Japanese architectural and urban design firm Nikken Sekkei have formed a business alliance with one of Australia's largest architectural practices, The Buchan Group.

The partnership will allow the two firms to share knowledge, experience and networks as they seek joint commissions on a growing number of mixed-use leisure and hospitality projects around the world.

"The alliance brings together specialist skills, values and culture from both companies to provide a homogenous approach to design across a range of market sectors," said president and CEO of Nikken Sekkei, Tadao Kamei, who added that his practice were drawn to Buchan due to their successful track record in retail, hotel and residential architecture.

Dr. Fadi Jabri, regional director at the Japanese studio, said both firms were trying to maximise their prospects in a market that is increasingly competitive. “We will be able to pool our project experience to maximise new business opportunities, particularly throughout Middle East and India, by providing designs that are both creative and feasible," he added.

David Martin, CEO of Buchan Group, said: "Working closely with Nikken, we can offer our clients comprehensive global insight, gained from our joint, wide-ranging experience. We will also be able to succinctly communicate any pertinent commercial and brand expectations to developers or their preferred local consultants."

Nikken Sekkei are currently leading the redesign of FC Barcelona's iconic Camp Nou stadium, in addition to many large-scale projects in Dubai and the Middle East. The practice – one of the largest in the industry – are featured in the latest issue of CLADmag.

In an exclusive interview, Kamei told CLAD that Nikken Sekkei aim for all their work to be “more than creative.”

“This means perceiving our designs in a broad sense, collaborating with engineers and planners and delivering on the client`s request,” he said. “We’re also firm believers in adapting to changing times, understanding changing needs and providing our services accordingly.

“We have fostered a culture wherein we draw upon our past experiences and also improvise for our upcoming new projects.”