We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Xue Bai a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Xue, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
First, it’s important to recognize the seriousness of burnout. It is the result of long-term accumulation. To prevent it, I set specific phases for my work. As an architect, project timelines can be lengthy—large projects take 3 to 5 years, while smaller ones usually last at least a year. Sustained high workloads can easily lead to burnout.
Fortunately, architectural design itself has phases—SD, DD, CD—which serve as natural checkpoints in the workflow. I typically schedule my vacations during these phases, usually taking two weeks off to ensure I can completely disconnect from the work environment and mindset. Taking a substantial break from the daily pressures helps me recharge for the next phase.
Additionally, burnout can decrease job satisfaction and lead to self-doubt. For instance, spending too long on design or rendering can dull my sensitivity to those spaces, similar to how staring at a word for too long can make it feel unfamiliar. To maintain freshness and sharpness in my designs, I frequently switch between different tasks—alternating between rendering and technical drawings, and sometimes incorporating project management work. This variety keeps my work dynamic and engaging.
Lastly, I engage in regular physical activity to alleviate fatigue. Tennis and archery are two sports that allow me to immerse myself completely. Consistent and frequent exercise is another key strategy for maintaining my vitality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have been engaged in architectural design for six years, during which I have participated in various building projects. Each type of architecture presents unique challenges that require collaboration with different consultants. My primary focus is the Design Development (DD) and Construction Documentation (CD) phases.
During the DD phase, the architectural design begins to take shape with an overall direction and concept, but many spaces and details remain to be finalized. This stage involves refining spatial designs, selecting materials, developing sustainable strategies, and coordinating with various consultants to ensure the building’s functionality is fully realized. In my view, DD is the most critical period for determining a project’s success—not only in terms of aesthetics and practicality but also regarding the schedule and budget, which are pivotal in meeting client expectations.
The CD phase can be seen as an extension of DD. Once we have a clear plan for the overall space and material selection, the focus shifts to how to translate the designs on paper into a tangible reality. Personally, I find great satisfaction in creating detailed drawings that are organized, layered, and clear. Imagine immersing yourself in a 3D world of your design, with your favorite music playing through headphones—it’s a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As an architect, I believe that three key abilities are the most important: design, expression, and communication. First, design ability is essential; strong design skills are the core competency of any architect. Factors like functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, durability, and cultural context must all be considered in the design process. A good design can effectively integrate these aspects into a single building.
Second, expression is crucial, which involves two facets. The first is your ability to convey ideas through drawings, including modeling, rendering, and technical documentation. Exceptional architectural drawings should communicate the architect’s vision effectively. The second facet is the ability to articulate your design concepts and themes. It’s vital to present and promote your architectural ideas in a clear and understandable way, especially to non-professionals. Clients and the public often lack familiarity with technical jargon or architectural concepts, so being able to express your ideas clearly helps them understand the project.
Lastly, communication is a core competency throughout the project development process. Architects must facilitate dialogue among clients, consultants, and contractors, addressing the needs of all groups involved. When there are conflicting interests or differing needs, finding a balance and proposing solutions to keep the project moving forward is also crucial.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
As an immigrant, the challenges we face extend beyond language barriers; they also involve navigating cultural differences. I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mitra Memari, who is a Partner of ZGF Architects. From my student days, she has been a mentor to me, guiding me through my education and my career. My growth at every stage has been deeply influenced by her support.
As an immigrant and a woman in the male-dominated AEC field, Mitra is undoubtedly a remarkable success. Her achievements inspire me to continue pursuing my goals in her footsteps. Mitra is not just a successful architect; she is also an effective manager. Architects often have idealistic visions, but she has taught me that having design ideals alone is insufficient for a project’s success. She has opened my eyes to the commercial aspects of architecture, showing me that it involves much more than just design.
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