Meet Zeming Zhang | Architectural and interior designer

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

Hi Zeming, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I am an award-winning Architectural and Interior Designer who has developed several multi-million-dollar construction projects. I pursued a creative career because I find deep joy in crafting spaces that solve problems and enrich lives. Architecture and interior design allow me to turn everyday challenges into elegant solutions, making tasks and goals possible through thoughtful design. There’s nothing more inspiring than watching a blueprint become a vibrant building or a finished room, knowing each detail serves the people who use it. This passion has driven me since childhood daydreams of ideal homes, because I truly believe good design can uplift communities and transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

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.
The journey wasn’t easy, but every challenge taught me to be stronger and more purpose driven. Like resilient design protecting people through climate shocks, I learned to adapt and innovate under pressure.
I am extremely proud of my achievements in the field. Not only was I granted two patents for my original designs, I was also honored with a Finalist Award at the Young Architects Competition (YAC). YAC is the most prestigious organizer of international architectural competitions in the world. YAC awards highly contemporary projects that enable temporariness and customization of the use of the architectural space. The fact that my work was honored with a finalist award from this internationally renowned institution was a tremendous honor that solidified my standing in the field as an acclaimed Architectural and Interior Designer.

I am currently an Architectural and Interior Designer at HMC Architects, where I work in the development of multi-million-dollar construction projects in the community, culture, and educational sectors. My most recent projects include the development of designs for Laurelwood Elementary, Fiesta Garden High School, and San Benito High School. My work greatly contributed to the development of impeccable designs for these educational buildings, creating resilient schools that embrace discovery, accommodate various learning styles, and inspire students and teachers to succeed.
I am also working on the development of the Ontario Wellness Campus, a project that is aimed at providing comprehensive support services for the unhoused population and underscores the city’s dedication to addressing the urgent demand for transitional housing while ensuring safety and fostering community among residents.
Working on schools and civic centers showed me that thoughtful design improves the well-being of all communities, making sustainability a core goal in my design process. Each of these projects embodied a future-focused vision: architecture as service, and direct contribution to communities, not just style. These projects have reinforced my commitment to design with a purpose, creating intentional spaces where communities and nature can thrive together.

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.
Day 1: Downtown LA – Iconic Architecture & Global Eats
• Morning: Start at Walt Disney Concert Hall — Frank Gehry’s stainless-steel masterpiece. Then explore The Broad museum next door for contemporary art and bold design.
• Lunch: Grand Central Market – sample everything from tacos to ramen to pupusas.
• Afternoon: Walk the Historic Core: visit the Bradbury Building’s ornate atrium and check out Arts District murals.
• Evening: Korean BBQ in Koreatown (Park’s or Kang Ho-dong). For a view, grab drinks at Perch or Skyspace rooftop bars.
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Day 2: Getty Center & Westside Vibes
• Morning: Visit the Getty Center – clean-lined architecture, amazing views, and beautiful gardens.
• Lunch: Grab fish tacos at Blue Plate Taco in Santa Monica.
• Afternoon: Walk the Santa Monica Pier or explore Third Street Promenade. Optionally, swing by art galleries at Bergamot Station.
• Evening: Stroll along Abbot Kinney in Venice for cool shops and dinner.
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Day 3: Griffith Park, Hollywood & Hillside Views
• Late Morning: Hike or drive to Griffith Observatory – for panoramic city views and an Art Deco architectural gem.
• Lunch: Grab pastries on the way down or head to K-town for spicy rice cakes or a modern Asian meal at Momofuku.
• Afternoon: Stroll Hollywood Boulevard and snap a pic with the Hollywood Sign.
• Evening: Eat in Thai Town or Little Armenia and enjoy the relaxed nightlife in Los Feliz.
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Day 4: Los Feliz & Silver Lake – Creative Corners
• Morning: Visit Hollyhock House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Mayan-inspired LA gem, at Barnsdall Art Park.
• Lunch: Grab brunch at Little Dom’s or Alcove Café.
• Afternoon: Explore Silver Lake and Echo Park – see local murals and indie shops.
• Evening: Casual dinner at Silver Lake Ramen or The Griffin. Chill, artsy, and very local.
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Day 5: LACMA & The Arts District
• Morning: Explore LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Don’t miss the Urban Light installation out front.
• Lunch: Head downtown to Bestia (Italian) or Bäco Mercat (Mediterranean fusion).
• Afternoon: Walk around the Arts District – visit design showrooms and the Hauser & Wirth gallery.
• Evening: Sushi or ramen in Little Tokyo. Great vibe, especially at night.
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Day 6: Old LA – History & Culture Downtown
• Morning: Visit Olvera Street – the original Mexican marketplace of LA. Then tour Union Station’s stunning Spanish Art Deco design.
• Lunch: Dim sum in Chinatown or tacos in Little Tokyo.
• Afternoon: Ride Angel’s Flight funicular and check out the Japanese American National Museum.
• Dinner: Try Ethiopian food on Fairfax (Meals by Genet is a standout).
• Evening: Rooftop drinks or live jazz in downtown to end the day.
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Day 7: Santa Monica & Venice – Chill Beach Day
• Morning: Start with a walk on the Santa Monica Pier. Ride the Ferris wheel or just enjoy the ocean air.
• Lunch: Tacos or seafood at a beachside spot like The Albright.
• Afternoon: Bike down to Venice Beach, people-watch, and explore the Venice Canals.
• Evening: Sunset drinks in Santa Monica or Abbot Kinney – a perfect end to the week.

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?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Professor Jian Zhang, Dean of the Architectural Survey and Design Institute at Beijing University of Technology. She has played a pivotal role in shaping my career and has been an incredible mentor throughout my journey. Professor Zhang not only gave me the platform to grow but also encouraged my curiosity and supported my drive for innovation. Her trust, wisdom, and leadership were instrumental in some of my most meaningful accomplishments. I carry her influence with me in every project I take on.
I had the privilege of working with Professor Zhang on two significant urban renewal projects—the Majiabao Public Space Improvement Project and the Anzhen Street Area Renewal Project. The Architectural Survey and Design Institute at Beijing University of Technology was contracted by the city of Beijing to develop these multi-million-dollar urban restoration projects that required the development of original, patented methodologies. I lead the creation of patented methods and systems including a “Method and System for Hierarchical Storage of Blockchain Data in Urban Renewal Projects,” and a “Method and System for Processing Environmental Sensor Data in Aging Residential Communities Based on Ultraviolet Optical Communication.” My designs passed the scrutiny of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), proving that they met the legal standards of novelty and creativity. Being granted two patents was a major achievement and a formal validation of my creative excellence in the field of Architectural and Interior Design.

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