Design Philosophy:
Upon starting my professional career, I realized how much more there was to learn, with studying and reflection occupying an ever greater role. While my earlier work focused on how to bring a good concept to life, establishing my own practice shifted my focus to why we design architecture and what truly defines architectural creation. As a result, we now set clear intentions and purpose for every project, reminding ourselves of the meaning behind our designs.
The philosophical concept of "harmony between humans and nature" (Tian Ren He Yi) from Chinese philosophy has profoundly influenced my thinking. Interestingly, it resonates deeply with Western naturalism and humanism, shaping our core design philosophy: to draw inspiration from nature and reinterpret it through artistic expression. As architects of our generation in China, our goal is to explore how to coexist harmoniously with nature while embracing bold imagination. We strive to embody the traditional spirit of innovation and "borrowing scenery to express emotion" (借景抒情), though we are still in the early stages of exploration and self-discovery. We are committed to reflecting on humanity’s place on this planet and hope to transform the homogenized urban design landscape in China—moving from mere replication of the West to emotionally resonant, innovative Eastern design. The journey is long, but we are determined.
In recent years, the work of WAY Studio has gained recognition from international media and awards, including the ICONIC 2022 Awards, a Special Mention in the 2022 A+ Awards, the RIBA 2021 Ancient Tree Hotel Design Award, the BUILD Cultural Project Award, the International Pioneer Design Award (IDPA), and the LuxLife Pioneer Designer Award. Our projects have also been shortlisted for annual awards by renowned design platforms such as Goood, ArchDaily, and Dezeen. As an architect under 40, I would be honored to receive recognition from my peers and experts. Such acknowledgment would provide powerful momentum for our studio’s continued growth and development.
