World's Leading Architecture, Interior Design Firms Form Strategic Partnership To Expand Global Footprint

-- Wilson Associates joins Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd. to form one of the largest and most prestigious architectural design companies in the world

DALLAS, March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- International luxury design firm Wilson Associates today announced an agreement to join forces with East China Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (ECADI), a company affiliated to Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd. The partnership will combine the expertise of two leading global companies to create a dominant new force in the architectural design industry.

"As one of the world's most renowned architecture firms, we wanted to align our company with a strategic partner that will strengthen our international footprint," said Mr. QIN Yun, Chairman of Xian Dai. "In Wilson Associates, we have found a like-minded company that shares our passion for excellent design and desire to secure high-end market share."

"Partnering with another design powerhouse will present our eight global offices with exciting new design opportunities," said Olivier Chavy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wilson Associates. "Together, we will offer our clients a fully-integrated design service; a team comprised of the world's most talented designers and architects."

ECADI is a progressive, award-winning company that has completed more than 30,000 landmark design and consulting projects.  ECADI's influential reputation is evidenced by their design of five of the world's tallest buildings, including Wuhan Greenland Center (606m), Dalian Greenland Center (518m), Shanghai World Financial Center (492m), Zifeng Mansion (450m), and Wuhan Center (438m).  Because of their innovation, ECADI has cultivated the world's most elite design experts.

Wilson Associates and ECADI have already collaborated on a variety of successful projects: Doubletree by Hilton Luneng, Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Chongming, The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan and Sofitel Shanghai Jing'an Huamin.

Wilson Associates offers ECADI a 43-year design legacy with a portfolio comprised of more than 3,000 iconic hotels, resorts, restaurants, casinos and high-end commercial and residential properties. ECADI offers Wilson Associates the same rich legacy, with a curated portfolio of cultural and convention centers, transportation hubs, theaters and ultra-high rise office buildings. Wilson Associates' design footprint spans six continents, 50 countries and includes an array of prestigious clients and operators, including more than 20 of the world's top 100 billionaires, all of which will expand ECADI's global reach.  To date, Wilson Associates has designed and installed more than one million guestrooms in thousands of hotels worldwide. Moving forward, Wilson Associates will maintain their name and brand identity.

About East China Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Based in Shanghai, China, ECADI has been one of the largest and most influential architectural and engineering design firms in China, affiliated to Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd. Since its beginning, ECADI has grown and developed into a group company with more than 15 professional subsidiary companies providing a full-spectrum of services that includes architectural, water conservation, municipal and urban planning and provides one-stop services, including engineering consultancy, engineering design, EPC, engineering survey, etc. Engineering News Record has consistently named ECADI one of "The Top 150 Global Design Firms" and "The Top 60 Engineering Design Firms in China." In 2012, ECADI was ranked 64/150.

ECADI subscribes to the idea: "Creation Accomplishes Dreams." We believe good design results from problem solving achieved through creativity, technical expertise, experience, and attention to detail.

For more information please visit: www.xd-ad.com.cn

About Wilson Associates

Specializing in interior architectural design, Wilson Associates was founded in 1971 and today employs 400 professionals located across eight international offices: Abu Dhabi, Dallas (headquarters), Dubai, Kochi, Los Angeles, New York, Shanghai, and Singapore. Blending experience, innovation and strong business principles, Wilson Associates continually sets the design standard for some of the world's most well-known addresses. The firm creates interiors for world-class hotels, resorts, restaurants, casinos and high-end residential properties, offering a full range of design services. Wilson Associates is consistently ranked as one of the top firms in the hospitality design industry worldwide.

For more information call +1-214-521-6753 or visit www.wilsonassociates.com 
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