Rocco Yim was born in Hong Kong in 1952. After earning his degree in architecture from the University of Hong Kong in 1974, he completed a master’s program at University College London. Upon returning to Hong Kong, he founded his own practice in 1979, which would later become Rocco Design Architects Associates, one of the most respected and influential firms in Asia.
From the very beginning, Rocco Yim distinguished himself with an approach that blends modernity and tradition, paying close attention to cultural and urban context. His works always seek a balance between technological innovation and sensitivity to history and local identity. His architectural language is characterized by elegant lines, sculpted volumes, and a refined mastery of light and space.
Among the most iconic projects by Rocco Yim and his firm are the Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou, One Peking Road in Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong campus in Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Government Headquarters, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which opened in 2022. Each project reflects a strong sense of harmony with the environment and the surrounding urban fabric.
Rocco Design Architects Associates is known for its ability to handle large-scale, complex projects, ranging from public buildings to corporate headquarters, cultural institutions, university campuses, and residential developments. Based in Hong Kong, the firm has received numerous international awards, including the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture and several accolades from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Beyond his design practice, Rocco Yim is also active as a lecturer and speaker, promoting critical reflection on the future of Asian architecture and the architect’s role in contemporary society. He has participated in major international exhibitions, such as the Venice Architecture Biennale, where he showcased his vision of architecture as a bridge between past and future, city and nature.
Throughout his career, Yim has made a significant contribution to shaping Hong Kong’s architectural identity, demonstrating how architecture can act as a bridge between different cultures and as a catalyst for urban transformation.
Today, Rocco Yim is regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Asian architecture — a symbol of balance between formal elegance, innovation, and deep respect for cultural and environmental context.
