AA Dipl RIBA ARB
Founder/Director

William Hailiang Chen is a UK-registered architect and graduate of the Architectural Association School of Architecture. He brings extensive international experience in the design and delivery of high-rise, hospitality, sports and mixed-use developments, with a strong track record in managing complex, large-scale projects from concept through to completion.

He has worked with leading global practices including Wilkinson Eyre, Populous and Foster + Partners, contributing to landmark projects such as the 440m Guangzhou International Finance Center (RIBA Lubetkin Prize, 2012) and the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. His portfolio also includes Liverpool’s King’s Waterfront development and Apple Campus 2 in Cupertino.

In 2013, William joined Wanda Group as Principal Architect, where he led overseas development projects and oversaw the design and construction management of five-star hotels and major retail destinations. He played a key role in establishing construction standards for Wanda Plaza developments across China and later advised Wanda Sports on the planning and delivery of arenas, football stadiums and training facilities.

As founder of Creative Prototyping Unit, he leads a multidisciplinary design practice focused on commercially viable, research-driven architecture. Alongside practice, he serves as a Research Fellow at Southeast University, specialising in sports infrastructure and urban regeneration. He previously served as RIBA China Chapter Beijing Lead (2020–2023) and is currently focused on expanding the London studio and delivering projects across the UK and international markets.

Contact: will@designbycpu.com

Key Projects (Selected)

Sports Projects (Completed and Ongoing)

Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, Dalian China (60K Seat), 2023
Jinan Sunac International Arena, Jinan China (11K Seat), 2022
Clitterhouse Sport Pavilion, 2022
Dalian Youth Football Training Centre, Dalian China, 2021
Xian International Football Centre and Surrounding Urban Design, Xian China 2020
Beijing Guoan FC Youth Training Centre, Beijing China, 2019-
Qingdao Wanda Yacht Club, Qingdao China, 2018
Wanda UCI Velodrome, Chongqing China (6K Seat), 2017-
Luming Valley Golf Club and Villas, Hainan China, 2012
London 2012 Olympic Stadium, London UK (80K Seat), 2011
M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, UK (11K Seat), 2008
O2 Arena, London UK (20K Seat), 2007

Feasibility Studies (Sport Projects)

Brentwood Council Football Hub, London (30-45K Seat)
Olympic Grande Torino Stadium, Turin Italy (45K Seat)
Beijing Workers’ Stadium, Beijing China (68K Seat)
Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou China (80K Seat)
Wuhan Xinhua Road Sports Centre, Wuhan China (45K Seat)
Jiangwan Stadium, Shanghai China (45k Seat)
Wutaishan Stadium, Nanjing China (45K Seat)
Bath Rugby Union Stadium, Bath UK (11k Seat)

Other Key Projects

Wanda One Nine Elms Project, London UK, 2024
One Circular Quay, Sydney Australia, 2024
The Jewel Residences | The Langham, Gold Coast Australia 2021
The St. Regis Chicago (Wanda Vista Tower), Chicago USA, Tower in 2020 and Hotel opened in 2023
Plaza de España en Madrid, November 202
Apple Campus 2, Cupertino, California, United States, 2017
Hefei Wanda Vista Hotel, China 2016
Apple Flagship Stores (Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shanghai etc.)
Gurgaon City Masterplan, New Deli, India 2013
Guangzhou International Finance Center, Guangzhou China, 2010)
Princesshay Exeter Shopping Centre, UK (Opened in autumn 2007)