US architects learn from Chinese developers

Chinese investment in large mixed-use towers in the United States not only changes the skyline but also helps local architects sharpen their skills.

"One thing we learned from the Chinese developers is how they honed their skills and made themselves more efficient," said Pieter Berger, associate partner of MVE & Partners Inc, an Irvine, California-based architectural design and planning firm.

During the past 15 years, the firm has engaged in two million square meters of development in China.