Meet Yinzhu Yao | Architectural Designer&Photographer

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

Hi Yinzhu, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My definition of balance in life and work has changed over time. Early in my career, I was very focused on professional success and invested much of my energy in my career. But I came to realize that way is surely one quick route to burnout, and true success definitely encompasses personal fulfillment and well-being. Now, I try to find a balancing scheme in a holistic manner: work and personal life are both important, as they support each other.

For me, the definition of balance is dynamic, not static. Balance for me does not mean dividing equal time and energy between areas; it means being flexible and putting my priorities according to what is most important at that moment. Sometimes, work may demand more attention, while sometimes personal interest or family needs more concentration. Achieving balance, to me, is a continuous process that demands self-awareness, flexibility, and periodic reflection to make changes in my goals and circumstances.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art has a deep root in the passion for combining architecture, culture, and the human experience. I try to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also touch a sense of place, identity, and purpose. What is special about my work is the commitment to sustainability and cultural relevance. I believe every project should honor the peculiar history of its setting while embracing modern elements that speak to today’s needs. It is such a fusion of past and present that enables my work to feel timeless yet adaptive.

Professionally, I pride myself on the opportunities that have come my way to work on high-impact projects and on having my designs recognized internationally. Each of these awards and exhibitions has helped me to believe in the fact that hard work and commitment can help a person create something worthwhile. But it wasn’t easy at all-it took umpteen hours of learning, readjusting, and surmounting setbacks to arrive here. Early in my professional life, I had to get used to new environments and cultures while working through a highly competitive industry. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and how important it is to keep having a clear vision.

One of the biggest lessons there is the power of collaboration. Having worked in teams with people from different walks of life, I’ve come to realize that often, the best ideas come from a mix of perspectives and experiences. Architecture and design are not solo practices; they really thrive based on shared creativity and feedback.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that it’s driven by a passion to create spaces that elevate people’s lives and connect them to their surroundings. I want to offer, through my designs, the chance to appreciate better how architecture combines in shaping communities and preserving cultural heritage. For me, each project is an opportunity to craft meaning and leave an indelible mark-a combination of artistic expression and utility.

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?
My journey has been a conglomeration of such great influences, and I am deeply grateful for the support bestowed upon me in my path. First and foremost, my family has been my solid foundation. They always encouraged me to pursue my passion in architecture, even when it involved taking risks in moving to new countries. Their belief in me has always been my sustaining strength.

Professionally, I owe a huge part of my growth to the mentors I have had at firms such as Sou Fujimoto Atelier and Kengo Kuma & Associates. They taught me not only technical skills but also inspired me to think critically toward design with an open mind. These are reasons I am grateful to work with such a supportive and talented team at Gensler, which every day pushes and inspires me.

I also want to mention the power of some readings that hit me with profound insight-like the book *Thinking Architecture* by Peter Zumthor. Books like these remind me of the deeper purpose of architecture and keep me attached to a field that can sometimes feel purely technical.

Last but not least, I’d like to thank the design community, represented by organizations and competitions such as but not limited to Terraviva, A’ Design Awards, and Reuse Italy, who gave them a chance to show one’s work and to push the boundaries of creativity.

Website: https://yyz-creative.framer.website/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugeneyee_/

Image Credits

Yinzhu Yao, Yixin Geng, Zhaoxiong Han, Jing Chen, Qizhen Tang, Yanci Chen