christina Kim: 

What has been the most fulfilling part of your experience working at Populous in Melbourne? 

The most fulfilling part of my experience has been the people. I moved here during COVID-19 and I felt incredibly welcomed.  We share a close, collaborative culture in the office, adapting quickly to challenges and inspiring each other through design chats.  

Beyond work, we love socialising, celebrating milestones, and sharing a good cup of coffee, making this team truly special. 

Perspective from Associate Akansha Gupta: 

Do you have a favorite memory or moment in Delhi that stands out as uniquely meaningful? 

I grew up in the city, and as a child, my father would often take me to a variety of buildings – historic and contemporary – ranging from museums and theatres to national and historical landmarks. Looking back, I realize these experiences were my greatest lessons in understanding the significance of architecture and design. They taught me how thoughtfully designed spaces and easy access to them can profoundly enrich the human experience, fostering connection, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for our surroundings. 

Delhi exemplifies community through its parks and gardens, showcasing a harmonious balance of heritage and togetherness. These spaces demonstrate how urban infrastructure can preserve history while adapting to modern needs, fostering diverse interactions and sustained relevance. Delhi inspires lessons in creating spaces that thrive indefinitely, accommodating evolving uses while maintaining their cultural essence. They highlight the importance of inclusive design in building resilient, adaptable cities that unite people across generations and backgrounds and truly bring people together. 

Perspective from Project Coordinator Stanley Kang: 

How does Seoul inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise? 

Like my colleagues in the Seoul office, returning to my homeland after many years has given me a fresh perspective on the city. One striking observation is how Seoul has developed in recent years, creating neighbourhoods with distinctive characters that reflect the cultural heritage of their respective areas.  

The city offers endless inspiration simply by exploring its streets. In particular, recent developments have begun to embrace and celebrate Seoul’s cultural heritage from the early modern era, which is now thoughtfully reflected and showcased in various parts of the city in diverse and creative ways. 

Perspective from Associate Principal Zakiah Zuege: 

If you could share one piece of advice with someone considering starting at Populous, what would it be? 

Get ready for a whirlwind of experiences.  We are so diverse in terms of culture and background, which guides our working methods and then influences our design outcomes.  I’ve been at Populous for half a decade and I’m still learning plenty. I hope you bring with you an open mind and an open heart – as well as a sketchbook with plenty of empty pages ready to be filled in. 

Perspective from Senior Principal Josh Robson: 

How does Sydney inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise? 

Sydney is positioned in an area of spectacular natural beauty. From the iconic Sydney harbour and pristine beaches in the east, to the rivers and parklands of the Cumberland Plain through central Sydney and bounded by our network of mountainous national parks to the west, it’s a place or endless scenery, flora, fauna and unique ecosystems to draw inspiration from.  

This is paired with plenty of great architecture, events and culture – if being surrounded by all that nature doesn’t work, seeing a gig at the spectacular Sydney Opera House is a sure-fire way to give yourself an inspiration boost. 

Perspective from Principal Jack Kato: 

How does Tokyo inspire you in your daily life, creatively or otherwise? 

As a Japanese-American living first in Osaka and then in Tokyo, I’ve found the ‘big-city’ life to be next level in Tokyo. Massive new developments, as well as the sheer quantity of them, continue to inspire me as I acclimatise to this ever-changing metropolis. I spend much of my weekends on a bicycle, and am delighted to find something new every time as I try to navigate the complex street networks – be it a charming neighbourhood shopping district, or a live concert in a spacious park in the city centre. I’ve only experienced two of the four seasons living in Tokyo at this point, as I look forward to spending many more of them exploring the complex and lively streets in this mega-city. 

The voices of our colleagues, from those starting out their careers to those who have spent their entire professional life with us, highlight what makes Populous unique. Together, we share a passion for creating spaces where people connect and stories unfold.  The story of Populous is written through its people – across every city, every office and every project. Each office brings its own character, shaped by the city it calls home and the individuals who work there. But what binds us all together is the same belief: design is about drawing people together. 

Learn more about careers at Populous and you can hear from our Americas colleagues here.