Exploring the Intersection of AI & Architecture with Award-Winner Yanci Chen

Hello! My name is Yanci Chen, and I’m a U.S.-based architect with a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. As a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional, I specialise in crafting architectural strategies that tackle complex challenges, elevate human experiences, and explore the role of artificial intelligence in design.

My work has been recognised with international accolades, such as the MUSE Design Award and the London Design Awards, and has been featured in exhibitions across the United States. I’m passionate about pushing the boundaries of architecture and embracing innovation to shape the future of design.

I’ve always been fascinated by how spaces can shape human interactions and experiences. Growing up, I saw architecture and design as powerful tools for storytelling—conveying cultural values, addressing community needs, and inspiring emotional connections. This fascination led me to pursue architecture as both a creative and problem-solving discipline.

Over time, I’ve come to view design as a means of orchestrating meaningful human experiences, blending form, function, and emerging technologies. Whether it’s integrating AI-driven solutions or reimagining traditional architectural concepts, my goal has always been to create spaces that resonate with people at a deeper level. This passion for impactful, human-centric design is what continuously drives me to refine my craft and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

I currently work at Gensler, a leading global design and architecture firm renowned for its innovative approach across a wide spectrum of project types. In practice, I focus on three primary areas—technology, science, and retail/consumer experience—ensuring that each space is both functional and thoughtfully designed for the people who use it.

Whether it’s creating cutting-edge workplace solutions for tech companies or designing biolab facilities that prioritise research efficiency, my day-to-day work involves close collaboration with engineers, project managers, and clients to translate design visions into tangible realities. This role allows me to leverage my architectural background, problem-solving skills, and passion for meaningful human experiences, all while integrating emerging technologies such as AI to push the boundaries of contemporary design.

For me, design is about bridging the gap between imagination and reality—combining creativity, practical problem-solving, and a deep understanding of how people interact with their environments. It’s a continuous dialogue between form and function, where aesthetics and technology merge to create experiences that resonate on both an emotional and a functional level.

Ultimately, design is the process of translating abstract ideas into tangible solutions that enrich our daily lives, foster community connections, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

My favourite kind of design is one that thoughtfully blurs the boundaries between private, communal, and public spaces. I’m particularly drawn to projects that use technology and cultural references in tandem—where AI-driven insights inform traditional architectural approaches, and where the result is an environment that feels both innovative and deeply familiar.

By focusing on these seamless transitions, whether between indoors and outdoors or between individual and collective realms, design can become a catalyst for meaningful connections and enriching human experiences.

A “good” design, in my view, seamlessly addresses both functional requirements and emotional resonance. It solves a real need in a way that inspires people, whether by fostering community connections, engaging with cultural or historical context, or integrating technology to enhance daily life. It should feel intuitive yet spark curiosity—balancing form, function, and innovation so that people can genuinely connect with the space and each other.

The concept for Gradient Living was largely inspired by the pressing demographic challenges in Senri New Town, Osaka—where an aging local population and an influx of younger college students often struggle to find common ground. Witnessing this generational gap and the resulting social isolation led me to explore architectural strategies that could spark organic interaction.

Drawing on traditional Japanese housing principles—especially the notion of smooth spatial transitions—I envisioned a design that seamlessly weaves together private, communal, and urban realms. By introducing features like an “urban corridor” and layering indoor-outdoor areas, the project aims to encourage spontaneous encounters and nurture a sense of belonging, all while respecting the nuances of each group’s daily routines.

One of my biggest sources of inspiration came directly from visiting the site and observing how Japanese architectural norms have evolved in response to seismic requirements. In Japan, corridors play a critical role in allowing safe circulation and evacuations, particularly in earthquake-prone areas.

This practical necessity sparked my interest in exploring how corridors could serve dual functions—not only as physical connectors in times of need, but also as social and cultural bridges. By emphasising semi-public and semi-private corridors, I aimed to create moments of interaction that help unite different generational groups, all while integrating crucial safety standards into the design.

Absolutely. I grew up immersed in a rich cultural tapestry that values harmony, adaptability, and a strong sense of community. These principles naturally shape my design perspective, whether I’m drawing on Chinese garden traditions of framed views and fluid spatial transitions or looking to Japan’s meticulous approach to earthquake-resilient corridors.

Even when I’m working in international contexts—like the United States—my cultural heritage remains a foundational lens through which I interpret site conditions and user needs. It’s this fusion of global influences with deeply rooted cultural values that often inspires me to create spaces that feel both innovative and welcoming.

Thank you! Receiving the London Design Awards is an incredible honour that validates our dedication to pushing the boundaries of architecture and design. It reflects not just my personal passion but also the collective effort and creativity of our entire team.

It’s especially meaningful to see our human-centric and technology-driven approach recognised on a global stage. Beyond the prestige, this award inspires us to keep exploring innovative solutions that meet real community needs and spark meaningful social connections.

The project I submitted to the London Design Awards is Gradient Living, a residential concept aimed at revitalising Senri New Town in Osaka by bridging generational divides. This design focuses on creating transitional spaces—like corridor zones—that foster organic interactions between the ageing local population and younger college students.

I chose to enter Gradient Living because it embodies the core values of my practice: addressing real-world challenges through architecture and incorporating cultural and technological insights to enhance people’s everyday experiences. By spotlighting a design that harmonises tradition, innovation, and community needs, I felt this project truly represented my vision of human-centric, forward-thinking architecture.

A significant challenge was integrating the structural system and MEP components into the architectural vision without compromising the seamless spatial transitions that define Gradient Living. To tackle this, we adopted a highly collaborative approach from the earliest stages. Our team worked closely with structural and mechanical engineers, using detailed BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools to simulate and coordinate everything in a unified 3D environment.

This allowed us to identify potential conflicts early on and refine solutions in real-time. By balancing technical requirements—like load-bearing systems and efficient duct routes—with our architectural goals of creating fluid, community-centric spaces, we were able to uphold the project’s design integrity while ensuring safety and functionality.

Winning the London Design Awards serves as an important milestone in my career, validating the creative and technical strengths that I strive to bring to every project. Beyond the immediate recognition, it underscores my commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation, particularly in blending human-centric design with emerging technologies.

This visibility can open doors to collaborations with like-minded professionals, inspire new opportunities for research and experimentation, and ultimately solidify my reputation as a designer who is genuinely invested in shaping thoughtful, socially impactful spaces.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: I love how the design industry brings together professionals from architecture, engineering, technology, branding, and beyond. This rich convergence of perspectives and expertise results in more holistic, innovative solutions.

Tangible Social Impact: Design has the power to transform everyday life—from shaping how communities interact to improving the functionality and comfort of our living spaces. Seeing a design come to life and positively affect people’s lives is incredibly rewarding.

Constant Evolution of Technology: Advancements in AI, digital fabrication, and data analytics are continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in design. Embracing these emerging tools fuels creativity and opens up entirely new design paradigms.

Gradient Living stands out for its holistic approach to bridging generational divides while honouring local architectural traditions. Rather than merely providing a housing solution, the design weaves together community-building elements—like shared corridors and layered indoor-outdoor transitions—with cutting-edge technology and traditional Japanese spatial principles.

This focus on smooth transitions between private, communal, and urban realms creates an environment that encourages social interaction across demographics. By integrating structural and MEP requirements early in the concept phase, the project maintains its human-centric vision without sacrificing functionality or safety—resulting in a truly unique blend of cultural sensitivity, innovation, and practical design solutions.

I anticipate the design industry will evolve on multiple fronts, driven by rapid technological advancements and growing societal needs:

AI-Driven Insights: Artificial intelligence will become a key collaborator in the design process, offering predictive analytics and generative design capabilities. This will enable more efficient workflows and create highly tailored solutions based on real-time data.

Sustainability & Resilience: Heightened awareness of climate change and resource scarcity will accelerate the shift toward eco-friendly materials, net-zero buildings, and resilient urban planning. Designers will increasingly adopt circular design principles and life-cycle analyses to minimise environmental impact.

Human-Centric Experiences: As digital technologies become more pervasive, there will be a greater emphasis on creating designs that foster social interaction and emotional well-being. Blending the digital and physical realms—whether through interactive installations or augmented reality—will redefine the user experience in public and private spaces.

Overall, the next decade will likely see a blend of cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and a deeper focus on human connection—all reshaping the way we approach and experience design.

I would encourage aspiring designers to view design as a holistic process—one that balances imaginative creativity with real-world problem-solving. First, spend time deeply understanding the context and the people you’re designing for, because truly impactful work starts by addressing genuine needs. Next, be open to multidisciplinary collaboration—learning from engineers, technologists, and even sociologists can spark fresh ideas and strengthen your concepts.

Finally, don’t shy away from experimenting with emerging tools, such as AI or parametric modelling, to push the boundaries of what’s possible. These combined efforts—human insight, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and technological exploration—can help your designs stand out in competitions and in the marketplace.

I recommend a multi-pronged approach that encompasses both formal and informal learning avenues:

Conferences & Meetups: Engaging with conferences like the AIA Conference on Architecture, or local design-focused events, is invaluable for networking and discovering the latest industry tools and best practices.

Mentorship & Collaboration: Finding a mentor in the design community or collaborating with professionals across disciplines (such as engineering, data science, or even sociology) can offer unique perspectives and accelerate your growth.

One thing most people don’t know is that early in my career, I briefly considered pursuing a completely different path—fashion design. I’ve always been intrigued by how fabric and silhouettes can convey emotion and identity, and I even toyed with applying those principles to architecture. While I ultimately chose to focus on designing physical spaces, my fascination with colour, texture, and the interplay between personal style and environment still influences my work today.

I’ve always been deeply inspired by Zaha Hadid for her fearless exploration of form and her ability to push architectural boundaries. Her work showed me that design could be simultaneously bold, innovative, and sensitive to its context.

Witnessing how she translated sweeping concepts into functional, avant-garde spaces motivated me to challenge my own perceptions of what’s possible in architecture. It’s this visionary spirit—one that relentlessly pursues new ways to shape human experiences—that continues to fuel my passion for design.

My key to success boils down to a combination of relentless curiosity and empathy. I’m constantly learning—whether it’s new technologies, cultural contexts, or ways to collaborate more effectively. But just as importantly, I strive to keep the human experience at the heart of every design decision.

My advice to aspiring designers is to remain open-minded and humble in the face of challenges. Seek out mentors, learn from every critique, and never underestimate the value of truly understanding the people and contexts you’re designing for. Design is both a creative art and a service to the community—balancing these aspects is what elevates good ideas into transformative solutions.

I’d just like to emphasise how grateful I am for the opportunity to share my work and creative journey. Recognition like the London Design Awards underscores the importance of continual learning, collaboration, and keeping people at the centre of every design.

My hope is that Gradient Living and future projects will serve as catalysts for positive social engagement, showing that architecture can transcend mere aesthetics to actively improve the way we live, work, and connect with one another.