We are architectural designers based in the United States.

Anqi Wang is an Architectural Job Captain working at a firm in Santa Ana. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from SCI-Arc.

Ruijing Sun graduated from Columbia University with a degree in M.S. Advanced Architectural Design and she is currently working as an architectural designer in OLI Architecture.

Yue Liang graduated from University of Southern California in 2022 with a Master of Architecture degree, she is currently working as a Design Professional 1 in ODP Architects.

Hao Zhou finished his Master Degree of Architecture from Syracuse University and now he is working in a module-design Architecture firm which focus on “Design, Manufacture, Construction (DMC)”.

From our perspective, product design, particularly in furniture, closely aligns with architectural design. Furniture can be seen as a smaller-scale version of architecture, which is why we are drawn to this field.

We are not only interested in the design of living spaces and how people interact with their interiors, but also interested in how people interact with the products they use, like the chairs. Chairs play an important role in home design and good product design can provide more happiness.

We are a young team dedicated to architectural and product design. Our team is passionate about life, always seeking inspiration in the everyday, and channeling that vitality into our work. Our primary focus is on participating in various competitions, which helps us build a strong foundation for future growth and success.

For us, design is the art of solving problems with elegance. It involves deeply understanding client needs and market reactions, then creating solutions that not only meet those needs but also resonate with users or audiences.

The design we admire most is one that seamlessly blends art with industry to create both practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions for everyday life. Design, at its core, is about solving people’s problems. Our preferred approach focuses on enhancing functionality over form.

This results in designs that are straightforward and purposeful, featuring clean lines and simple shapes that are easy for users to understand. Essentially, it’s about streamlining the problem-solving process to its most effective form.

A design that effectively solves people's problems is always a good design. If a product is difficult to use or inefficient with resources, it needs to be rethought. A truly good design should be both user-friendly and environmentally conscious.

Our design style is to want a sustainable product, a design that is friendly to the environment and people, so we chose wood. Secondly, we were inspired by the shape of the arch in architecture, simplifying the arch structure in classical architecture, and finally we can get an efficient, simple and practical lounge chair.

The design process starts with a hand-drawn sketch, adding a personal and intimate touch to the work. From there, we move on to the precise task of 3D modeling.

As architectural designers, we've observed the unique qualities of arch elements in building structures. With their wide spans and superior load-bearing capabilities, we've been inspired to incorporate these arch structures into our furniture designs.

Our country and culture shapes our design approach, focusing on simplicity and functionality. Our experience in the United States has made us more attentive to details and construction in our designs.

We are honored to receive this award. It inspires us to continue designing and creating more designs.

Inspired by the arch structure in classic architecture, our chair deconstructs this form to adapt to the industrial age, breaking away from traditional chair designs. The stool and support are composed of two simple arcs, transforming the arch into a practical structural component.

The reason why we enter this design is because this chair contrasts sharply with the modernist architectural lines and industrial materials like reinforced concrete and glass, providing a sense of comfort and warmth through traditional wood.

The greatest challenge in designing the chair was finding a way to create a form that could be mass-produced while preserving its elegant curves. After experimenting with several design options, we settled on using two identical wooden panels that are bent and joined together. This solution not only optimizes material usage but also facilitates mass production and simplifies transportation.

This award validates our approach to integrating form and function in furniture design while emphasizing sustainability. It boosts our confidence and opens new career opportunities, including potential collaborations. It motivates us to keep exploring innovative design concepts and refining skills within architectural interiors.

The top 3 favorite things in our team are creative problem-solving skills, interdisciplinary collaboration and the concern for environmental impact.

Growing up in China, we were influenced by its rich history and unique ancient architecture. This traditional heritage blends seamlessly with modern innovation, as we respect historical roots while embracing future trends. Rapid urbanization and cultural diversity have enriched the design field, integrating various influences.

Additionally, the growing focus on sustainability has led many designers to adopt eco-friendly practices. This fusion of heritage, cultural depth, and forward-thinking innovation makes China's design industry vibrant and globally influential.

In the next 5-10 years, the design industry will likely prioritize sustainability, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and practices. Advances in new materials and technologies will unlock new design possibilities, while AI and AR/VR will enhance precision and creativity for designers.

When designing, focus on user needs and environmental sustainability. Embrace bold creativity and trust in your ideas and abilities to stand out in the industry.

Regularly browse industry websites to stay updated on the latest products and revisit classic designs. These outstanding works can serve as sources of inspiration and provide new insights and perspectives for your own designs.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, when everything, including woodshops, was closed, we decided to design and build a wooden chair in the basement. With most of the tools being borrowed and limited resources at hand, it took two full months to complete the project. It was an unforgettable experience.

Gerrit Rietveld, a renowned furniture designer and architect, has greatly inspired us. His iconic works, like the Red and Blue Chair and the Zig-zag Chair, showcase a deep understanding of shapes and lines. His dedication to simplicity and functionality influences our design approach.

The key to success is the mindset of continuous exploration. The advice would be to stay curious, embrace the unknown, and never stop exploring.

I would like to emphasize that our journey in design is an ongoing adventure. We will explore new realms of design continuously.