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12 Stories of the Past, the Present and Dreams of the Future – our alumni from different architecturally-related fields share their passion and vision not only on their professions but also their personal outlooks on life. Don’t miss these stories and discussions that are at times thoughtful, heart-warming or humorous!

Speakers Lucia Cheung and William Shum


Moderators Phiyona Auyeung and Chang Hoi Wood


Date 11.11.2021


Time 18:00


Location Atrium, Lee Shau Kee Architecture Building, CUHK



Lucia Cheung – Founder & Director, PLY Union Limited


Lucia is one of the founders of a young multi-disciplinary design practice, PLY Union Limited, founded in 2014. She is a registered architect in Hong Kong. She received her undergraduate degree in CUHK and Master of Architecture degree from Rice University, USA. Since the establishment of the studio, she has overseen architectural design in the office with projects including the design of cat furniture, bus compartment, installation, architectural interiors, signboards, specialised facades, ceiling prototypes and buildings.


Before the setup of the studio, her practice with OMA Asia and Rocco Design has gained broad experience in the architecture field with prestigious and award-winning projects in Hong Kong, Korea and Mainland China from public to private sectors. Her station in Guangzhou and Shenzhen has led her the opportunity to collaborate with fabricators, exploring design with fabrication techniques for mass customisation.


Outside the office, Lucia also participated as advisor in rural sustainable programmes such as “A Bridge Too Far” and rammed earth construction of “Terra Centre” in Mainland China with the 1U1V team of CUHK.


William Shum – Founder, William Shum Phonetography


William is a professional architect and non-professional mobile photographer. Graduating from CUHK in 1999, William spent more than a decade practising as an architect in various local architectural firms. Having gained solid experience in both design and administration works in the construction industry, he changed his career path in 2013 by stepping into the property development field and becoming a project manager for various local property developers.


Based in Hong Kong, William spent his childhood on the streets, observing the human drama around him. In the hope of sharing the idiosyncrasy of worldly beauty with a larger audience, this hobby turned into a ‘slash career’ in 2016 by setting up a fan page called “William Shum Phonetography” on social media. Although he deemed himself not qualified as a professional photographer, William hosted numerous courses, tours and exhibitions for over 5 years and amassed thousands of enthusiasts. His mobile photography works have been regularly shortlisted and won prizes in various local and international photography contests.


Living on a quiet island with his wife, William now devotes his time to pursuing the meaning of life.



Click here for details of the series “Conversations with Alumni 2021-22”.


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