International Architecture And Design Practice RTKL Acquires Beijing-Based AHS International

Acquisition strengthens firm’s Asia presence and capitalizes on China’s commitment to provide a comprehensive network of hospitals, laboratories and medical facilities to serve its population of 1.3 billion

DALLAS/BEIJING — RTKL, the international architecture, planning and design firm, has acquired AHS International, the Beijing-based architecture practice that specializes in hospital, laboratory and medical facility design. The acquisition, which was structured as a simple asset purchase, builds on RTKL’s already well-established presence in Asia and allows the practice to provide a wider range of design, planning and technical services throughout China.

RTKL and AHS have teamed on the design of the Shanghai Changzheng New Pudong Hospital. At 2,200 beds and 361,000 m2, the New Pudong Hospital will be the largest new medical facility built in China in a single phase. The experience has been a positive one and the two practices realized they shared a commitment to quality design and a spirit of collaboration.

“RTKL and AHS are a proven partnership,” said Lance Josal FAIA, RTKL President and CEO. “We can now provide that tested relationship on a larger stage. The acquisition is also a lynchpin in our long-term strategy for growth. It gives us a Beijing office. It offers our clients a deeper pool of services in northern China. And it adds an established presence and reputation in the regional healthcare market. But, most importantly, it brings on board Kai Wang, a recognized leader in the design of hospitals and laboratories.”

“Expanding and improving healthcare is a universal issue that most governments around the world are facing,” added Brad Barker, AIA, RTKL executive vice president and managing director of the firm’s Health + Science Practice Group. “Opening a second office in China is part of RTKL’s broader commitment to markets that are developing world-class medical campuses. Through projects like the Shanghai Changzheng New Pudong Hospital, we are blending RTKL’s international healthcare design and technology expertise with local talent and cultural relevance. The result is better healthcare.”

Kai Wang AIA, founder and managing principal of AHS International, is a well-regarded expert in the design of healthcare, laboratory and medical facilities throughout China. Wang and his partner June Chen were educated in China and the United States and together formed AHS in 2005. Since then, AHS has grown to some 43 professionals in Beijing and Shanghai and currently operates as a Wholly-owned Foreign Enterprise (WOFE).

“There is a premium on knowledgeable healthcare design in China,” said Wang. “Now, as a part of RTKL and the even larger ARCADIS network, we can bring our knowledge to a wider portfolio of clients and respond to the market’s tremendous demand for world-class architecture and technology.”

The healthcare market in China is changing rapidly—in size and complexity. In 2009, the State Council announced that the government will provide 90 percent of the Chinese urban and rural population with healthcare coverage and intends to make an initial investment starting in 2010 of 850B RMB (US $125B) within a three-year period.  This investment will largely go to the construction of national healthcare centers of 2,000+ beds, regional centers of 1,000 beds and specialized hospitals of 500 beds. Creating these medical facilities relates to the core business of RTKL’s Healthcare Practice Group, which consistently ranks among the top ten providers of design, planning and technology services in the United States.  

About RTKL
RTKL is a worldwide architecture, engineering, planning and creative services organization. Part of the ARCADIS global network since 2007, RTKL specializes in providing its multi-disciplinary services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction and designs of lasting value. RTKL works with commercial, healthcare, public clients on projects around the globe. Visit us at: www.RTKL.com

About ARCADIS
ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design, engineering and management services in infrastructure, environment and buildings. We aim to enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life by creating balance in the built and natural environment. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With 15,000 employees and EUR 1.8 billion in revenues, the company has an extensive international network that is supported by strong local market positions. Visit us at: www.ARCADIS.com

About AHS International
AHS International is a dedicated architectural design/consulting firm for modern medical/healthcare/lab facility planning, design, project investment consulting and project management consulting. Established in Atlanta, Georgia, and registered in Beijing, China, in 2005, AHS sets its vision to create modern and functional healthcare/lab facilities with international standards. By introducing advanced healthcare/lab facility design concepts and techniques to China, AHS provides its clients with design excellence, quality services and innovative solutions.

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Posted September 8, 2010

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