Meet Xinran Shen | Architectural Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xinran Shen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xinran, why did you pursue a creative career?
In embarking upon the trajectory of an artistic or creative career, my journey bears the indelible imprint of my upbringing amidst the luminaries of architecture and real estate development in the pulsating heart of Shanghai, my hometown, during its zenith as a burgeoning metropolis. It was a time of prosperity, when skyscrapers punctuated the skyline and urban sprawl morphed into a testament of human ingenuity.

The allure of this realm was not merely the gravitational pull of shaping the physicality of the world, but a profound desire to contribute my brushstrokes to the evolving canvas of the cityscape. Enveloped in the whispers narrating architectural sagas, tales of the untold histories etched into the facade of villas in the French Concession, I found myself drawn to the nuanced interplay between aesthetics, scientific principles, and the tapestry of societal conditions. The city, in its architectural embodiment, became a living, breathing artwork–an intricate mosaic where every decision, a brushstroke, served as a dynamic expression.

For me, the pursuit transcends the conventional confines of a achievement; it is an odyssey navigating the labyrinthine junctions of art, science, and the social milieu. The essence lies in harmonizing these disparate elements. To be a proficient creator in this realm is to embark a journey of perpetual challenges, akin to traversing a thrilling terrain where the boundaries of conventional thought are continually pushed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as a generalist architectural designer has been a dynamic exploration of the built environment, spanning a spectrum that oscillates from the grandeur of skyscrapers and hotels to the intricacies of transportation hubs and the intimacy of yoga huts. What distinguishes my trajectory is an unwavering commitment to seeking challenges that lie beyond the contours of my comfort zone, a deliberate choice that has unfurled a myriad of opportunities for the application of my creative talents.

The crux of my uniqueness lies not just in the breadth of my projects but in the ethos that propels me to continuously venture into uncharted territories. It is this deliberate dance with the unfamiliar that has become a wellspring for innovation, an intentional push against the gravitational pull of the ordinary. The continuous pursuit of challenges serves as a catalyst, cultivating an environment where creativity is not a static entity but an ever-evolving force.

As an international nomad, arriving alone in a foreign country at a young age, my journey has been marked by movements and the absence of rootedness for the past 12 years. The path was far from easy, demanding a constant need to blend in and adapt to diverse people and cultures. However, within the challenges emerged resilience—a potent elixir that propelled me forward, enabling me to transform each hurdle into a stepping stone.

What I am most proud of and excited about is the synthesis of these diverse experiences, encapsulated in the projects that dot my career landscape. They stand as a testament to the amalgamation of global influences, each one bearing the imprint of adaptability, creativity, and an insatiable thirst for the unexplored. The projects, from monumental skyscrapers to the serene simplicity of yoga huts, reflect not just architectural acumen but a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted tapestry of human experiences.

In essence, my career is a dynamic narrative of ceaseless exploration, a testament to the belief that true creativity resides in the realms that lie beyond the familiar. It is a journey defined by intentional challenges, resilience in the face of adversity, and an unyielding commitment to providing a fresher perspective to the ever-evolving landscape of design challenges.

The lessons etched into the fabric of my professional narrative are profound. Adaptability, not merely as a skill but as a mindset, emerged as a cornerstone of success. Each transition, every encounter with the unfamiliar, became an opportunity for growth. The ability to blend into different environments not only fostered a sense of belonging but also enriched my perspective on design challenges.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Before moving to New York, I spent 4 years in LA, when I first deeply dive into the world of architecture. It’s a very unique city, the combination of urban and nature.

Upon arrival I would start the journey in Venice Beach with a breakfast rendezvous at Egg Slut or Great White, to set the tone of the SoCal vibe. Meandering through the labyrinthine Abbot Kinney Boulevard, one embarks on a pilgrimage northward along the sun-kissed shores to Santa Monica, immersing oneself in the timeless 90210 panorama—a prerequisite to deciphering the nuances of LA’s urban lexicon.

During the week, my to-go list is woven with the warps and weft of architectural marvels and cultural enclaves. From the sublime heights of the Getty Center to the iconic visage of the Hollywood Sign and the cosmic allure of the Griffith Observatory, to the artistic haven of LACMA and the avant-garde Broad Museum, each site is a chapter in the narrative of LA’s multifaceted identity. The Art District, ROW DTLA, and the Platform in Culver City add layers to this urban palimpsest, their contours inviting scrutiny. As for the food, you really can’t miss Korean Town. Some of my favorites are Sun Nong Dan (only the W 6th St one) for the Spicy Galbijjim, Park’s BBQ, and Won Jo Kokerang Agurang for their Marinated Crab and fish roe rice.

For the architectural acolyte, the journey extends to the case study houses, especially the Stahl House and Eames House. After which, you can grab a nice upscale Peruvian dinner at Rosaline, then enjoy a night at Clifton’s Republic.

The crescendo, however, materializes on the final day—a transcendent sunset spectacle atop Palos Verdes. If you’re looking for something light, Pacific Fish Center & Restaurant will provide you with the fresh catch of the day; while if you want a cozy vibe and fulfilling food after the workout, get a glass of beer and some nice skewers at Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori & Chanko Gardena.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Instead of letting the nanny take care of me when he’s busy, my father always took me with him to his office teaching me how to read the blueprints, to the construction site watching the workers install building elements, on site visits telling me trivial stories of the new-builds. I wouldn’t have such a deep bond with architectural design without him. So big shoutout to him.

Website: https://www.amberxinranshen.com/

Instagram: @amburglarstudio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xinran-amber-shen-aab221139/