Meet Wentao Zhong | Visual designer & Landscape Architecture Designer

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

Hi Wentao, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Design ideas don’t come out of nowhere; everyday motivations, constant observation, and much practice shape them. Outsiders might think creativity is spontaneous, but it’s a process of learning from real-world challenges, studying how people interact with spaces, and refining concepts through trial and error. Designers pull inspiration from daily life, paying close attention to details like how light hits a surface or materials feel. The key is persistence, research, and hands-on experience, which lead to meaningful and functional design solutions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is shaped by a blend of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, UI/UX, and visual design, allowing me to create holistic, human-centered experiences across different scales and mediums. What sets me apart is the ability to merge these disciplines, creating functional, beautiful, and sustainable designs. I’m proud of my capacity to synthesize complex ideas into accessible, impactful designs that resonate with people. This multidisciplinary approach excites me because it opens up endless possibilities for innovation in the design world.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Mastering various design fields has required years of learning and practice and overcoming challenges such as balancing creativity with technical precision. I’ve learned to embrace the process of iteration, using each challenge as an opportunity to grow. My brand is rooted in adaptability and a commitment to designing spaces and systems that improve people’s lives, whether through large-scale urban designs or digital interfaces. Ultimately, I aim to create meaningful, lasting impacts through my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Portland, Oregon, no doubt. I’ll bring them to explore various gardens, design spaces, and the city’s vibrant scene. We’ll start by visiting the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden for peaceful landscapes and design inspiration. Wandering through the Pearl District, with its converted warehouses, art galleries, and iconic spots like Powell’s City of Books, will be a highlight.

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?
Shoutout to my professor, David Gerard Gouverneur Malakoff, at the University of Pennsylvania. He has a deep focus on informal urbanism, which deals with designing for rapidly growing, often unplanned urban areas, sustainable development, and integrating natural systems into urban environments. His approach blends social, cultural, and environmental awareness with design strategies to address urban challenges in developing regions. He always encourages me to think differently and broadly, inspiring me to create unique designs.

I would like to express my gratitude to my principal, Mauricio Villarreal, at PLACE. He is always passionate about all the projects and never afraid to tackle design challenges. Working with him has taught me a lot about being a professional designer.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wentaozhong93/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006396378923