One of Australia’s largest and most successful architectural practices, The Buchan Group, has entered a business alliance with leading Japanese architectural and urban design firm, Nikken Sekkei.

Buchan CEO David Martin announced the alliance in Melbourne today, saying that it would provide the structure by which both businesses would further expand their global operations, particularly in the Australasian, European and Middle East regions.

“We were looking for a partner that would strengthen our global growth, and who would bring experience, specialist skills, values and culture that would be complementary to our business. Nikken Sekkei, like Buchan, has over 100 years of history, and brings its own experience, depth of capability and a very prestigious track record to the partnership.”

Nikken Sekkei has more than 1,700 employees, works in 40 countries and has a strong track record in ‘green architecture’ design solutions and urban design, ‘super tall’ buildings, mixed use, education, commercial offices, hospitality, cultural, sports and health.

President and CEO of Nikken Sekkei, Tadao Kamei, said that his practice was drawn to Buchan initially because of its successful track record in retail architecture.

“Under the alliance with Buchan, we see opportunities to improve our capabilities in urban mixed use development, including retail, hotel and residential, not only in Japan but also in developing countries where such opportunities are expected to increase,” Mr Kamei said.

Mr Martin said that the combined strength, capabilities and global reach of the Buchan and Nikken Sekkei alliance would enable clients to access specialist designers, a broader service offering and unrivalled value.

“Importantly, it will enhance the market leading position of both firms whilst maintaining the high quality, professional standards that our clients expect,” he said.

“Both Nikken Sekkei and Buchan are working in a global market that is increasingly competitive. Our business partnership will enable us to use each other’s strengths and to maximise new business opportunities. We will be able to expand our services in our home countries of Australia and Japan and pool our project experience to grow internationally by providing designs that are both creative and feasible.”

About Nikken Sekkei

Nikken Sekkei is the second largest architecture practice in the world as ranked by WA100 in 2015, with offices in Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Dalian, Beijing, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Riyadh and Dubai. Recent projects by Nikken Sekkei include the dramatic Guangzhou Library (China), the Kyoto Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the Tokyo Sky Tree.

About The Buchan Group

The Buchan Group has a global reach with offices in the United Kingdom, China, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. The firm is recognised for its design excellence and depth of experience in retail, residential, hotels, mixed use, leisure and commercial developments.

The firm's projects include: Wuhan 1818 (Wuhan, China), Sheraton Melbourne (Australia), Emporium Melbourne (Australia), Cloisters on Hay (Perth, Australia), Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City (United Kingdom), Chadstone Shopping Centre (Melbourne, Australia), DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Japan), The Emerald (Melbourne, Australia) and Raffles City Chengdu (Chengdu, China).

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Nerida Hodge