We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Xiyao Wang ("XW").
Xiyao Wang, a licensed architect and member of the AIA, is a distinguished professional known for his innovative and transformative contributions to the field of architecture. With a rich professional background spanning over eight years, Xiyao has honed his skills in some of the world's most prestigious architectural firms and institutions, like KPF, HOK & Nikken Sekkei. Currently serving as an Associate Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in New York, Xiyao leads the design, detailing, and documentation of cutting-edge façade designs for high-rise buildings. His expertise in parametric design tools and advanced 3D modeling techniques has been pivotal in conceptualizing and developing architectural strategies for both domestic and international projects. Xiyao's work is characterized by a deep understanding of environmental regulations, urban constraints, and client needs, which he seamlessly integrates into his design process. Xiyao's career is marked by significant achievements and diverse experiences. At the Architectural Design & Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Beijing, he played a crucial role in the urban design of Zhengzhou New District and independently designed the public interior of The First Historical Archive of China. His tenure at Maryann Thompson Architects and Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum furthis expanded his design repertoire, including impactful contributions to the Lincoln Community Center and the 4th & Harrison office complex. His academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University and a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from Tsinghua University. Xiyao's dedication to the field is evidenced by his numerous awards, including honors from the ULI Hines Student Competition and the Hybrid Futures competition, as well as his recognition in prestigious platforms like the Architizer A+ Awards. Xiyao Wang's portfolio is a testament to his exceptional design capabilities, technical prowess, and unwavering commitment to advancing the architectural profession. His contributions continue to inspire and set new benchmarks in the industry, making his an invaluable asset to any architectural jury.
Xiyao Wang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Xiyao Wang.
Xiyao Wang Design - Urban Symbiosis Mix Use Towers
Xiyao Wang Design - Hydro Bridge
Xiyao Wang Design - Quzhou Landmark Mixed Use Towers
Designer Interview of Xiyao Wang:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
XW : Yes, I’ve always known I wanted to be a designer. Even as a child, I was drawn to the way things were shaped, organized, and experienced — from toys to buildings. My early curiosity evolved into a deep passion for architecture and design, leading me to study at Tsinghua University and later at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Design, for me, is not just about aesthetics or problem-solving; it's a lifelong pursuit of meaning and connection through the built environment. That calling has never left me.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
XW : My studio, Extended Play Lab, is based in New York and was founded as an interdisciplinary practice exploring architecture, urbanism, interior design, and conceptual installations. We’re particularly interested in the intersection of technology, memory, and space — using design to create not only functional environments but also emotional and cultural experiences. Many of our works respond to urban complexity, seeking symbiotic relationships between nature and infrastructure.
DI: What is "design" for you?
XW : Design is finding order and beauty in a chaotic world. It is a process of distillation — identifying patterns, clarifying purpose, and shaping form. To me, design is also a human act, grounded in empathy. It bridges the abstract with the tangible, transforming ideas into experiences that move people.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
XW : I’m most drawn to designs that engage directly with people — spaces that hold, support, and adapt to human presence. Whether it's a tower lobby, a public plaza, or an interior installation, I find joy in shaping environments where people interact, feel, and remember.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
XW : The Aston Martin Valkyrie. It’s a masterpiece of engineering and design synergy — every line has a purpose, and yet it’s effortlessly elegant. The car pushes the limits of what's possible, not only in speed but in form. I admire how it’s both aggressively modern and timelessly beautiful, a balance I often strive for in architecture.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
XW : A toilet — quite literally. When I was interning at Nikken Sekkei in Tokyo, my first assignment was to survey the existing restrooms at company headquarters and redesign them. It was humbling and, in hindsight, a formative experience. It taught me that no design task is too small to be approached with thoughtfulness and precision.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
XW : I’m fascinated by architectural glass and perforated metal — materials that mediate between transparency and opacity. I also enjoy working with parametric modeling tools like Rhino and Grasshopper, which allow me to explore geometry, environmental response, and material behavior with great fluidity.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
XW : I feel most creative after experiencing something emotionally resonant — a powerful film, a thought-provoking book, or an inspiring conversation with someone I care about. These moments spark ideas and remind me why I design.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
XW : I focus equally on function and expression. The design must serve its purpose well — structurally, spatially, environmentally — but it must also speak to people. I try to integrate logic and poetry, utility and meaning.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
XW : Designing is an emotional journey. I feel excitement when ideas begin to form, anxiety when challenges arise, and ultimately a deep sense of enjoyment when I begin to see the design take shape in a meaningful way.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
XW : Fulfillment. There’s something incredibly rewarding in seeing an idea move from sketch to reality — especially when people begin to inhabit the space, creating their own narratives within it.
DI: What makes a design successful?
XW : A successful design has a clear purpose, achieves that purpose, and expresses it inherently. You can read a good design without needing an explanation — it resonates visually, spatially, and emotionally.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
XW : The integration of form and function is the first thing I notice. A design that looks beautiful but doesn’t work is incomplete; likewise, a purely functional piece without aesthetic or spatial quality feels uninspired.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
XW : Designers shape the world people live in — we have a responsibility to do so ethically, sustainably, and inclusively. We must be mindful of environmental impacts and strive for solutions that regenerate rather than deplete. Socially, design should empower communities and enhance quality of life.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
XW : Design is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, with technology, ecology, and social consciousness at its core. The future will see design acting as a catalyst for healing — from climate-responsive architecture to inclusive urban design. It will be more adaptive, more participatory, and deeply rooted in context.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
XW : My last exhibition was in February this year at 4C Gallery in Los Angeles, where my sculpture Fusili was shown. I’ll be participating in the 40 x 40 A’Design Award Exhibition in New York later this year, and I’m also preparing for a show at the CICA Museum in Korea at the end of the year.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
XW : My inspiration comes from life itself — the cities I walk, the conversations I have, the stories I hear. I feed my creativity by staying curious, observing patterns in nature, art, and behavior, and remaining open to new perspectives. Travel and literature are also constant sources.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
XW : My style is contextual and human-centered, often balancing fluid geometries with grounded materiality. I explore this style because I believe design should resonate with both the immediate environment and the human psyche. My approach always begins with a deep understanding of site, program, and emotion — and then I iterate with clarity and intent.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
XW : I live in New York City, but I was born and raised in China. My cultural heritage deeply influences my design thinking — particularly the philosophical idea of balance between humanity and nature, which is embedded in traditional Chinese aesthetics. Living in New York exposes me to constant diversity and innovation, which is energizing. The con, perhaps, is the fast-paced nature of the city, which sometimes makes it hard to pause and reflect.
DI: How do you work with companies?
XW : I work collaboratively with companies, often leading design from concept through execution. I believe in open communication and co-creation — listening to clients’ visions, guiding them with expertise, and building a shared narrative that becomes the foundation of the design. My process is rigorous but flexible, always anchored by the project’s larger purpose.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
XW : Look for designers who not only have a strong portfolio but also ask the right questions. Good designers don’t just deliver what’s asked — they reveal what’s possible. Companies should choose collaborators who understand context, listen deeply, and have a clear, authentic point of view.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
XW : My process always begins with intent. I ask: What does the client want to achieve? What does the site or context demand? And just as importantly — what do I want the work to contribute? After establishing goals, I gather references, explore analogies, and seek inspiration from art, film, nature, or even a passing moment. Then I begin sketching, modeling, testing — iterating until the form feels inevitable.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
XW : •My Bandai Star Wars model kits — they’re miniature marvels of sci-fi storytelling and Japanese engineering. •Diecast car models — elegant, precise, and beautifully crafted. •Material samples — some are custom materials I developed for past projects; they serve as tactile memory and inspiration. •Designer furniture I’ve collected over time — pieces that remind me how function can meet sculptural form. •The view from my window — natural light and changing seasons are the most honest and dynamic design elements.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
XW : My day usually begins with coffee and sketching — digital or on paper. Mornings are often for focused design work, reviewing drawings, or checking progress on ongoing projects. Afternoons are spent in meetings with clients or collaborators. Evenings are when I read, research, or sometimes revisit design ideas in a looser, more experimental way. There’s often a balance between structure and improvisation in my day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
XW : Stay curious and stay patient. The best design ideas often come from outside your field — art, science, even failure. Develop your voice, but don’t rush it. And most importantly, design is not just about making things look good — it’s about making people feel something, understand something, or live better. That’s the responsibility we carry.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
XW : The positive: You get to imagine, create, and shape how people experience the world — that’s a privilege. The negative: It can be mentally and emotionally taxing. You’re constantly giving yourself to ideas, and that’s not always easy to sustain. But if you love it, the rewards outweigh the challenges.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
XW : Clarity through complexity. The more complex the conditions, the more clarity your design must achieve — in form, in experience, and in message.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
XW : Talent is a start, but what matters most is your ability to listen, think critically, and adapt. Empathy, storytelling, and technical fluency are just as essential as creativity.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
XW : I work primarily with digital tools — Rhino, Grasshopper, Enscape, and Adobe software. I sketch on my iPad using Procreate or Concepts. I also prototype physically, using 3D printing or traditional materials. For inspiration, I read widely — architecture, fiction, philosophy — and stay attuned to what’s happening in both culture and technology. Increasingly, I also use AI tools to test formal ideas or generate visuals.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
XW : I set clear milestones and define decision points early on. It’s important to give each phase — research, design, refinement — its due time without spiraling into endless iterations. I also know when to walk away and come back with fresh eyes.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
XW : It really depends on the scale and complexity — an installation might take a few weeks, while a large architectural project could take years. But regardless of size, I try to keep a rhythm of decision-making that balances exploration with pragmatism.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
XW : “How did you come up with this idea?” And the answer is usually: “By listening — to the site, to the context, to the people.”
DI: What was your most important job experience?
XW : Working at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) — where I led and contributed to major international projects. It shaped my understanding of large-scale design, integrated teams, and the relationship between vision and delivery.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
XW : They range from private individuals — many of whom work in consulting, real estate, or finance — to commercial businesses in the food, retail, and tourism sectors. I enjoy the diversity because each client brings a new story to tell.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
XW : Projects that intersect with culture and memory — spaces that hold emotional weight. I also love working on urban-scale designs that embed public use with storytelling. These projects remind me that architecture is both a vessel and a voice.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
XW : To bring more thoughtful design into the world — across architecture, interiors, and installations. I’m especially interested in public works and cultural spaces that create dialogue between people and their environment.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
XW : Both. I often develop the core concept myself but refine it through teamwork — whether at my studio or in collaboration with consultants, fabricators, or artists. Design thrives in conversation.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
XW : I’m currently designing a luxury supertall condo in Asia — it’s an exciting challenge because of the scale, complexity, and aspiration. It’s about redefining vertical living while maintaining a sense of intimacy and identity.
DI: How can people contact you?
XW : You can find me on Instagram at @ayepile, or through my studio’s website: https://eplabdotstudio.wordpress.com.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
XW : Only that design is not just about solving problems — it’s about asking better questions. I believe we need more designers who are not afraid to challenge assumptions and imagine radically better futures.