Today we’d like to introduce you to Wei Qiu.
Hi Wei, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Originally from China. I’ve been studying abroad for over nine years, first in Singapore and then Los Angeles. My Undergraduate education at Otis of College of Art and Design helped me to build a solid foundation in the design industry and I’ve decided to take it further in Graduate school at UCLA AUD. As a service professional, I believe that architects should design for the inhabitants. Moreover, architects and any other designers are also responsible to educate clients and audiences through their professional lenses, bringing beauty and quality to people’s everyday life through built environments. The idea of “making the world a better place” seems naive but resonates with me until today. I truly believe that architecture is much more than just buildings. Architecture is space for all. It’s not so much about the form, the material, or the technology, yet, it’s all about the inhabitants. Architecture is only good when the life of the inhabitants is better with it. Therefore, I dream about making good spaces in the future and I will work as hard as I possibly can to make it not only a dream.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trying to be independent at a very young age was certainly tough. Learning how to do everything on my own instead of asking for help was a big change that I had to make. I’ve also taken a bit of a detour before finding my passion in Architecture. I’ve tried numerous fields and subjects throughout my four and a half year college life at Santa Monica College and Otis College of Art and Design, such as Physics, Psychology, Graphic Design, Painting, Sculpting, Woodworking, Landscape Architecture, Lighting Design, and Interior Design. Fortunately, I’ve always known that my interest lies in the Art and Design field. Architecture is a hard subject to study and practice because it deals with more than just the building. Architecture is a very social and political subject nowadays as a part of the larger urban context. I think the hardest thing is sticking to something and always striving to learn more about it knowing how difficult it is.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Architectural Designer. I’m most interested and specialized in solving problems with design: from changing the floor plan layout that makes the life of inhabitants better to critically thinking about urban design strategies that would benefit the entire community or even city.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Architecture is an ancient service. It is also a basic human need as people always need a roof over their heads. However, due to industrialization and the booming economy, designing a building is no longer the only responsibility that architects oversee. More importantly, most architects are questioning the way the systems work or the way people occupy space through the work of architecture. In the next 5-10 years, like any other industry, architecture is going to focus more and more on climate change, social justice, and many other environmental, social, and political issues.
Contact Info:
- Email: weiqiu0228@gmail.com
