Design Philosophy:
Emily’s work exemplifies architecture’s power to bridge people, materials, and place. Projects such as Tidal Stories— repurposes discarded medical materials into modular urban furniture through community collaboration. It showcases her dedication to circular design and participatory practice. In the United States, she contributed to the Energy Advancement Innovation Center and MADE Bush Terminal, integrating renewable energy systems and adaptive reuse strategies. These projects highlight her ability to create transformative environments that foster meaningful social impact while advancing strong environmental stewardship and resilience.
As a US-registered architect, Emily is committed to sustainable design that connects communities and environments. She holds a Master of Architecture from Columbia University’s GSAPP and has worked internationally with Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects and nArchitects in New York before co-founding Design PY in Hong Kong. Her cross-cultural experience underpins a design philosophy rooted in sustainability, social inclusivity, and cultural expression.
Emily’s work has earned her prestigious accolades, including Third Prize at the Hong Kong Design Open Accelerator in 2025 and First Prize in the Hong Kong Arts Center Public Space Art Intervention Open Call in 2024. She also received Columbia University’s highest design honor, the Charles McKim Prize for Excellence in Design. These recognitions reflect her success in creating built environments that engage the public realm and empower communities.
As an exhibitor at the Venice Biennale, Emily employs architecture as a platform for cultural dialogue. Through workshops and socially engaged design, she explores spatial innovation’s potential to foster collective creativity. As co-founder of Design PY, she leads diverse projects in public space design, exhibitions, and cultural interventions—continuing to push boundaries in sustainable and socially conscious architecture in a global context.
