Life & Work with Ziyang Xu of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ziyang Xu

Hi Ziyang, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was encouraged to view things from multiple perspectives from my young age, instilling a foundation of critical thinking that has profoundly shaped my architectural journey. After completing my architectural education in China, I ventured abroad, living and working across Europe, the United States, and Asia. These diverse experiences enriched my approach, allowing me to blend a global outlook with respect for local contexts. This cross-cultural background has deeply influenced my design philosophy, particularly my commitment to sustainable practices. Through renovations and extensions, I aim to extend a building’s lifecycle, fostering a dialogue between architecture and its environment that is both meaningful and enduring.

I often channel my dedication to sustainable design through architecture competitions, where I explore creative approaches to enhance a building’s longevity and adaptability. Many of my personal projects and professional projects focus on transformation and extension, reflecting my belief in the power of adaptive reuse and sustainable methods that honor a structure’s original character. For me, sustainability goes beyond materials and technology; it’s about refining the design itself to create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings and bring lasting value over time.

In my practice, I strive to design architecture that addresses immediate needs while becoming a lasting part of its community and landscape. This approach has led to recognition through awards like the Red Dot Award, Muse Design Award, and BLT Design Award. I also actively participate in exhibitions, as I believe architecture should engage in a broader dialogue with people, culture, and the environment. To me, architecture is more than creating spaces—it’s about fostering connections that inspire thoughtful interactions and create lasting impact on both people and places.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road; like many in architecture, I’ve faced challenges along the way. Working across different countries and cultural contexts has been incredibly rewarding, but adapting to diverse design approaches and expectations required a lot of flexibility and patience. Another challenge has been balancing creativity with practicality—pushing for innovative, sustainable solutions while navigating budget constraints and logistical limitations. These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability, as well as the value of approaching each project with a fresh perspective. Despite the hurdles, these challenges have deepened my understanding of architecture and enriched my work, making each project a learning experience.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers around creating architecture that balances sustainability, cultural relevance, and innovative design. I specialize in renovations and extensions, focusing on adaptive reuse as a way to extend a building’s lifecycle and deepen its connection to its surroundings. My approach is driven by a commitment to sustainable practices that go beyond materials and technology, looking instead at design strategies that integrate buildings more naturally within their environments.

I’m most proud of projects where I’ve successfully revitalized structures to give them new life and purpose, making them valuable to the community while respecting their original character.

How do you think about luck?
In an industry like architecture, where creative solutions must align with practical feasibility and often tight budgets, luck is truly a rare and invaluable asset. Good luck can mean encountering clients with ample budgets and an openness to innovative design, allowing us to realize bold, forward-thinking concepts. However, when we don’t have this luck, it challenges us to seek out opportunities ourselves. We learn to work within each unique site, uncovering issues and crafting solutions that communicate our design philosophy, even within constraints. In a way, the absence of luck becomes a catalyst—it pushes us to innovate, adapt, and make meaningful contributions to each project, regardless of circumstances.

Contact Info:

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Image Credits
All credits belong to me