We recently connected with an excellent architectural designer, Xianlong Deng, who has been involved and lead in nationally acclaimed projects. He share some of his story and insight with us. Here are our conversation below.
Xianlong, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted in my unwavering faith in God and the unwavering support of my cherished loved ones. As a designer, navigating the challenges of extensive overtime, intricate design dilemmas, and the quest for innovation can often be daunting. In moments when I feel overwhelmed and on the verge of giving up, I turn to prayer to God, seeking solace and strength from the faith. Moreover, I find immense comfort and resilience in the presence of my family, friends, colleagues, and significant other. Whether it’s taking a peaceful walking along the shores of Lake Michigan, connecting with my relatives in China via video call, or sharing my burdens with a trusted friend by the Chicago River, their unwavering support rejuvenates my spirit. A simple assurance of “I am always here for you” from my loved ones is profoundly empowering, filling me with boundless resilience to persevere through any challenge.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an architectural designer with a passion for enhancing people’s living environments by proposing the best design solutions. With a solid educational background and extensive working experience, I have developed a robust skill set and exceptional design abilities. I hold a Master of Science in Design degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Wuhan University of Technology. These graduate studies have afforded me the time to refine my design thinking and philosophy.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working for several renowned architectural firms, including Gensler, SOM, BLT Architects (a Perkins Eastman studio), and Genesis AEC. In these roles, I worked in different design studios, allowing me to flex my design muscles across a range of projects. At Gensler, I play a critical role in the design team to work on several nationally acclaimed projects. I have leadingly contributed to high-rise tower projects such as the Kinzie & Morgan Mixed-use Development and the Grand Rapids Mixed-use Development, as well as commercial projects like confidential casino hotel designs and USH security system designs. the Kinzie & Morgan Mixed-use Development is so impactful that many real estate news platforms feature the project news all around the year. Similarly, at Genesis AEC, I worked on exceptional pharmaceutical projects for outstanding clients such as Pfizer, Johnson, and Merck.
Currently, I am thrilled to have joined Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, a prestigious company specializing in sustainability and high-tech project design. I have taken on an important designer role within the studio, contributing to a globally impactful confidential government project—an endeavor that promises both intrigue and excitement.
In addition to my work with renowned firms, I also engage in freelance architectural design to contribute to building better communities and providing superior living environments. I actively seek opportunities to renovate inhabitable houses, transforming them into remarkable residential spaces for their inhabitants. Presently, I am assisting a condo owner in overseeing the renovation of her unit. My responsibilities include conducting site visits, drafting punch list reports, and liaising with both the owner and contractors. Witnessing the transformation of her condo into a pristine living space is immensely rewarding. It is my vision to create upscale residential units throughout the Chicago area, enriching the local landscape with elegance and functionality.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities have been instrumental in my success: optimism, resilience, and connection with people.
Optimism has been my guiding light, allowing me to maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. This mindset shift has empowered me to navigate challenges with determination and creativity.
Resilience has been equally crucial. It’s the resilience that has enabled me to weather storms and emerge stronger from setbacks. By refusing to be deterred by obstacles, I’ve been able to push boundaries and explore innovative solutions even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
Furthermore, my ability to connect with people has been a significant asset. Building and nurturing relationships has not only provided me with invaluable support and resources but has also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to my community.
For those embarking on their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities diligently. Nurture optimism by focusing on the silver linings in every situation, no matter how challenging. Develop resilience by embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. And prioritize building genuine connections with others, as they can offer invaluable support and collaboration opportunities. Remember, success is often a journey best traveled with optimism, resilience, and a strong network of supporters by your side.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth and improvement has been in garnering recognition and acclaim for my design work on various projects, both nationally and internationally.
As my projects have received more exposure through awards, I’ve found myself increasingly in the spotlight, attracting attention from prestigious platforms. This newfound visibility has allowed me to establish my own brand as an exceptional designer, elevating my profile within the industry and beyond. Consequently, my self-confidence has experienced a substantial boost.
Among the accolades I’ve received, Yichang Music Town stands out as a Gold Winner at the MUSE Design Awards, while UPS Center has been honored with a Silver Award at French Design Awards. Furthermore, my comprehensive experience, including projects like La Brea Tar Pits, has led to my selection as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Designers at the Japan International Design Pioneer Award (IDPA).
These achievements not only validate my dedication and expertise but also serve as powerful catalysts for further growth and innovation in my design journey. Moving forward, I am inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and making meaningful contributions to the field of architecture and design.
