Jack Chui
Jack is a Senior Architectural Conservationist and member of the Technical Leadership Group, a team comprising members from across the practice aiming to enhance technical competency and ensure knowledge of local policies and procedures across Purcell.
Based in Hong Kong, Jack works on a variety of heritage conservation projects, carrying out condition surveys and preparing technical drawings and specifications. He is regularly on site with contractors, managing works to ensure required quality is maintained throughout.
Jack studied for his bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning at Sun Yat-sen University, where a sense of responsibility to conserve the city's urban fabric and historic buildings led him to pursue a master’s degree in Architectural Conservation and Design at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Jack's passion and knowledge of conserving historic buildings led him to identify the oldest shophouse in Hong Kong - 120 Wellington Street. After submitting historic research and assessments to the antiquity authority, the building has been accorded Grade I and saved. More recently, he has led various conservation projects of different scales and nature, utilising in-depth knowledge of local traditional building materials and construction.
Jack’s approach to conservation is centred around the belief that you should respect the original construction materials and be faithful to a materials nature when carrying out works. Thus, he believes the best way to preserve the authenticity of buildings is to use like for like materials in order to maintain the heritage cultural significance. His understanding of materials in part comes from the time he spends with local tradespeople on site, gaining an understanding of what they are doing and why, which helps with future project planning.
Jack lectures in the Architectural Conservation Programme as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong, where he delivers knowledge in conservation assessment and materials to graduate students. He also works regularly with HKICON, carrying out CPD and project tours that introduce Purcell’s conservation works to fellow professionals and members of the public.
Jack has previously appeared on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) about the discovery of a local heritage water works discovery. Jack was invited to talk about Pok Fu Lam Conduit, a conduit built in 1876-1877 using gravity to supply water from Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to Hong Kong urban area.
