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

Hi Xianming, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind our success is our unwavering commitment to sustainability and adaptability in design. By consistently prioritizing these principles, we have built a reputation for innovative and responsible architecture. Our inclusive design process, which involves community members and stakeholders, ensures that our projects are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially relevant and beneficial. This holistic approach has set us apart in the industry and allowed us to create spaces that truly make a difference.

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.
My career is defined by a commitment to sustainability, adaptability, and community engagement in architecture. What sets me apart is my focus on creating spaces that evolve over time, minimizing the need for resource-intensive renovations. I’m particularly proud of our inclusive design process, which actively involves community members.
Reaching this point in my career wasn’t easy. It required resilience and innovation, from earning a Master’s degree at Harvard to working with firms like Perkins + Will, OMA, and Junya Ishigami. These experiences taught me the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and risk-taking.
The key lessons I’ve learned are to design for change, involve the community, and embrace risks for growth and innovation. My brand is built on these principles, creating architecture that inspires and promotes sustainable urban development. My journey reflects continuous learning and a commitment to positive impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Philadelphia, where I currently live, I would start with the Barnes Foundation, a contemporary architectural masterpiece by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. This building is celebrated for its seamless integration of light and space, creating an environment that enhances the experience of the art collection within. Next, I’d take them to Louis Kahn’s Richards Medical Research Laboratories, a landmark of modern architecture. Kahn’s design emphasizes modular forms and the innovative use of concrete and glass, representing a pivotal moment in architectural history. Lastly, we’d visit Eastern State Penitentiary, a monumental Gothic structure known for its pioneering radial design, which set a new standard in prison architecture worldwide. Each of these sites showcases unique architectural innovation, making them essential stops in Philadelphia.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey has been profoundly shaped by the support, mentorship, and encouragement of many incredible individuals and organizations.
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family. Their unwavering support and understanding have been the bedrock of my career. My wife, in particular, has been a constant source of strength, providing both personal and professional encouragement. Her belief in my vision has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and pursue ambitious goals.
A special mention goes to my collaborator, Renyi Zhang. Our joint efforts on innovative projects like “EcoReed Pavilion and “SeaSync Community” have not only pushed the boundaries of what is possible in architecture but also reinforced the importance of teamwork and shared vision.
I owe much of my success to exceptional mentors, including my advisors at Harvard and colleagues at Perkins + Will, OMA, and Junya Ishigami. Their guidance and the collaborative environments at these firms have profoundly enriched my understanding of sustainable and adaptable design.
In summary, my journey and achievements are the result of a collective effort involving my family, mentors, colleagues, and the broader architectural community. Their support, wisdom, and collaboration have been instrumental in helping me realize my vision and make a meaningful impact through architecture.

Website: https://sangxianming.cargo.site/

Instagram: https://x.m.sang

Linkedin: Xianming Sang

Image Credits
Dan Luo, Renyi Zhang, Xianming Sang

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