Leading by Example: The Power of Small Acts in Community Work
Introduction: A Leader at the Crossroads of Innovation and Community
In today’s fast-evolving world of real estate and technology, few names resonate as powerfully as Terry Hui. As the President and CEO of Concord Pacific, one of Canada’s largest urban community builders, Hui has redefined what it means to blend architecture, innovation, and sustainability in urban development. More than a real estate magnate, Hui is a visionary with a sharp eye for transforming skylines and enhancing the way people live, work, and connect in modern cities.
This article delves into the life, legacy, and transformative impact of Terry Hui, examining how his approach to real estate development goes beyond profit to shape the social and environmental future of urban spaces.
From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: The Making of Terry Hui
Terry Hui’s path to becoming a real estate powerhouse is anything but conventional. Trained as an engineer, Hui earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. His background in science and systems thinking gave him an analytical approach to problem-solving—something that would later define his success in real estate.
Before taking over Concord Pacific, Hui gained experience in Silicon Valley, sharpening his entrepreneurial instincts in the world of technology and venture capital. When he stepped into the family business in the 1990s, he brought with him not just business acumen but a Silicon Valley-inspired mindset—focused on innovation, user experience, and scalable growth.
Concord Pacific: A New Era of Urban Development
Under Terry Hui’s leadership, Concord Pacific transformed from a large-scale real estate venture into a global name synonymous with futuristic, master-planned communities. Originally founded in the late 1980s to redevelop the former Expo 86 site in Vancouver, Concord Pacific quickly became one of the largest urban development projects in North America.
What set Hui apart was his forward-thinking vision. Rather than simply building high-rises, he imagined entire ecosystems—self-contained communities with integrated parks, schools, transit, and amenities. His projects are known not just for their architectural brilliance but for their commitment to quality of life, sustainability, and smart-city technologies.
Sustainability Meets Innovation
One of Hui’s most profound contributions to urban planning is his integration of sustainable technologies into large-scale developments. At a time when many developers saw eco-friendly initiatives as cost burdens, Hui viewed them as investments in longevity and livability.
For example, many Concord communities incorporate green roofs, electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels, and even proprietary district energy systems. These features not only reduce environmental footprints but also future-proof the developments in an increasingly eco-conscious world.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at sustainability. Hui’s developments are also technology-forward. Concord BioSpace, for instance, was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, integrating wellness technologies like touchless entry, improved air filtration, and thermal imaging into residential buildings.
Building Beyond Borders
Though his roots are in Vancouver, Terry Hui’s impact has extended internationally. Concord has expanded into cities such as Toronto, Seattle, and London, where his signature approach to development continues to thrive. Each project adapts to the local context while maintaining Concord’s core philosophy: community-first design with sustainability and technology at its heart.
One standout example is Concord CityPlace in Toronto—a massive development on former railway lands that has become one of Canada’s most densely populated residential communities. With carefully curated public spaces, vibrant street life, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, the area is a textbook example of Hui’s urbanist ideals in action.
Championing Community and Culture
Terry Hui’s work is also marked by a strong commitment to fostering culture and community. He believes that buildings are only as valuable as the communities they house. This belief is reflected in his support for public art installations, community gardens, and local events within Concord developments.
Hui has also been a significant supporter of arts and culture in Vancouver, backing institutions like the Vancouver Art Gallery and cultural initiatives that enhance public engagement with the arts. His developments often include public art and open spaces that serve as cultural gathering points.
Navigating Challenges with Vision
Despite his many achievements, Hui’s journey has not been without its challenges. The real estate industry is often at the center of political and economic storms, especially in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, where housing affordability and foreign investment are hot-button issues.
However, Hui has consistently advocated for balanced, long-term approaches. He emphasizes the role of developers in working with governments, communities, and planners to create cities that are inclusive, accessible, and future-ready. His focus on sustainability and innovation reflects an understanding that today’s developments must consider tomorrow’s realities.
A Legacy Still in Motion
It would be easy to look at the skyline of Vancouver or Toronto and measure Terry Hui’s impact in buildings alone. But his true legacy lies in how those buildings function—as part of living, breathing communities that blend environmental stewardship, smart technology, and human connection.
Hui continues to lead Concord Pacific into the future, pushing the boundaries of what urban development can be. Whether through smart homes, net-zero energy targets, or adaptive design in response to global events, Hui ensures that his developments evolve alongside the world around them.
Conclusion: Redefining the City of Tomorrow
As cities around the globe grapple with climate change, population growth, and housing crises, the example set by Terry Hui offers a compelling blueprint for the future. His work challenges us to rethink how cities should be built—not just as economic engines but as ecosystems where people can thrive.
In many ways, Hui represents a new breed of urban developer—one who blends business with purpose, design with technology, and growth with responsibility. His story is more than a tale of success; it is a model for sustainable progress.