AIA Hong Kong x AHEC x Sherwin-Williams 2026 SEA Bangkok Excursion
Inspired by Nature, Engineered for Future
From 17-19 September 2026, AIA Hong Kong brought together architects, designers, and industry professionals for a three-day learning journey through Bangkok, exploring how natural materials, cultural heritage, and resilient design can shape the future of the built environment. Supported by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Sherwin-Williams, the programme combined practice visits, architect-led tours, a regional symposium, and discussions with leading voices from across Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia and USA.
Day 0 | Welcome Dinner
Participants arrived in Bangkok and gathered for a warm welcome dinner in the evening. This opening event set the tone for the program, fostering connections among architects, designers, and material specialists before the start of the technical visits and discussions.
Day 1 | Learning from Practice, Community, and Stewardship
The excursion began with visits to some of Bangkok's most influential architectural practices. At Architects 49 (A49), Nitis Sthapitanonda, Deputy Managing Director, and Auttawut Kaewsuttipon, Partner, shared insights into the landmark Dusit Central Park development and the DIB Bangkok Museum, demonstrating how architecture can balance urban growth, heritage, and culture. At DesignQua, founders Malina Palasthira and John Erskine showcased how their five-person multidisciplinary studio integrates architecture, landscape, and interiors to create projects that are deeply responsive to site and context. Participants also visited Arsomsilp Community and Environmental Architect, where Chatchanin Sung, Yingying Poonnopatham, and Teeranop Chamnong demonstrated a practice rooted in education, community engagement, and social responsibility.
The day concluded at Alliance Française Bangkok, where participants toured the building with the project team and representatives from Stonehenge. This was followed by the premiere screening of Forested Future, presented by AHEC and directed by Petr Krejčí, which explored the connections between forests, climate resilience, and the built environment, reinforcing the excursion's themes of sustainability and responsible material stewardship
Day 2 | Material Innovation, Heritage, and Regional Dialogue
On the second day, participants explored how contemporary architecture can integrate heritage, urban connectivity, and sustainability. Guided by Nitis Sthapitanonda and Apichart (Boy) of Architects 49 (A49), the group toured Dusit Thani Bangkok and the wider Dusit Central Park development. At Gaysorn Village, Dr. William Lim FAIA, Founder of CL3 Architects, shared the vision behind its transformation into a porous, community-oriented destination shaped by biophilic design and natural materials. Further lessons in climate-responsive design followed at the Jim Thompson Art Center, led by Malina Palasthira and John Erskine of DesignQua, before Rachaporn Choochuey, Founder of all(zone), guided participants through the historic Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, highlighting enduring lessons in tropical architecture and craftsmanship.
A symposium at Jim Thompson Moonlight Hall brought together architects, designers, and industry leaders for a regional dialogue on material innovation and resilience. In Panel I, Chatpong Chuenrudeemol of CHAT Architects, Boonserm Premthada of Bangkok Project Studio, Adam Markowitz of markowitzdesign, and Nae Tanakorn of Nayme Studio explored how natural materials can be transformed through design, craftsmanship, and innovation. Panel II featured Dr. William Lim FAIA of CL3 Architects, Lauren Rogers of Sherwin-Williams, Nitis Sthapitanonda of Architects 49 (A49), and Varat Limwibul and Pacharapan Ratananakorn of PAVA Architects, who discussed resilience as a critical framework for addressing climate, resource, and social challenges. Together, the sessions reinforced the importance of collaboration in creating a more sustainable and adaptable built environment.
Day 3 | Architecture, Humanity, and Community with Boonserm Premthada
The final day was dedicated to the work of Boonserm Premthada, founder of Bangkok Project Studio. At Kantana Institute, he shared his philosophy that architecture begins with humanity rather than form. At The Artisans Ayutthaya, participants learned how repurposed materials and community knowledge were transformed into architecture that supports local livelihoods and preserves cultural heritage. A special highlight was an impromptu visit to Boonserm Premthada's home and studio, graciously hosted by Boonserm and his wife, Paula, offering a rare glimpse into the environment where he lives and works alongside his team.
More than a study tour, the Bangkok excursion provided a valuable platform for dialogue and exchange across disciplines, scales, and geographies. Through encounters with leading practitioners and visits to projects ranging from major urban developments to community-focused initiatives, participants gained new insights into the relationship between nature, materials, culture, and design. The experience left attendees inspired by architecture's potential to contribute to a more resilient, regenerative, and human-centred future.
Photos: AIA BKK Photos
