(January 18, 2006) Los Angeles, CA - RTKL, the international architecture and planning firm, today received commendation from the U.S. Department of Commerce for the firm's enduring success in exporting American expertise to Asia. The recognition points to the efforts of the firm's Los Angeles office in particular and its contributions to a strong local economy and to the City's international commercial stature. 

An aide to Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard of California's 34th Congressional District, whose office represents downtown Los Angeles and facilitated the event, joined Thomas Choi, Vice General Manager of China Resources Company (Shenzhen), and other guests in a ceremony that recognized RTKL's extensive work, noting the breadth and depth of the firm's portfolio.

"This acknowledgement honors the efforts of many outstanding RTKL professionals who have been working in China since 1988," said Katie Sprague, Vice President and Managing Partner of the Los Angeles office. "Working in cultures and business climates that are vastly different from the US requires a great deal of understanding and patience to nurture relationships that make a long-term presence there possible and profitable."

"This award is well-deserved," said Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. "RTKL's work in Asia has helped to make Los Angeles a dynamic center for international commerce and has provided fresh ideas for revitalizing the city's downtown."

One of the first American architecture firms to establish a registered office in China, RTKL has developed a diverse portfolio of work throughout Asia. Among RTKL's recent commissions are the China Museum of Film in Beijing; the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum; City Crossing in Shenzhen; the upscale shopping center Siam Paragon in Bangkok; the renovation of the historic Hotel Indonesia in Jakarta; the master plan of Olympic Park for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing; and the re-branding of Chiao Tung Bank in Taiwan. These and other notable projects have established RTKL among the leading firms working in Asia today.

Presenting the Certificate to RTKL were Julie Anne Hennessy, U.S. Commerce Department Liaison and Angela Sur, Field Deputy for Congresswoman Roybal-Allard.  Accepting the award on behalf of RTKL were Paul Jacob, Chairman, Richard Yuan, Vice President, China Operations, and Katie Sprague.

About RTKL:
RTKL is a worldwide architecture, engineering, planning and creative services organization. Founded in 1946, the firm specializes in providing its services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction.  With projects around the globe, RTKL is an idea-driven firm providing innovative customized business solutions and seamless delivery to clients in commercial, cultural, and governmental realms.  www.rtkl.com