Global architecture firm SOM has appointed Dennis Ho as Director of Strategic Development for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at its Hong Kong studio. A UK chartered architect, urban designer, and city strategist, Dennis brings over 25 years of global experience leading multidisciplinary projects focused on regenerative design and sustainable placemaking.
Dennis has previously held senior roles at Arup, Hassell Asia, and RSHP (formerly Richard Rogers Partnership). His portfolio spans city-scale master plans, transportation hubs, mixed-use precincts, high-rise towers, innovation campuses, and net-zero carbon design concepts. Notable projects include the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, the Parc.1 transit-oriented development in Seoul, and the award-winning Taikoo Green Ribbon net-zero tower concept showcased at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale.
“The most successful projects, whether a commercial development, transit hub, or large-scale master plan, bring a multidisciplinary perspective to the process. That’s exactly how SOM approaches every project, and I look forward to helping our team create more livable, equitable, and sustainable cities across the region.”
– Dennis Ho, Director of Strategic Development at SOM
Active in professional and academic circles, Dennis is Chair of RIBA Hong Kong, a member of the RIBA International Advisory Group, Adjunct Professor at City University Hong Kong, and founder of Design_Curate_Places, a forum for urban innovation. He also serves on panels for HKIUD, PGBC, and the HK University Grant Committee.
At SOM, Dennis will lead strategic development in APAC, strengthening client relationships and advancing the firm’s expertise in design, engineering, sustainability, and planning.
“Dennis’ understanding of diverse cultures across the region, and his experience from city master plans to individual buildings, will strengthen SOM’s ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and contextually responsive projects,” said SOM Hong Kong Design Principal Nicolas Medrano. Dennis Ho’s appointment reflects the firm’s broader strategic push to deepen its multidisciplinary presence across Asia‑Pacific’s rapidly evolving built environment — including urban planning, large‑scale master plans, mixed‑use developments, and sustainability‑driven projects. With experience spanning civic infrastructure to transit hubs and architectural design, Ho is positioned to help SOM capture opportunities across real estate and other high‑growth, design‑led sectors in the region.
