I am an architectural designer with a background in environmental science and urban planning. I started my journey at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Environmental Sciences and later I obtained my Master of Architecture degree from Yale University.

My work focuses on creating sustainable, context-sensitive designs that blend technical knowledge with cultural sensitivity. Currently, I’m based in New York, working on various scales of projects ranging from urban planning to product design.

My interest in architecture evolved from my initial studies in environmental science. At Berkeley, I learned how deeply human activities impact our environment, and I wanted to find ways to mediate this relationship through design.

Architecture felt like the perfect intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship, allowing me to approach sustainability from a spatial and experiential perspective. My time in Columbia also solidified my passion for the field, as it exposed me to the possibilities of designing spaces that not only solve practical issues but also enrich the human experience.

I currently work as an architectural designer at SCDA, a multidisciplinary design firm with projects spanning architecture, landscape, interior, and product design. At SCDA’s New York office, I take on diverse roles across project phases—from conceptual design to project coordination with clients, engineers, and contractors. I also contribute to the company’s sustainable design initiatives, providing analysis and recommendations to teams working on projects globally.

For instance, I worked on projects like a boutique resort near Yellowstone, where I researched carbon-neutral design and explored renewable energy systems. This position allows me to integrate my passion for sustainability into a range of design challenges.

To me, design is a way of solving problems that goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that respond to their environment, enhance the human experience, and offer a sense of place and identity.

Design should be thoughtful and rooted in an understanding of how people interact with their surroundings. It’s the bridge between practicality and inspiration, where human and nature would coexist.

I am particularly drawn to designs that embody a strong connection to nature and context. This type of design moves beyond pure functionality or aesthetic appeal; it operates as a vessel for interconnectedness, where each element—materials, light, spatial flow, and even silence—works in concert to create a sensory narrative.

For me, this approach represents the highest purpose of architecture: to connect humans with their surroundings, fostering a deeper awareness of both the temporal and eternal.

This resonance shapes an experience that is layered, reflective, and adaptive, encouraging those who inhabit these spaces to find balance within themselves and their environment. It’s about crafting not just a building but a place that feels alive, where the energy of nature is preserved and nurtured.

In this pursuit, architecture becomes almost like a breathing organism, responsive to both natural and human rhythms. It’s an approach that feels particularly urgent in our age, where respecting and re-engaging with our ecosystems is not just ideal but essential for a sustainable future.

A “good” design should be beautiful to experience, but also serve its purpose efficiently and harmoniously within its context. A good design responds to the needs of the users while respecting the natural and cultural landscape it inhabits. It’s about creating spaces that are timeless, adaptable, and that people feel a genuine connection to.

My design style emphasizes sustainability, adaptability, and cultural depth. I strive to combine innovative practices with traditional values, integrating recyclable materials, renewable energy, and adaptable spaces.

This approach allows for open, fluid environments that foster community and connect to nature, transforming structures into living ecosystems that serve their users.

My design process begins with an in-depth study of the project context, including cultural, social, and environmental aspects. I engage local stakeholders through interviews and workshops, incorporating their perspectives into the design.

Once the concept takes shape, I iterate based on feedback and incorporate sustainable principles, such as energy efficiency and resource conservation, to create viable, long-term solutions.

Absolutely. My Chinese heritage deeply influences my approach to space and design. Traditional Chinese concepts like feng shui emphasize the relationship between nature, space, and human well-being, which resonates with my focus on sustainability.

This cultural background helps me consider how elements like airflow, light, and water can shape the atmosphere of a space, making my designs more sensitive to their surroundings.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is an incredible honor for me and my team. It’s a validation of our commitment to sustainable, impactful architecture. This recognition boosts our motivation to push design boundaries, address pressing social and environmental issues, and deliver projects that resonate with communities.

Our winning entry, SKY DROPLET, embodies a visionary redefinition of the urban skyline—transforming it from a mere collection of structures into a vibrant, self-sustaining vertical ecosystem.

This project reimagines urban life at an unprecedented scale: a mile-high vertical community on the Chicago lakefront that rises like a living organism, combining sustainable architecture with a profound commitment to addressing food deserts and promoting social health.

Inspired by the intricate patterns found in water droplets, SKY DROPLET comprises four interconnected towers, each supported by a diagrid exoskeleton, resembling the ripple effects of water on a still lake. These towers are more than architectural icons; they represent an integrated approach to sustainability, where residents can live, work, and nurture their connection to nature.

Vertical farms stretch skyward throughout the structure, ensuring that fresh produce is accessible within the building itself, creating a seamless connection between urban living and food production.

The design also incorporates renewable energy sources—harnessing wind, rain, and even ambient moisture—resulting in an eco-friendly, self-sustaining ecosystem. Innovative technologies like the MULTI elevator system create an interconnected loop for movement throughout the complex, allowing residents to flow seamlessly between spaces for living, work, and leisure.

In every detail, SKY DROPLET is intended not only to serve as a sustainable architectural landmark but to be a catalyst for transforming urban centers into holistic environments that nurture both people and the planet.

We chose this project for the MUSE Design Awards to emphasize that architecture, at its best, goes beyond buildings; it creates enduring ecosystems where human potential and nature can thrive side by side.

The biggest challenge with SKY DROPLET was the intricate balance of sustainability, technology, and community integration in a high-density urban environment. We faced the daunting task of designing an effective vertical farming system that could thrive within skyscrapers while ensuring an engaging user experience, which required innovative engineering and collaboration with agricultural experts.

Additionally, integrating renewable energy systems posed complexities, as we aimed for the building to generate its own power from sources like wind and solar. Engaging the community throughout the design process was essential, requiring thoughtful dialogue to ensure SKY DROPLET addressed their needs.

Ultimately, these challenges were pivotal in shaping the project into a transformative solution that redefines urban living through sustainability and community.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Design Awards has been a significant catalyst for the evolution of my practice and career, providing both recognition and validation for our commitment to innovative and sustainable design.

This accolade has elevated our visibility in the architectural community, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and project engagement. It has also reinforced our belief in the importance of integrating sustainability with community needs, inspiring us to further explore ambitious projects that challenge conventional design boundaries.

My top three favorite aspects of the architecture and design industry are:

Innovation and Creativity: The constant evolution of ideas and technologies allows for limitless creativity in addressing complex problems. Each project presents a unique challenge that demands innovative solutions, pushing the boundaries of what architecture can achieve.

Impact on Society: The ability to shape environments that influence how people live, work, and interact is profoundly rewarding. Our designs have the power to enhance community well-being, promote sustainability, and foster cultural connections, making a tangible difference in people's lives.

Cultural Integration: Engaging with diverse cultures and histories enriches our work and informs our designs. This integration not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also creates spaces that resonate with the communities they serve, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity in meaningful ways.

China's design industry is unique due to its rich cultural heritage intertwined with rapid modernization and urbanization. The profound historical philosophies, such as Feng Shui and Confucian principles, inform contemporary design practices, emphasizing harmony with nature and community.

Furthermore, China's position as a global economic powerhouse fosters a dynamic environment for architectural innovation, allowing for experimentation with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.

The scale of urbanization offers unparalleled opportunities to address complex design challenges, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics to create spaces that are not only functional but also resonate deeply with cultural significance. This interplay of history, culture, and innovation makes China's design landscape truly distinctive.

Over the next 5-10 years, I envision the design industry evolving towards a more integrated and holistic approach, prioritizing sustainability, technological advancements, and user-centric design. Sustainability will transition from being a trend to a fundamental principle, with architects and designers focusing on regenerative practices that minimize environmental impact while enhancing the ecosystem.

Technological integration will deepen, with tools like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced building materials becoming commonplace, enabling more efficient design processes and enhanced user experiences.

Moreover, the emphasis on adaptability will grow, as designs must accommodate shifting demographics, work patterns, and environmental conditions. This adaptability will be crucial in creating spaces that promote health, well-being, and community connection, ensuring that architecture responds dynamically to the needs of its inhabitants.

Ultimately, the design industry will increasingly align with broader societal goals, embracing inclusivity and resilience as core values in shaping the environments we live in.

If you’re a student entering the architecture and design industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, my key advice is to cultivate curiosity and resilience. Embrace every project as a learning opportunity, staying informed about emerging trends, technologies, and sustainable practices.

Develop your unique voice by engaging with diverse perspectives and seeking feedback from peers and mentors. Don't shy away from taking risks, as innovation often arises from bold ideas. Remember that your designs can significantly impact the world, so stay passionate and committed to creating spaces that inspire and uplift communities.

To improve your skills in the design industry, I recommend a blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Engage in design competitions and collaborative projects to hone your creativity and problem-solving skills. Seek out mentorship opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

Explore online platforms like Coursera and Skillshare for courses in design software and sustainable practices. Additionally, immerse yourself in architecture and design literature—books, journals, and blogs that challenge your thinking and expose you to diverse design philosophies.

Finally, visiting exhibitions and engaging with local design communities can provide invaluable insights and inspiration.

One thing I’ve rarely shared is the deep emotional connection I feel towards each project I undertake. For me, every design isn’t merely a task; it’s a personal journey that intertwines with the stories of the communities I serve.

This connection fuels my passion and commitment, reminding me that architecture is not just about creating spaces, but about forging meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. It’s a privilege to contribute to the lives of others through my work, and this intrinsic motivation is what drives my creativity and dedication as an architect.

Frank Lloyd Wright has been a profound source of inspiration in my life, particularly through his iconic work, Fallingwater. This masterpiece embodies the seamless integration of architecture with nature, reflecting a philosophy that resonates deeply with my own beliefs about sustainable design.

Seeing Fallingwater for the first time as a teenager left a lasting impression on me, as it demonstrated how architecture could enhance and harmonize with the environment rather than dominate it. Wright's innovative use of materials and space has taught me the importance of context and the delicate balance between built and natural environments.

His legacy encourages me to pursue designs that honor and enhance the ecological systems we inhabit, making him a guiding figure in my architectural journey.

The key to my success in architecture is rooted in a relentless pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and the integration of community needs into every project. I believe that architecture should not only respond to the physical environment but also enhance the cultural and social fabric of the community.

My parting words of wisdom for aspiring architects are to cultivate a deep curiosity about the built environment and to see challenges as opportunities for creative exploration. Strive to create spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also foster a sense of connection and belonging.

Ultimately, architecture has the power to shape human experiences, so approach your work with a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those who inhabit the spaces you create.