Meet Zhongqi Fu | Product Designer & Ex-Architect

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

Hi Zhongqi, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Building on my deep-seated belief in the Law of Attraction, my professional journey from architecture to becoming a product design lead embodies the essence of transformation, underscored by resilience, faith, and a relentless quest for growth. This path, marked by a pivotal decision to shift careers, challenged me to step into the unknown and leave behind a burgeoning career in architecture—a field where I had spent over six years honing my skills, achieving top academic honors, and even earning a master’s degree from the prestigious Columbia University. The transition was not merely a change in professional direction but a leap of faith into a domain where I initially had no formal education or a network in digital design.

Embracing this new path, I embarked on a rigorous self-education journey in the world of UX/UI design, tapping into every available resource—online courses, blogs, and industry insights. This intensive period of learning and networking was foundational, paving the way for my initial forays into product design. These early experiences, though fraught with challenges, highlighted the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to continuously learn and grow. They culminated in significant milestones, including securing my first role in the field, and eventually, leading me to a position as a product design lead at a forefront new energy startup.

Four years into this role, my responsibilities have expanded to encompass cross-functional collaboration, aligning design strategies with business objectives, overseeing multiple products, and leading diverse teams. This journey has not only been about achieving professional milestones but also about personal growth, navigating complex challenges, and making impactful decisions that shape the direction of our products and teams.

Moreover, the journey has been enriching in ways beyond professional success. It has allowed me to mentor emerging designers and share the lessons learned from my own experiences. This aspect of my career is particularly rewarding, as it enables me to give back to the community and support others in navigating their paths.

Reflecting on this journey, it’s evident that the belief in one’s ability to achieve their goals, coupled with relentless effort and a mindset geared towards growth and learning, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It’s a testament to the idea that with conviction and dedication, navigating the transition from one profession to another is not just possible but can open doors to new opportunities and avenues for making a significant impact. My story is a reminder of the power of belief, the value of embracing change, and the endless possibilities that come with stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the world of product design, the essence of “Art” extends beyond the realms of visual allure to encompass the resolution of real-life challenges, thereby enhancing the quality of everyday life. This philosophy underscores my approach to design, where the primary objective is to craft solutions that address genuine issues faced by people. What distinguishes me from my peers is the rich architectural background I bring to the table. This foundation not only sharpens my attention to detail but also enables me to devise out-of-the-box solutions and gain a profound understanding of the audiences I design for.

Embracing the role of a product designer comes with its unique set of challenges. It demands a deep dive into domain knowledge within a constrained timeframe, necessitating extensive research before even beginning to shift a pixel in Figma. The journey is paved with compromises, stemming from technical limitations or stakeholder pushbacks, and it often involves educating coworkers and clients about the characteristics of a well-crafted product. Thus, I view myself as more than just an artist; I navigate the realms of design with a meticulous adherence to regulations, codes, and standards.

This journey has not been without its hurdles. The transition from the structural world of architecture to the fluid and ever-evolving field of digital product design required not only a shift in mindset but also a willingness to immerse myself in continuous learning and adaptation. Facing these challenges head-on, I leveraged my architectural precision and creative thinking to carve a niche in product design, focusing on creating impactful, user-centric solutions.

Along this path, I’ve learned the critical importance of empathy in design—understanding the user’s needs, fears, and aspirations is paramount. This empathy, combined with my architectural rigor, enables me to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply functional and relevant to users’ lives.

What I wish for the world to recognize about my brand and story is this blend of architectural discipline and product design innovation. It’s a testament to the power of bridging diverse fields to create designs that are meaningful, accessible, and transformative. As I continue to navigate the challenges and triumphs of product design, my mission remains clear: to enhance human experiences through thoughtful and inclusive design solutions.

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.
If my best friend were coming to visit, I’d be thrilled to showcase the best of both cities I’ve called home—New York City and Boston. Each city offers a unique blend of experiences that reflect their distinct styles and vibes, and I’m excited to share a bit of both worlds.

In New York City, the city’s dynamic energy and cyberpunk aesthetic never fail to amaze me. In New York City, we’d get swept up in its artistic heartbeat, wandering through the timeless halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA. Our days would blend tranquility and the city’s dynamic pulse with strolls through Central Park, the High Line, and Little Island Park. A trip to the Empire State Building for iconic skyline views, a fashion-forward jaunt down 5th Avenue and SoHo, and embracing Manhattan’s panorama from The Edge would capture the essence of the city. Our adventure would culminate in K-town, where the vibrant nightlife, from BBQ to bars, showcases the city’s diverse and energetic spirit. This journey through New York wouldn’t just be about visiting; it would be about truly experiencing the city’s rich culture and vivacity.

Transitioning to Boston, the ambiance shifts towards a more serene “peace and love” vibe. In Boston, our journey would start with the tranquility of a sunset boat ride from the harbor, setting the tone for a week of exploration and relaxation. The summer would beckon us to the Charles River for sailing or paddling, surrounded by the city’s picturesque backdrop. Harvard and MIT would be on our itinerary, offering a glimpse into the minds shaping tomorrow. Revere Beach would cater to our love for the ocean, providing a serene seaside escape. The historical allure of Salem and Manchester-by-the-Sea would transport us through New England’s storied past. As the seasons change, a drive to the White Mountains would reveal breathtaking autumn hues and hiking trails. And when winter arrives, we’d embrace the cold with a ski trip to Wachusett Mountain, celebrating the year-round charm that Boston and its surroundings have to offer. This experience in Boston would weave together the beauty of nature, the thrill of learning, and the warmth of history into an unforgettable tapestry.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support and guidance of numerous individuals—friends, colleagues, professors, and mentors—who’ve been instrumental in my growth, both professionally and personally. There were countless times when I faced uncertainty about my career path, life choices, or battled feelings of imposter syndrome. During these moments, it was their unwavering support, empathetic listening, constructive feedback, and generous sharing of resources that helped me to venture beyond my comfort zone and evolve into a better version of myself. While it’s impossible to list everyone who has made a mark on my life, I must highlight two individuals who have significantly impacted my recent career trajectory.

First, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my manager and career mentor, Richard Zhang, the Head of Digital at Electric Hydrogen. Richard’s decision to bring me on board as one of the initial employees at LIFTE H2 three years ago was a pivotal moment in my career. His mentorship during those early days was invaluable, offering me abundant resources and opportunities to learn and grow within the new energy sector—a field I was entirely unfamiliar with before. Under his guidance, I transitioned from a junior designer to the design lead, a journey that has been both challenging and immensely rewarding.

Secondly, I owe a great deal of thanks to Junru Xu, the Senior Product Designer at DirectTV. Junru and I share a history that dates back to our days as classmates at Columbia University. Together, we co-founded TA Design Studio in 2019, aiming to provide mentorship to design students and offer design services to clients. Junru is not only an outstanding product designer but also a mentor and co-founder who consistently leads multiple projects to successful outcomes. Her leadership and design excellence have contributed to our studio’s achievements, including winning the gold at the Asia Design Prize and the London Design Award.

To all those who have supported me along the way, my journey would not have been the same without you. Your belief in me, your guidance, and your friendship have shaped who I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Website: https://zf-ux.webflow.io/

Instagram: zhongqi_fu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhongqi-fu/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC83iWXN-cYImHgzhN783mhQ

Other: I co-founded the design mentorship studio TA Design Studio in 2019: https://ta-design-studio.webflow.io/ and co-founded the electric shared bike startup UNIBIKE Co. in 2024: https://unibike.my.canva.site/; my previous architectural design works: https://issuu.com/columbia13/docs/issue_upload