Ar. Rocco YIM is an extraordinarily talented architect who has made significant contributions to the stunning skylines of major cities, including Hong Kong, over the past few decades. Upon founding his own practice in 1979, he and his team, under his inspirational leadership, have been the mastermind behind the design of many modern and vibrant architectures. Notable projects include the HKSAR Government Headquarters, the IFC and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as the “Distorted Courtyard House, Commune by The Great Wall” in Beijing, the iDAC Design Museum in Shenzhen, and the Yunnan Provincial Museum in Kunming. One of his most iconic masterpieces is the Guangdong Museum, designed during the establishment of his first branch office in Guangzhou in 2006.

Ar. Rocco YIM’s contemporary projects are renowned and influential both locally and internationally. His career highlights include winning the First Prize Award at the Lopera de la Bastille International Competition in 1983 and receiving numerous awards since then. He has garnered over 20 HKIA Annual Awards from 1984 to 2023, along with the Quality Building Award in 2008 and 2020. Regionally, he has received multiple accolades in Guangdong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and was recognized as one of “The 100 Most Influential Architects and Interior Designers in China in AD100” in 2019. His international achievements include ARCASIA Gold Medal in 1994 and 2003, World Architecture Festival category winner in 2010, Chicago Athenaeum Architectural Awards in 2006, 2011, 2013, 2016 and 2024, German Design Council Award in 2014 to 2017, and RIBA International Awards for Excellence in 2021. Several of his works have been exhibited four times at the Venice Biennale over the last 12 years.

With a strong devotion to the profession and industry, Ar. Rocco YIM served as a Council Member of HKIA in 1987-1992, and as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in 1995-1997 and in 1997-1998 respectively. On behalf of the Institute, he was also a Member and Chairman of the Authorized Persons Registration Committee (APRC) Panel, appointed by the Building Authority of the HKSAR Government, in 1994-1997 and in 1997-2000 correspondingly. Currently, he serves as a Museum Expert Adviser, appointed by the Director of Leisure and Culture Services for the term 2024-2026, offering professional advice to local museums in the field of arts.

As an academic, Ar. Rocco YIM has passionately engaged in teaching and research at local universities, earning a respected reputation. He is frequently invited to speak at local and international seminars, sharing his architectural knowledge and insights. He holds the position of Adjunct Professor at HKU SPACE, serves as an Adjunct Professor of the Department of Architecture at HKU, and is an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Social Science at CUHK. In 2013, he was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences by HKU.

All in all, we distinctly commend Ar. Rocco YIM for his architectural achievements and the lasting impact of his innovative designs on the community, which inspire future generations of architects. As such, members of the Gold Medal Selection Panel agree unanimously that Ar. Rocco YIM is deserving of the HKIA Gold Medal.