Chinese project.

A year ago, L.A.-based Rothenberg Sawasy Architects Inc. began conceptual design work on a 2.3 million-square-foot mixed-use project in Nanjing, China. Now, work is well under way on the Venice Water City project.

Construction began in late October on the massive project, which will include 10 residential towers, and will be done in 14 months. Compared to the typical development timeline in L.A., the project is being executed at a sprinter's pace.

"It is because of the Chinese government and the attitude is, we are the people, we don't need to go and get approvals from the public," said Mark Rothenberg, managing principal of RS A and principal in charge of the project.

Chinese electronics company Suning Corp. is developing the project, which overlooks the Yangtze River.

RSA has had an office in Beijing for about three years, which now accounts for 10 percent of its work. The architecture firm is looking for more work there, Rothenberg said.

The towers range from 11 to 31 stories and will have a total of 1867 residential units and 53,000 square feet of retail space.

Staff reporter Daniel Miller can be reached at [e-mail] or (323) 5495225, ext. 263.