Alex (Zhen) Qian studied architecture from Chang'an University, China, graduating in 2000. For almost a decade, Alex worked in several established architectural practices in Shanghai, including Beijing CCI Architectural Design Co and MADA s.p.a.m. During this period, he participated in the design of projects spanning retail, commercial, office, education, culture, residential and more. In 2009, Alex commenced his master’s degree at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, and joined Foster + Partners in early 2011. At the end of 2019, Alex moved to the practice’s Shenzhen office and later was promoted to partner in 2022. Since then, Alex has been involved in high-profile and prestigious projects in both design and project management roles, including Varso Tower, Warsaw, Poland; Battersea Power Station, London; Narbo Via, Narbonne; DJI Sky City, Shenzhen and several ongoing projects across China.