We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yifan Cai. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yifan below.
Yifan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As a young Asian female landscape designer working in America, I have often found myself in international settings where women are rarely seen in the room. In those moments, my voice could easily be overlooked. What helped me succeed was letting my professional expertise and passion for landscape architecture take the lead. By developing new methods and workflows, I was able to demonstrate real value and bring fresh perspectives that advanced the projects.
One example is during the pandemic, when traditional ways of collaboration were no longer possible. I created a new workflow using Procreate on the iPad, which allowed us to move away from relying on expensive computers or repeated redrawing on paper. This method not only streamlined our process, but also gave designers more freedom to creatively explain design intent without redundant work. It proved to be so effective that my colleagues quickly adopted it, and today it has become part of the standard workflow in our office.
What makes me most proud is that this approach has been widely accepted and appreciated by clients all over the world, even in some of the most high-profile projects—such as nearly 20 large-scale mixed-use developments across Saudi Arabia, and a world-renowned entertainment park. For me, being ‘the only one in the room’ has been less about fitting in, and more about bringing innovation that can inspire confidence and elevate the work globally.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a landscape designer at SWA Group, and my work takes me to projects all over the world—from Asia to Europe to North America and the Middle East. What excites me most is that landscape architecture allows me to work at the intersection of culture, ecology, and design. I’m especially fascinated by water landscapes—whether it’s a wadi, an oasis, or an ocean—and how water shapes geography, culture, and human experience.
What sets my work apart is that I’m not only focused on creating a strong design for one project, but on developing methods and tools that can be applied across many. For example, I created a set of landscape toolkits and prototype databases that were used across nearly 20 large-scale mixed-use developments in Saudi Arabia, and have since been adopted in international projects throughout our firm. I also pioneered a Procreate-based design workflow during the pandemic, which allowed designers to creatively express intent without redundant work. This approach has been embraced by colleagues and clients worldwide, and is now applied to some of the most high-profile projects, including world-renowned entertainment destinations.
Beyond practice, I also explore how landscape design connects with technology and other creative fields. I co-authored AI Architecture Essentials: From ChatGPT to AIGC in 2024, one of the first books to examine how AI can be applied to architecture and landscape design. I also host a podcast, Collage Talk, with over 60 episodes featuring creative voices from around the globe. These platforms give me opportunities to keep exchanging ideas and broadening perspectives on design.
Looking ahead, I want to continue building bridges between design, culture, and technology, and to create landscapes that resonate on both a local and global level.
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?
First, do what you love. For me, that passion has always been water. My personal interest in water has allowed me to dive deeply into the hydrology stories of many projects and to find ways of making them both aesthetically inspiring and practically workable. That focus gives me energy and purpose, and it helps me push through challenges. Of course, it’s impossible to love every single aspect of the work, but finding the part you are truly drawn to—and building on it—can be a powerful driver.
Second, stay curious. While design is my core passion, I’ve always been eager to explore beyond it—whether that’s the latest technology, what’s happening in the world, or what other designers are doing. This mindset has helped me think outside the box. It’s also what led me to study AI after hours and eventually co-author a book on how AI can be applied in architecture and landscape design.
Third, practice empathy. Whether it’s with a client, a colleague, or a community, empathy helps me understand different perspectives and needs. It allows me to create designs that are not only creative but also meaningful and functional for the people who will experience them. I believe empathy is beyond language—it’s about connection and understanding.
For those just starting out, my advice would be: find the part of design that you truly love, stay endlessly curious, and always bring empathy into your work. These qualities can guide you through challenges and help you create design that matters.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
One of the most helpful people in my career growth has been our Associate Principal and my supervisor, Woonghee Lee. From the very beginning of my practice here in the U.S., even when I had just joined the team, he gave me an extraordinary level of trust and freedom. He encouraged me to explore new methodologies and workflows, and more importantly, he gave me the confidence to apply those ideas to high-profile international projects.
When I first developed a new design workflow using Procreate on the iPad, he didn’t just allow me to experiment—he asked me to give a lecture and teach the entire team how to use it. With his support, I was able to share the process, demonstrate its advantages, and help colleagues incorporate it into their own work. That moment of advocacy was key: it transformed what started as an experiment into a common method in our company, now widely used on international projects.
Without his mentorship and belief in me, I might not have had the chance to step into rooms where I was often the only one who looked different. His guidance helped me turn that difference into a strength, and it has been one of the most important factors in my growth as a designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/%E5%8F%A3%E5%A4%B4%E6%8B%BC%E8%B4%B4/id1550654181
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluidwitheva/
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