“Never doubt that a small group can empower our profession and create global impact.”
— Segene Park, Candidate Speech for AIA International 2023 President Election
Segene Park | AIA
2026-2027 President, AIA International
AIA International Board of Directors since 2022 • 2025 First Vice President • 2026-2027 President-Elect • 2023-2024 Secretary • Chair of 2022 AIA International Spring Conference (held with UIA and ULI Japan) • Chair of AIA International 2025 Osaka Expo Event
AIA Japan Board of Directors since 2016 • 2021 President • 2022 Chair of Honorary Fellow Council and Strategic & Accreditation • Design Awards Chair since 2022
Urban Land Institute (ULI) Japan / Urban Plan Workshop Committee Member since 2021 • Instructor since 2025
The Cliff Dwellers member since 2005 • 2008 - 2010 Arts Foundation Committee Member
Nikken Sekkei Lead Architect • Masterplanner • Project Manager since 2015
Nihon University, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, Department of Oceanic Architecture and Engineering Adjunct Professor since 2025
RenoVolt 2009 - 2012 Managing Partner
Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) Chicago, 2006 - 2009 Regional Representative, Korea
Epstin (Annex5) Chicago 2003 - 2006 Project Designer
Defense Security Agency (DSA), Ministry of Defense Republic of Korea 1998 - 2000 Chief`s Assistant (General Officer)
Segene Park, AIA, is a globally recognized architect, urban strategist, and infrastructure leader serving as President of AIA International. Based in Tokyo, he works at the intersection of design excellence, city-building, public policy, and international collaboration, advancing the role of architects in shaping resilient and sustainable communities worldwide.
In his presidency, Segene is strengthening AIA International's global network through strategic partnerships, professional exchange, and initiatives that connect practice, academia, industry, and civic leadership. Recent engagements include representing AIA International at the CAA Presidents' Summit in Auckland, speaking at ARCASIA Forum 23 in Jaipur, participating in the UIA World Congress in Barcelona, and contributing to Singapore Archifest and the New Common Grounds symposium at the National University of Singapore. He is also advancing AIA International's presence across Oceania and South Asia.
Professionally, Segene leads complex international projects at Nikken Sekkei, one of the world's largest integrated architecture, engineering, and planning firms. His portfolio includes large-scale urban developments, high-rise and supertall buildings, hospitality destinations, civic and cultural landmarks, transit-oriented developments, and sustainable infrastructure projects across multiple continents. Prior to joining Nikken Sekkei, he worked with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Epstein. His work includes a 354-meter tower in Russia exhibited at the Venice Biennale, as well as award-winning architecture and urban planning projects recognized through international design awards and competitions.
Beyond practice, Segene contributes actively to global dialogue on cities, infrastructure, and the future of the built environment. He has spoken at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, served as a panelist at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit, participated in the Seoul Architecture Forum, and lectured throughout APEC economies on urban development, resilience, and design leadership.
Segene is also an Adjunct Professor at Nihon University, an instructor for ULI Japan's UrbanPlan program, and a design critic at leading Japanese universities. Through teaching, mentoring, and professional service, he supports the next generation of architects, planners, and city leaders.
His leadership reflects a commitment to empowering architects globally, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing innovation, sustainability, and excellence in professional practice.
