Meet Zihe Ye

We were lucky to catch up with Zihe Ye recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Zihe , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I don’t usually think in terms of labels, nor do I believe in highlighting personal achievements without acknowledging the role of the environment and team in shaping an individual. More often than not, I see myself as an integral part of the team, contributing my skills and efforts just like everyone else.

After studying and graduating in the U.S., I entered the field of architectural design and construction—a profession that demands both technical expertise and physical endurance. It’s also an industry where men overwhelmingly dominate. As I gained more experience, I often found myself as “the only one in the room”—the only young Asian woman in many professional settings. But rather than feeling intimidated or out of place, I’ve come to see these moments as opportunities to learn and grow.

First and foremost, professionalism is key. No matter who I’m working with—my team or my clients—delivering high-quality work is always the top priority. I also make it a point to continuously learn and refine my expertise. Learning from seasoned professionals is invaluable; often, their hands-on experience provides insights that no textbook or building code can fully capture.

Second, communication is crucial. It’s important to speak up, express my ideas, and engage in open discussions to solve problems—all while maintaining professionalism. When faced with doubt or challenges, I rely on logic and facts, not emotion or frustration, to navigate the conversation. Treating every client and colleague with the same level of respect and adaptability, while being open to different working styles, helps foster collaboration and understanding.

Lastly, finding role models in the workplace has been incredibly inspiring. I’ve had the privilege of working with many outstanding and highly skilled women in this industry. They play vital roles in design, project management, and construction oversight, and they do so with both expertise and generosity. While women may still be the minority in this field, their achievements serve as a powerful motivation for me to keep pushing forward and excelling in my own career.

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 work in a design consultant firm in the architectural design and construction industry, specializing in waterproofing design and drafting for building envelopes. My academic background is in Urban Planning and Design, and after earning my Master’s degree in Architecture, I began working in architectural design. Given the complexity and scale of architectural projects, I chose to narrow my focus to the finer details—aspects of buildings that often go unnoticed but play a crucial role in ensuring construction quality.

In everyday life and design discussions, people tend to focus on the visual aspects of architecture—building facades, interior finishes, and furniture layouts. However, what’s often overlooked are the hidden layers behind these surfaces that safeguard a building’s long-term durability. When constructing a wall, for example, the waterproofing membranes, drainage layers, insulation, and soundproofing elements are invisible to the eye, yet they are essential to the building’s long-term performance. As building envelope consultants, our goal is not only to create aesthetically pleasing buildings but also to design buildings that truly serve people—providing lasting protection and enhancing their quality of life.

Buildings are more than just static structures; they live with us and accompany us through our daily routines. One key takeaway from my work is that we should treat our homes and buildings as living entities rather than disposable products. Just like any living system, they require regular maintenance and care. If small issues are ignored, they can escalate into larger, more costly problems that affect the entire building. I hope more people will start recognizing the value of these often-overlooked architectural details, appreciating the thought and effort behind them. Ultimately, that is the essence and purpose of my work.

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?

1. Stay Genuine. I still believe in the power of sincerity. While it may not always bring immediate success, if you keep trying, there will be people who recognize your authenticity and offer you opportunities to showcase your potential. When that moment comes, your job is to seize it.

2. Learn to Appreciate. In my (relatively) short career, I’ve been fortunate to meet many kind and generous people who have guided me in the right direction and offered support without expecting anything in return. Beyond cherishing these experiences, I believe it’s equally important to express gratitude. Some experiences may not have had a perfect ending at the time, but looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown because of them. Be grateful for life, for experiences, and for the people who have helped you—and, in turn, pay it forward by helping others.

3. Stay True to Yourself. Whether in work or life, the most fundamental thing is to respect your own feelings and not let external expectations cloud your judgment. Do what you love, stand by your values, and create a life that is truly yours.

I encourage those starting their careers to explore, experiment, and embrace new experiences—because that’s how you’ll discover the path that truly suits you.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest realization has been gaining a deeper understanding of my own interests and learning how to be at peace with myself. Throughout my career, I have explored spatial design at various scales, which has enriched my design language and broadened my knowledge. However, it also made me feel like I was constantly shifting focus, unable to deeply commit to one specific area.

This past year, I’ve learned how to maintain my passion across different aspects of design simultaneously—making meaningful progress in architectural detailing such as waterproofing, while also continuing to explore architectural design with peers in the field. Motivated by my interest in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, we developed a proposal for the transformation of the Brise-Vent Harve, a windbreak structure in Le Havre, France, into a museum project: Lieux de mémoire – A Realm of Memory Reimagined. We were honored to receive the Silver Winner award at the 2024 London Design Awards for this project. This experience has solidified my determination to continue pursuing architecture and to explore the built environment across different scales.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://issuu.com/ziheye/docs/zihe_ye_portfolio

Image Credits

The fourth image credits to (Zihe Ye, Yichun Xu, Jingyu Zhang, Mingrui Jiang)

All other images credit to : Zihe Ye