Interview with Yiru Zhang & Zian Zheng | Master Landscape Designers from the United States

Yiru: I am Yiru Zhang, a landscape and urban designer with a Master’s degree in Urban Design from the University of Michigan. My professional experience includes working in Houston, TX, and Pittsburgh, PA, where I’ve contributed to a variety of projects that blend innovative design with practical solutions.

Zian: HI, I'm Zian. I was born in Nanjing, China and I graduated from the University of Washington with a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture. Currently, I am a landscape designer practicing in Houston, Texas, United States.

Yiru: I chose to become a designer because I enjoy exploring and shaping environments to match my vision and preferences.

Zian: I was not very good at expressing my feelings through dialogue or any written format since young. I believe that there is one universal language that can bridge all the people and that is design.

Yiru: I worked as a landscape designer and urban designer in a landscape firm, while working as a freelance as well. I have previously worked in various landscape and architectural firms across the United States.

Zian: Currently I am working as a landscape designer for a Texas-based Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning company. Landscape architecture is a creative fusion of art, function, and science. Over here, I work across a broad spectrum of project types, from residential communities, and mixed-use to public parks.

Yiru: Design is a journey of exploration and innovation, blending art and science to create inspiring and sustainable environments. It starts with understanding context and needs, followed by research and ideation, leading to thoughtful solutions that balance aesthetics with functionality. For me, design is a way to contribute to a more beautiful, equitable, and sustainable world.

Zian: Design is the creation of experience. Design is understanding the world not only through my own eyes but also from others’ perspectives.

Yiru: I favor designs that are functional and purposeful, enhancing people’s daily lives in meaningful ways. For example, when a landscape design encourages healthier lifestyles and motivates people to spend more time outdoors, it fulfills the true purpose of design and the environment around us.

Zian: Good question! I am seeking a good design that is both something rational and something irrational, a balance of utilitarian and poetic.

Yiru: A good design seamlessly fits into its environment and serves a clear purpose. It should feel natural and not appear out of place or forced. Additionally, it must be useful and resonate with the local culture and context. Good design harmonises with its surroundings, enhances functionality, and respects cultural and environmental nuances.

Zian: A combination of open-minded listening, solid research, and hands-on trial.

Yiru & Zian: One day we were organising the colour glass samples in the studio. When we stacked them together, the colours overlaid and formed a new colour which was weirdly beautiful. This coincidence became the starting point of coming up with an art installation to encourage public interaction and question perceptions of space with colour and light.

Yiru: Yes, definitely. We're both from China, so our country’s cultural heritage greatly influences my design process. I value creating spaces for people to gather and enjoy, focusing on inclusivity and community connection in every project.

Zian: Yes. China has a long history of respecting and appreciating nature. Chinese ancient philosophical views abounded such as "unity of humanity and nature" and "observance of the laws of nature". Natural elements are always the biggest inspiration for us.

Yiru: I am honoured to receive the French Design Awards! This recognition not only validates our hard work but also motivates our team to continue creating innovative and impactful projects. It inspires us to strive for excellence in all our future endeavours.

Zian: Thank you! For me, this is an exciting exploration outside my day-to-day traditional landscape architecture job. This exploration not only invigorates my creativity but also expands my perspective, allowing me to integrate innovative solutions and new paradigms into my work.

Yiru: Winning this award will validate my design approach and open new opportunities for impactful projects and collaborations in my future career.

Zian: It really gave me a lot of confidence to step into a new design field. It’s an inspiring reminder of my creativity and possibility.

Yiru: Collaboration, colourful design, and functionality.

Zian: Innovation, dynamic, and inclusivity.

Yiru: Our design stands out because it invites active participation, transforming it from a passive art piece into an engaging, interactive experience for people.

Zian: The idea of “everyone can create their own art”. We want every user of our design to take a part of the ownership of this art installation. Without the users engaging, the design is not complete.

Yiru: While the rise of AI can automate repetitive tasks, design itself cannot be replaced due to its inherent complexity, the need for human empathy, and the richness of diverse cultures. I believe the industry will continue to evolve by integrating technology while prioritising creative, human-centered approaches.

Zian: I see more and more interdisciplinary collaborations happening over the next 10 years. Actually, there has already been a lot now as design is increasingly intersecting with other fields like technology, psychology, and sociology. This collaboration is leading to more holistic solutions that address complex problems.

Yiru: Pay close attention to your daily life, and find inspiration in the ordinary.

Zian: Be boundless. Don’t hesitate to explore everything.

Yiru: Design shapes our lives, and life shapes design.

Zian: I drew a site plan when I built my Animal Crossing village!

Yiru: Jan Gehl, a Danish architect and urban designer had a profound impact on me. His commitment to prioritising people is undoubtedly inspiring, and improving the relationship between the built environment and people's quality of life.

Zian: Satoshi Kon, a Japanese anime director. The way his work brings surreal scenes to life has inspired me on my journey to becoming a place designer.

Yiru: Believing in what you can do, and that you will achieve it, sooner or later.

Zian: Quote from my favourite musical Rent, “Today for you, tomorrow for me.” Success comes from mutual support.