CL3 Architects is an innovative architecture firm based in Hong Kong, with offices in Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai. Founded in 1992, CL3’s design is contemporary, while preserving the ability to bridge Architecture and Art. CL3 gives Eastern aesthetics a modern interpretation resulting in a unique showcase of distinguished designs. Renowned artist and architect William Lim provides the leadership and vision for CL3’s 70-person-strong team of dedicated professionals.
William Lim – Founder and Managing Director
As Founder and Managing Director of CL3 Architects Ltd. (CL3), William Lim brings over 20 years of experience to his projects. An acclaimed architect and artist, William graduated from Cornell University and has spent the past two decades at the forefront of architecture, culture and art.
With a keen appreciation of humanities and art, William’s designs are distinctive and contemporary. “Architects have a social obligation to improve urban environments,” explains William. “Architecture is about people. I always feel that architects are only doing part of the job—the rest is really shaped by the occupant using the space. We treat every project as a unique challenge and pay attention to every single detail – from the architecture to the interior detailing– to create human-oriented and quality designs with artistic value.”.
Since founding CL3 Architects in 1992, William has established a notable presence on the global design scene. The studio’s diverse, award-winning portfolio includes architectural and interior projects for hotels, restaurants, retail, corporate, residences and art installation design.
William is also active in the art space with a focus on public art. Throughout his career he has held several solo exhibitions showcasing his public art installations, most notably the Lantern Wonderland 2003 & 2011, Venice Biennale’s International Architectural Exhibition in 2006 & 2010, as well as Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in 2007, 2009 and 2017. His works have been exhibited in Hong Kong, Chengdu, the United States and Holland. More recently, his signature piece, “West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre”, was awarded the Grand Award and Special Award for Culture in Design for Asia Award in 2013.
Committed to promoting culture and education, William is currently the Advisory Council Member of the College of Architecture, Art and Planning at Cornell University and a Member on the Asia Pacific Acquisition Committee for Tate. Closer to home, he is also among the Gallery Advisory Committee Members for The Asia Society Hong Kong Center and Museum Expert Advisers for the Hong Kong Museum.
The Quayside is an innovative mixed-use development that promotes a healthy working environment mixing work, dine, recreation, relaxation into a green oasis amidst an industrial neighbourhood in Hong Kong.
The iconic skyscraper hotel InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City, located on the Chaotianmen Square, was opened on August 1st, 2020. CL3 Architects Limited is honored to be the interior design team for Raffles City Chongqing, a grand mixed-use project for Chongqing, China.
Nina Ballroom is the pilot project for the re-branded L’ hotel Nina et Convention Centre, a hotel rooted in Hong Kong and founded by the late business icon Nina Wang. The brand takes Generosity and Social Responsibility as its key attributes, which are well expressed in Nina Ballroom.
Hyatt Regency Beijing Shiyuan is designed to create a green life living, blending into nature in order to obtain the sensation experience of living surrounded by the mountain, river, lake, wild birds and flowers.
Zhuhai Intercontinental Hotel is situation within a landmark development, the Yanlord Marina Centre, located right on the coastline, within walking distance to the Macau border, and with a magnificent view to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the ocean beyond.