I am an architect and urban designer with an academic foundation from Harvard and Tsinghua University, currently serving as Associate Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF).

My work spans various scales and contexts, from landmark tower interior to large mixed-use developments. In parallel, I run my own practice, Extended Play Lab, where I continue to explore innovative design strategies that blend technology, culture, and urbanism.

Growing up, I was fascinated by the relationship between people and the built environment. Architecture felt like the perfect medium to explore how space can shape human experience.

Over time, my interest expanded into urban design, which allows me to think about cities as living systems that evolve with culture, technology, and society.

Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) is a world-leading architecture fime headquartered in New York known for our work on some of the world's tallest buildings.

At KPF, where I serve as Associate Principal, I have been involved in leading and executing large-scale commercial and mixed-use projects that span various geographies, including the CPIC Commercial Center in China, Tower 36 in Miami, and 5 WTC in New York. These projects push the boundaries of what architecture can achieve, combining technical innovation with deep urban insights to create spaces that shape the future of cities.

Beyond KPF, I also founded Extended Play Lab, my own experimental design practice that offers a platform to explore more avant-garde and interdisciplinary approaches to architecture and urbanism. Through Extended Play Lab, I have been able to bring together elements of digital media, public space design, and sustainable architecture, allowing for the cross-pollination of ideas that go beyond conventional architectural practice.

Design is the intersection of creativity, function, and social responsibility. It’s about solving complex problems while enhancing the human experience. Whether it’s a building or an urban landscape, design must foster connections between people and their environment.

I am drawn to designs that challenge conventional boundaries—those that blend technology, nature, and human interaction. Projects that push architecture toward ecological integration, like my Hydro-Bridge or urban spine project, captivate me because they offer innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

A good design is timeless, functional, and adaptable. It should improve the quality of life for its users, consider long-term environmental impacts, and be flexible enough to adapt to future needs. If a design can evolve with its surroundings and continue to be relevant, it’s a success.

My design style is rooted in creating spaces that resonate with human experience, emphasizing "place" over "space." I strive to infuse vitality into built environments, focusing on how architecture interacts with the everyday lives of people.

My approach blends a sensitivity to cultural and historical context with forward-looking solutions, often integrating natural elements, media façades, and innovative use of materials like mass timber. A key characteristic is the balance between form and function, crafting spaces that are not only aesthetically striking but also adaptable and dynamic, fostering meaningful interaction.

My design process begins with a deep exploration of the site and its cultural or social context. I aim to discover the hidden layers of vibrancy that can be amplified through architecture. For projects like Quzhou Landmark, I started by understanding the unique characteristics of the location, whether through interviews, research, or site visits.

Collaboration across disciplines is also crucial—whether it's working with engineers, urban planners, or artists, I believe in the synergy that different perspectives bring. I then develop concepts that harmonize technical solutions with experiential design, creating spaces that evoke both emotion and practicality.

Yes, deeply. Growing up in China and experiencing rapid urbanization gave me a unique perspective on how cities evolve. My designs are often inspired by the tension between tradition and modernity, as well as how cultural heritage can be preserved while embracing progress.

Winning in the MUSE Design Awards is a great honor. It validates the hard work and creativity we put into our projects. For our team, it’s a moment of pride and recognition that our ideas are resonating on an international scale. It motivates us to continue pushing boundaries in our future projects.

The Quzhou Landmark was selected for its innovative approach to integrating natural and urban landscapes. It challenges conventional tower design by incorporating green spaces and fluid, organic forms that reflect the surrounding environment.

We entered this project because it embodies the values of sustainability and forward-thinking design, which are key criteria in the MUSE Design Awards.

One of the biggest challenges was balancing the technical requirements of a high-rise structure with the desire for a natural, flowing design.

We overcame this by employing advanced parametric design tools to fine-tune the building’s shape, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining the aesthetic vision. Collaboration with engineers was also key in finding innovative solutions to these challenges.

Winning prestigious awards, including the MUSE Design Awards, has been pivotal in broadening my exposure in the design community. These recognitions have helped validate my approach to blending cultural context with modern innovation.

For instance, my Quzhou Landmark project, along with other key works like Urban Serenity, received increased interest after being recognized. Awards have opened doors for larger and more ambitious projects, and they have also affirmed my commitment to design that resonates deeply with both people and place.

1. The ability to shape and improve people’s lives through thoughtful design.

2.The interdisciplinary nature, allowing collaboration with various fields.

3. The constant evolution of technology that opens up new design possibilities.

China’s unique cultural heritage and rapid urbanization offer a fertile ground for experimentation and innovation in design. The country’s rich history juxtaposed with its drive towards modernity creates a duality that designers like myself navigate.

This duality can be seen in my works like the Quzhou Landmark, where I drew inspiration from traditional philosophies while integrating cutting-edge design. China's landscape fosters an environment where you can work on large-scale urban projects but also infuse them with historical significance, making every project a fusion of the past, present, and future.

I see design moving toward greater integration of technology and sustainability. With advancements in AI and machine learning, designers can create more responsive, adaptable environments.

Moreover, ecological concerns will push us to design with renewable materials and regenerative systems, making the industry more about balancing human and environmental needs.

The best designers understand art, technology, history, and sustainability. They are patient with their ideas and trust the process. Awards like the MUSE Design Awards are not just about recognition; they are about sharing a story that contributes to the design world.

Engage with platforms like ArchDaily, Dezeen, and Domus to stay updated with trends. Beyond that, I recommend taking courses in computational design and parametric tools and joining global architecture forums or events where you can exchange ideas with peers across the world.

I often dream about how cities would look if nature was given more control. It’s an inspiration that deeply influences my work, especially projects like Hydro-Bridge and Quzhou Landmark, where the natural environment plays an active role in shaping the design.

My professors at Harvard, particularly those who emphasized urban design, have been a profound influence. They taught me how cities could be human-centered while also being technologically advanced. Their vision of integrated urban spaces remains foundational in my work.

The key to success is a balance between perseverance and openness. Being patient with long design processes while staying open to new ideas and inspirations has allowed me to evolve my work.

To aspiring designers, I’d say: challenge conventional wisdom but always stay grounded in the context of your projects.

I would like to emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in today’s design industry. We are at a time where the boundaries between architecture, urbanism, and technology are blurring, and to stay relevant, we must embrace this shift.

In every project, my goal is to create spaces that not only address current needs but also anticipate future urban and societal shifts. I believe design can be a powerful tool in shaping a more vibrant and sustainable future.