Meet Yinzhu Yao

We were lucky to catch up with Yinzhu Yao recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yinzhu, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

Confidence, definite confidence. That does not mean t I’m arrogant; rather, it reflects a clear understanding of my abilities. I’m fully aware that I’m not an omnipotent person, but I make an effort to avoid areas where I’m not strong, and when facing adversity, I don’t give up—I find a way out. At the same time, maintaining a good mindset is important. Life is tough, and it’s impossible to feel enthusiastic all the time, but it’s crucial to have the right attitude when it matters most.

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’m a dynamic architectural designer whose expertise is shaped by a broad and diverse background, spanning multiple countries and disciplines.
My educational journey started with a Bachelor of Architecture from Suzhou University of Science and Technology in China, where I developed a strong foundation in architectural theory and design. Actually when I chose this major, I was not aware what it is, just not sure what I wanted to do in the future, and architecture looked not bad, like something about arts, because I was learning painting from childhood. And soon I realized it’s not only arts related, but also technical, so many things to learn. I then pursued a Master of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, which not only expanded my technical skills but also exposed me to the latest architectural practices. Currently, I am furthering my education by pursuing a Master of Science in Engineering Management at Trine University to gain the leadership and managerial skills necessary for overseeing complex projects.
As a Technical Designer at Gensler in Washington, D.C., I contributed to high-stakes projects that required a balance of creativity and technical expertise. My time at Sou Fujimoto Atelier in Tokyo and Kengo Kuma & Associates allowed me to explore innovative design philosophies, reinforcing my belief in architecture’s power to harmonize functionality with aesthetic beauty. It’s wonderful to horizon my vision in international firms with different background, which would produce design in different ways, from different views. That makes me emphasize my design philosophy centers on creating spaces that are innovative, sustainable, and deeply connected to their cultural and environmental contexts. I’m committed to designing environments that not only meet the practical needs of their users but also enhance their quality of life. My own work often reflects a balance between simplicity and sophistication, with a focus on sustainability and cultural relevance.
I’ve been selected as one of 18 artists out of 335 submissions whose work would be exhibited in Penn Museum in University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, on 3rd November. Welcome to take a look if you have spare time! The project AFTERMATH IN TRIPOLI, a memorial hall for the victims from illegal voyage in Libya, seeks to redefine the traditional perception of graves by transforming the concept into a powerful symbol of reflection and remembrance. And it’s a coincidence that the theme of exhibition is “On the Critical Point: Wanderlust and Nostalgia in the New Age”, which really matches my design thinking.

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?

Bravery, Aesthetic beauty and Empathy

As we know it’s hard to find a job during COVID-19, meanwhile the burden would be heavier when you saw your friends found a position sooner. At that time I did not know what would happen for next moment, many of my classmates came back to hometown, but I insisted my way, and believed I could make it. The biggest strength is – I’m brave, and never escape. Life is always a struggle, but ever-changing. What I have to do is to gain myself, prepare for a good chance and fortune next time. Finally I got a precious opportunity in DC, with my own efforts and a little bit luck.

And as I said before, my work often reflects a balance between simplicity and sophistication, with a focus on sustainability and cultural relevance. Apart from that, another point of my work is emotion, especially sorrow, nostalgia, because these emotions often mean there’s an issue to figure out.
In many ways, architects are the ones who shape the concept of “home”, as well as a group to solve problems, which requires us to have good ability to find out the trouble. Besides work, I’m also a photographer and artist, winning some awards and participating in exhibits as well. I’m addicted to capturing sparking moments, keen aesthetic sense and expressive abilities allow me to excel across these creative fields, getting the moods from the world more sensitively. Empathy is important. This isn’t about feeling superior or showing pity from a distance; it’s about having genuine empathy for those who are vulnerable. When your heart is truly connected to theirs, only then will your artwork be filled with vitality and meaning. There is a famous ancient Chinese saying that goes, “Establish the heart for heaven and earth, establish the destiny for the people, inherit the knowledge of past sages, and bring peace to all generations.” I deeply resonate with this message. It speaks to how young people should strive to contribute to society. I believe that in any creative endeavor, we must carry a heart filled with compassion, seek to solve problems, and make meaningful contributions to disadvantaged groups. Only then can the world become a better place, and the knowledge we acquire can be fully utilized.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Absolutely my mother. My mother and I actually have very different views, especially when it comes to marriage, family, and career choices. Despite these differences, she has always shown me boundless patience and kindness. As someone navigating life far from home, no matter how brave and strong I may seem, there are moments when life gets overwhelming. During those times, she listens to my confusion and pain, offering me unconditional support and encouragement. This is what I cherish the most.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Yixin Geng, Zhiqian Xu, Yongdi Li, Dingdong Tang, Zhaoxiong Han

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