PES-Architects

Founded in 1968 by Professor Pekka Salminen in Helsinki, PES-Architects has established itself as one of Finland's most internationally acclaimed architectural practices. Under Salminen's visionary leadership, the firm has garnered worldwide recognition for its innovative approach to complex architectural challenges, particularly in performance venues and cultural facilities.

The practice's portfolio demonstrates exceptional versatility across typologies, from the award-winning Fuzhou Strait Culture and Arts Center - recipient of the prestigious China Civil Engineering Zhan Tianyou Award - to the technologically advanced Helsinki Airport Terminal expansions. Their work is characterized by sophisticated material applications, as evidenced in their pioneering use of ceramic systems and sustainable design solutions.

With headquarters in Helsinki employing over 100 professionals from diverse international backgrounds, and a wholly-owned subsidiary established in Shanghai in 2011, PES-Architects has successfully bridged European and Asian architectural traditions. The firm's integrated design approach encompasses architecture, interior design, urban planning, structural engineering, and project management, with a particular emphasis on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable technologies.

Notable recent works include the Nanchang Grand Theatre (2024) and Wuxi Grand Theater, both exemplifying the firm's commitment to cultural architecture that harmoniously blends contextual sensitivity with technical innovation. Their projects consistently demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of performance space acoustics, sustainable building systems, and innovative material applications.