Date/Time
Date(s) - November 6, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Categories No Categories

The AIA HK x UAP Annual Exchange 2.0, Two Cities, One Canvas, builds on last year’s successful dialogue by reaffirming that architecture is as much cultural as it is technical. By bringing together Hong Kong and Philippine practitioners, the exchange will highlight how rootedness in culture and heritage can guide design in an era of globalization, climate change, and rapid urbanization.

Architecture grounded in local identity offers more than mere symbolism: it enables place-specific sustainability, strengthens community buy-in, and turns traditions into living strategies for resilience. Hong Kong’s expertise in high-density urbanism and the Philippines’ experience with climate adaptation and community-centered design create a fertile two-way learning platform.

Two Cities, One Canvas thus frames culture and heritage not as constraints but as catalysts for an architecture that is modern, responsible, and distinctly rooted.

Details

Sign up HERE to reserve a place.

AIA Hong Kong

About the Speakers

JJ Acuna
Creative Director, JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio

James “JJ” Acuna is a celebrated figure in the fields of hospitality and high-end residential architecture and interior design, boasting a stellar track record and having received numerous awards and accolades. With an impressive portfolio spanning Hong Kong, China, and the wider Asian region, Acuna serves as the Founder and Creative Director of JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio. His aim is to help clients craft soulful projects of the highest caliber, elevating spaces to facilitate joyful connections for all who inhabit them.

Acuna obtained his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Cornell University and a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Throughout his career, he has led projects of varying scales, catering to a diverse clientele that includes both high-profile individuals and blue-chip companies. From his early years at several major firms to the establishment of his own studio, with branches in Hong Kong and Manila, Acuna has remained steadfast in his commitment to always strive to deliver uplifting design solutions.

His work has garnered widespread recognition and been featured in publications such as Interior Design Magazine, Wallpaper*, Tatler Asia, and Vogue. Acuna’s vision extends beyond mere aesthetics; he strives to create meaningful spaces that resonate with his clients’ aspirations and enrich the lives of those who inhabit them, fostering a lasting impact through thoughtful collaboration and innovative design.

Wesley Ho Assoc. AIA
Co-founder and Design Director, Napp Studio & Architects

Wesley Ho received his BA(AS) at The University of Hong Kong and his MArch at the Harvard GSD. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the HKU Department of Architecture having previously worked with OMA – as well as at KPF Hong Kong, where he was an Associate Principal.

He currently serves as a Board Director of the Harvard Club HK and Advocate at the social enterprise, REN, for underprivileged youth. Wesley is the Co-founder and Director of Napp Studio & Architects and was selected as a Tatler Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow in 2024.

Michael Manalo
Principal Architect, MNL Solutions

Michael Manalo has been a member of ICOMOS Philippines since 2008 and specializes in the conservation of the built environment. He graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Santo Tomás, Manila, and earned his Masters in Architectural Conservation from the Escuela Nacional de Conservación, Restauración y Museografía in Mexico City.

He was commissioner for culture of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016, during which time he was part of the Philippine Delegation while it was a member of the World Heritage Committee. He has headed the National Committee for Monuments and Sites since January 2020, and is now a lecturer at the University of Santo Tomás’ Graduate Programme in Cultural Heritage Studies. His field of study concentrates on colonial architecture and interiors in the Philippines (1580-1945), particularly in Manila, Northern Luzon, and the Visayas – where he explores building aesthetics and technology, their transcultural properties and linkages to history, as well as daily life.

Manalo has led the formulation of several Conservation Management Plans (CMP), including those for the San Sebastián Basilica (a National Cultural Treasure), the Manila Central Post Office Building (an Important Cultural Property), and he was also part of the team which authored the CMP for the Walled City of Intramuros.