AADA 2026 Strengthens Jury With Global Hospitality Leader LEE LIN
The Organizing Committee for the Asia Architecture Design Awards (AADA) 2026 is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Lee Lin, a distinguished international leader in luxury hospitality development and design, to our 2026 International Jury Panel.
Currently serving as the Regional Director, Asia Pacific at NOBU Hospitality, Mr. Lin’s addition to the panel reinforces AADA’s commitment to recognizing projects that masterfully blend commercial feasibility with world-class experiential design.
A Career Defined by Strategic Global Impact
Lee Lin’s career is a testament to the power of a truly global perspective. Over the past decade, based in Thailand, he has become a pivotal figure in shaping the region’s hospitality landscape. Most recently, as Managing Director at Asset World Corporation (AWC), he oversaw the product strategy, concept design, and feasibility modeling for an ambitious portfolio of more than 60 projects.
His leadership journey includes significant tenures at prestigious firms such as BLINK Design Group, where he served as Associate Director and Head of Business Development & Design. Furthermore, Mr. Lin spent five years in China holding senior roles, including General Manager at the world-renowned MAD Architects in Beijing and Head of Business Development for Atkins Asia Pacific. This extensive background gives him a unique vantage point on the evolution of Asian architecture from both a creative and a developmental lens.
The Philosophy of Human Connection
A proud "Domer" and graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Bachelor of Architecture), Mr. Lin’s approach to design is rooted in academic excellence and a vast cultural vocabulary. Having studied and worked in diverse cities—from Rome and Dubai to Beijing and Bangkok—he brings a nuanced understanding of how architecture serves different communities and markets.
Mr. Lin describes himself as an enthusiastic and "eccentric" product professional. His core drive transcends mere aesthetics; he is dedicated to creating hospitality experiences that not only impress the eye but genuinely connect with the human spirit. His expertise in identifying "product-market fit" ensures that the projects he evaluates are both visionary and viable.
Key Highlights of Expertise:
- Core Disciplines: Luxury Hospitality Development, Product Strategy, Feasibility Modeling.
- Leadership: Regional Director, Asia Pacific at NOBU Hospitality; Former Managing Director at AWC.
- Global Insight: Strategic experience across Thailand, China, the Middle East, and Europe.
- Academic Contribution: Former Regional Director, Asia Pacific, for the Notre Dame Alumni Association.
We look forward to the dynamic energy and strategic depth Mr. Lee Lin will bring to the AADA judging process, ensuring our winners represent the absolute pinnacle of hospitality innovation in Asia.
