Meet Xianlong Deng | Architectural Designer & Artist

Today, we have the great fortune of connecting with an excellent architectural designer, Xianlong Deng, who has been featured at the very top of the industry and continuing his passion in the architecture world. Here we shared our conversation below.

Hi Xianlong, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Thanks for having me! I am an architectural designer based in Chicago. Now I am working for Gensler, a global well-known architecture firm, as a Technical Designer, focusing on residential and hospitality projects.

I treasure my rooted background very much. I am originally from Hainan, which is an island in southern China. Growing up as an islander gives me a unique cultural background and perception of the world.

On one hand, being a native of Hainan has deeply rooted me in the significance of local traditions, particularly in the realms of family, ritual, and housing. In Hainan, where community values run strong, many people hold dear the traditional belief that, regardless of their urban pursuits, they should channel their resources into constructing homes in their ancestral villages. I fondly recall my father’s words of gratitude when our family’s hometown residence was completed: “With the completion of our ancestral home, our entire family found a sense of belonging.” This experience profoundly influenced my understanding of architecture. I view these hometown houses as repositories of our blood ties and cultural identity, emblematic of life’s ultimate destination. Architecture, in my eyes, serves as a powerful symbol of culture, shaping people’s cultural identities and fostering a profound sense of belonging within its context.

On the other hand, being a Hainan islander has also made me attuned to the global stage. Hainan’s development into an international tourism island in 2018 and the establishment of a free economic trading zone in 2022 have ushered in a wave of diverse cultures and experiences. This influx of foreign influences has nurtured an open-minded and exploratory spirit among Hainan’s residents. Many, like myself, have been inspired from a young age to venture abroad and broaden our horizons. In 2019, I seized the opportunity to fulfill this aspiration by completing my college education in Wuhan, a bustling central city in China. Subsequently, I embarked on a transformative journey to the United States, where I spent three years in Philadelphia, pursuing my graduate studies at UPenn and commencing my professional career at Genesis AEC following graduation. In 2022, I embarked on a new chapter in Chicago, joining Gensler as an architectural designer.

In essence, my identity can be encapsulated as “born in Hainan, assembled in Wuhan, and thriving in the United States.” These diverse experiences have shaped my present self, one deeply rooted in cultural heritage yet open to the boundless possibilities of the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s never easy to grow to be an excellent architectural designer. But I found where my passion is and insisted on it until now. In past experience, I have had several projects that distinguished me from other architectural designers. It’s not only because of the success of the project but also because of the profound idea and impact behind the project.

The main design philosophy that I always hold with is that to design with empathy, which is to design a space from the perspective of the end-user, and convert people’s need and desire to tangible 3D spatial expression. This approach has been the keystone of my design journey, guiding me to create meaningful and impactful projects.

One of the projects I would like to mention is Wuhan Craftsmanship Center. This is a cultural center that support craftsmen living in Wuhan city. Many craftsmen live and make a living here for years. They created beautiful culture and artwork that contribute significantly to the city’s rich history and culture. But they are also facing challenges of losing their space in the city because of rapid urbanization. In response, I proposed a culture center building in a historic neighborhood, Tanhualin Road, to provide studio and living space for the craftsmen. The interior space is designed based on my research and interview with the craftsmen. This building not only creates space for the craftsmen’s needs but also provides a platform to foster meaningful interaction between the craftsman and the city.

The other project is Xiaomei Dacheng Community Micro-Renovation. This is a project that renovates old Pengliuyang community space for the residence. Before design for the community, I immersed myself day and night in the community, observing people’s behavior in the market and community space to understand what the residence needs. With this solid research, the design transformed the community, offering a cleaner market facade and elegant wayfinding boards, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Last but not least, Yichang Music Town Planning stands as a pivotal milestone my career. Starting from enhancing the guest experience for the music town, I designed the commercial center with a welcoming gesture that accommodates every visitor who arrives here. The theater is designed to elevated and provide more public space for the plaza. With the great design, the project turned out very successful and appealed to great financial investment for the city.

Above all, I identify myself as a designer interested in people, committed to design for people, and resolving the problems through the lens of user. This laid the solid foundation of my career in Gensler, a world-famous firm that highly values client relationships and is dedicated to delivering quality design. I consistently strive to produce exceptional work that makes positive impact in the industry.

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.
I would enthusiastically take them to the Riverwalk in Chicago. This is a well-known urban destination with well-designed landscape and a lot of things to do. As you walk along the Riverwalk, you will find a diverse array of bars, restaurants and retails. At day time, Riverwalk is a perfect place for running, fishing, and kayaking. It also serve as a starting point of the famous Chicago Architecture Boat Tour. As night descends, while you are walking along the river bank, you can see the reflection of the city light on the river and take photos for your Instagram post. It’s also a great place to grab a drink in the bar and enjoy quality time with friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give the best credit to my parents. They are always providing me with unfailing love and strongest support for my decisions. Both of them are dedicated business professionals who have worked tirelessly to provide robust financial backing for my education.

My transformative journey towards studying abroad began when I went on an academic trip to the United States during my high school years with fully support from my parents. Exploring cities like Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago left an indelible mark on me and ignited a profound desire to pursue higher education in the United States. This dream took root and continued to grow.

Upon completing my college education, I made the decision to pursue graduate studies in the United States. It’s worth noting that my parents, despite the traditional preference in most families for children to remain close, wholeheartedly embraced my decision. They gave me remarkable understanding and unwavering support, allowing me the freedom to chase my aspirations and explore opportunities far from home. Their belief in my journey has been a driving force, and I am deeply thankful for their encouragement and sacrifices.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-deng/

Image Credits
Yuze Jin, Hongjie Xie