Meet Minyue Ge

We recently connected with Minyue Ge and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Minyue, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose in architecture has been a journey shaped by both personal experiences and professional exploration. From a young age, I was captivated by the way spaces influence human interaction and how design can uplift communities. This curiosity naturally led me to pursue architecture, but it was through my work on real-world projects and competitions that my purpose truly crystallized.

Working on initiatives like the Moonception International Competition and the SOM Hollywood Central Park Competition helped me realize the impact that innovative and sustainable design can have on both local and global scales. These experiences showed me that architecture isn’t just about creating beautiful buildings, but about solving societal challenges—whether it’s affordable housing, urban revitalization, or sustainable development.

Over time, I realized that my purpose lies in using architecture as a tool for positive change. My work at SOM has allowed me to contribute to projects that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, all of which align with my broader mission of designing spaces that improve the quality of life for people and communities. My purpose is not static; it evolves with every project I work on, always with a focus on creating meaningful, transformative spaces that benefit society and the environment.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that have real social and environmental impact. For example, I’ve had the privilege of working on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Village Competition, where we designed a modular village that can be repurposed into shelters and public spaces after the Games. This kind of project exemplifies how architecture can go beyond its immediate purpose to leave a lasting, positive legacy.

I’m also heavily involved in the development of prefabricated housing solutions, which I believe will play a critical role in addressing the global housing crisis. Prefabrication allows us to create affordable, high-quality homes at a faster pace, while also reducing waste and improving sustainability. This approach is not only practical but also deeply aligned with my vision of creating inclusive, resilient, and adaptable urban environments.

As for what’s next, my current focus is on expanding my work in international contexts. I’m passionate about integrating local culture and sustainable practices into large-scale projects that bring communities together and address local challenges. I’m also mentoring young architects at SOM, which is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to share my experiences and help guide the next generation of designers who are eager to make a difference.

Ultimately, my work is about using architecture as a tool for positive social change. Whether through affordable housing, public spaces, or sustainable development, my goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in architecture to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

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?

Looking back, I would say the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were adaptability, collaboration, and a strong foundation in sustainability.

Adaptability has been crucial in an ever-evolving field like architecture. Whether it’s responding to new design challenges, adjusting to shifts in technology, or understanding different cultural contexts in international projects, being able to pivot and approach problems with flexibility has been vital. For those early in their careers, I would recommend embracing change rather than resisting it. Be open to new experiences, and view each challenge as an opportunity to grow and expand your skill set.

Collaboration is another key element that has shaped my career, especially working on large-scale projects across different time zones and teams. Architecture is inherently a team effort, and being able to effectively communicate and work with diverse professionals—whether engineers, city officials, or clients—is essential. For aspiring architects, I’d advise practicing active listening and learning to value the perspectives of others. It’s through collaboration that we create the most innovative and successful designs.

Lastly, sustainability has been at the core of my work and something I believe every architect should be deeply knowledgeable about. The built environment has a tremendous impact on our planet, and it’s our responsibility to design with that in mind. Early on, I focused on understanding sustainable practices and how they can be integrated into every aspect of design. For those just starting out, I encourage immersing yourself in the principles of sustainability and thinking critically about how your work can minimize environmental impact. Understanding sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and how to design for future adaptability will be key skills as we move forward in the profession.

Advice for those early in their journey would be to remain curious, continuously learn, and not be afraid to challenge the status quo. Architecture is a lifelong learning process, and the best way to stay relevant is to keep growing your skills. Engage with the communities you design for, understand the broader societal and environmental implications of your work, and never lose sight of the positive change architecture can create.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe it’s essential to strike a balance between leveraging your strengths and investing in areas where you can improve. Your strengths are often what set you apart and define your unique approach to architecture or any field. However, in a multidisciplinary profession like architecture, being well-rounded is equally important because you’re constantly collaborating across various disciplines and facing new challenges that require diverse skill sets.

For instance, when I first started out, my natural strength was in conceptual design. I’ve always had a strong sense for visualizing spaces and creating innovative solutions. These successes gave me confidence and helped define my approach.

But as I began working on large-scale projects at SOM, I realized that having strong design skills alone wasn’t enough. I needed to improve in areas like project management, regulatory navigation, and technical coordination—skills that weren’t my natural strengths but were critical for executing projects on a larger scale. I had to dive deep into understanding the intricacies of zoning laws, sustainability standards, and complex stakeholder negotiations. This was a steep learning curve for me, but investing time and effort in these areas allowed me to become more effective as a designer and leader.

I’ve found that by continuously improving areas where I’m less comfortable, I’ve become more adaptable and capable of handling the multifaceted challenges that come with architecture. That said, I don’t believe in abandoning your strengths—instead, I think the key is to keep refining what you’re naturally good at while expanding your skill set to stay relevant and versatile.

So, my advice would be to go all in on your strengths to carve out your unique space, but never stop challenging yourself to grow in areas that are unfamiliar or uncomfortable. It’s in that balance that you find true growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mg-architecture.com/
• Instagram: mmg_1217
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geminyue