Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Dingdong Tang of Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dingdong Tang. Check out our conversation below.

Dingdong, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Honestly, integrity stands out the most to me. Intelligence and energy are super valuable, but without integrity, they can go in the wrong direction. I want to work with people I can trust—people who do the right thing even when no one’s watching.

That said, I think all three work best together. Integrity keeps you grounded, intelligence helps you solve problems, and energy keeps things moving. But if I had to pick just one as the foundation, it’s definitely integrity.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Dingdong Tang, founder of LYT‑X Studio—a nonprofit, research-driven collective that champions sustainable, tech-forward architecture. I’m also actively involved in shaping design direction at Corgan and bring years of experience from global firms like CannonDesign.

At CannonDesign, I helped deliver the Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech—an 80,000 sf LEED-Platinum research hub recognized globally for its expressive mass timber structure, advanced daylighting, and integration of architecture with scientific innovation. The project fosters interdisciplinary research in climate science and sustainability while minimizing embodied carbon and energy use.

Now at Corgan, I focus on the design of cutting-edge, AI-ready data centers. These future-facing infrastructures incorporate advanced cooling systems, energy optimization strategies, and high-performance enclosures to reduce their environmental footprint. In the era of AI and digital growth, I’m passionate about making these highly energy-intensive buildings more efficient, sustainable, and aligned with broader societal and infrastructural needs.

Through LYT‑X, we explore parametric, computational, and AI-driven design rooted in place, culture, and ecology. Our internationally recognized work—including honors like the Red Dot Award, IDA Architectural Design of the Year, AIA Design Awards, and Architizer A+—has also been exhibited on global platforms including NYCxDesign, reflecting a commitment to architecture that’s both visionary and socially engaged.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Great question. I think the part of me that once chased traditional definitions of success—titles, awards, the fast track at top-tier firms—has served its purpose. Those experiences were incredibly valuable and helped shape my foundation as a designer.

But over time, I realized that true fulfillment comes from creative freedom and meaningful collaboration. That’s why I started LYT‑X Studio—not for profit, but out of pure passion. It’s a nonprofit collective I formed with a group of like-minded friends, where we spend our personal time exploring the future of architecture through experimentation, computation, and cultural dialogue. Letting go of external expectations has allowed me to rediscover why I fell in love with design in the first place.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
I’d say one of the most meaningful shifts in my perspective came a couple of years ago when I reconsidered why I practice architecture. I used to believe it was primarily about form, innovation, and technical rigor—perfecting details and delivering polished outcomes.

But over time, through mentoring and community engagement, I started to realize architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. I began to see design as a tool for empathy, connection, and impact. That change in mindset led me to embrace more socially conscious work and to see technologies like AI and computation not just as technical tools, but as ways to deepen human experience and drive positive change.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to the belief that architecture should serve as a transformative force—one that fosters empathy, equity, and sustainability. I’m drawn to projects and ideas that challenge conventional frameworks, asking how design can create not just spaces, but systems of care, cultural resonance, and environmental responsibility.

Over the years, I’ve become especially interested in how emerging technologies—like AI and computational design—can be harnessed to shape more adaptive, intuitive, and future-oriented environments. No matter how long it takes, I’ll continue pushing the boundaries of what architecture can be: responsive, inclusive, and deeply human.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Much of what I’m doing with LYT‑X Studio today won’t pay off for years—and that’s by design. As a nonprofit collective, we’re driven by curiosity, not profit. We’re exploring how AI, computational tools, and sustainable thinking can reshape architecture to be more adaptive, inclusive, and culturally resonant. These efforts are long-term by nature, but we believe they’ll define the next generation of design.

Outside of the studio, I spend time mentoring and supporting emerging designers, helping them question conventions and grow into thoughtful, future-ready practitioners. It’s slow, intentional work—but laying that foundation now is how meaningful change happens later.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lytxstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lytx_studio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lytxstudio
• Other: RedNote: lytx studio

Image Credits
Only the first two Site Visit Photos are credited to Corgan Associates, Inc.