Meet Gabe Yingshan Lei | Architectural Designer & Multi-media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabe Yingshan Lei and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabe Yingshan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is an integral part of my creative journey as both an architectural designer and multimedia artist. I’ve learned that embracing uncertainty often leads to the most unexpected and valuable outcomes. My foundation in traditional design principles gave me a strong technical base, but as my creative vision evolved, I began experimenting with new materials and forms of expression. Each time I venture into unfamiliar territory, there’s a risk of failure, yet it’s precisely those missteps or unexpected results that often shape my next creative direction. Rather than solely relying on careful planning, I find that spontaneous processes like sketching or building rough models often reveal new possibilities that refine and inspire the final design. For me, risk is less about fear of failure and more about trusting the creative process to lead to meaningful innovation

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Finding your own voice in a world saturated with information and perspectives is far from easy. With a background in architectural design, I often reflect on my role within this world and consider how my work can meaningfully shape the environment around me. Over time, I’ve realized that, much like the world I design for, I am constantly evolving and adapting. The choices I’ve made, and the paths I’ve followed, have been deeply influenced by my personal experiences and passions.
While it’s challenging to carve out a truly unique space, my journey has always been fueled by a commitment to doing what I enjoy and pursuing what feels important. The obstacles I’ve encountered have tested my resolve, but by staying true to myself and being open to new approaches, I’ve learned how to navigate these challenges. Even when the final results don’t align perfectly with my intuitive vision, I trust in the process and in my ability to adapt. This mindset has rarely led to disappointment, and it’s a philosophy that continues to guide me.
My work is not just about creating something new but about reflecting and responding to the world around me in a way that stays authentic to my experiences. I am excited by the unknown possibilities ahead, and confident that each new challenge will push my creativity further.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Currently, I’m based in Brooklyn, NY, a bustling city where finding your own quiet space can feel like a treasure. That’s part of the magic—once you discover a hidden corner, it becomes hard to let go. I especially enjoy the peaceful nooks around the city, and after a long day, there’s nothing better than taking a walk or sitting in a park. Being outdoors, with the skyline and water as a backdrop, really lets me appreciate the city’s charm. If a friend were visiting, after exploring the main attractions, ending the day with a conversation in one of these serene spots would be the perfect way to unwind.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While it often goes under-credited, my childhood fascination with model-making has been a key driver in my creative journey. The process of recreating imagined worlds in miniature gave me a way to connect deeply with the material world, offering insights into how the most ordinary structures shape our reality. Whether it’s a bus station, a shopping mall, or a simple alleyway, these elements of daily life reveal the essence of the places we live. Beyond their pristine forms, the aging of materials—such as a rusted fence or weathered brick—and even discarded objects like trash hold meaning. They tell the story of how people interact with their environment and how that environment evolves over time. By examining the overlooked and unwanted aspects of the world, I’ve come to appreciate the complexity and beauty found in the intersection of human life and material culture.

Website: https://leiyingshan.com

Instagram: @leiyingshan

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leiyingshan