Today we’d like to introduce you to Yikai Qiao

Hi Yikai, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I am currently an architectural designer in Connecticut. As a thriving young designer, I aim to share my creativity with others and gradually establish my own practice and brand.

My upbringing was a journey of exploration. I was born in Northern China, where the vast plains, railroads, and old factories shaped my childhood memories. Later, I moved to Suzhou, a city renowned for its beautiful architectural heritage. It was there that I grew up and pursued my studies in architecture. After college, I attended Yale for my master’s degree. At Yale, I had the opportunity to delve into architecture, city design, and digital arts through studios, workshops, and travels. After graduation, I decided to embark on my career as a designer in the US.

I love trying new things to uncover new possibilities. Between 2020 and 2022, I was selected to participate in several TV shows in China, where I took on various challenges and had the opportunity to converse with leaders from different industries. I also run a social media account to share insights with people interested in architecture. I am grateful for these opportunities, as they have taught me a great deal and enriched my personal and professional growth.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

My journey of study and career exploration was not a smooth road. There were quite a few obstacles, including language barriers, a lack of confidence in presenting my work, intense multitasking, and many other unexpected challenges. Being an architect requires one to give speeches to the audience to sell designs, which was a significant challenge for me when I first came to Yale. Studying in an unfamiliar environment with an unfamiliar language, I struggled for a while. However, my professors and classmates were incredibly supportive and always encouraged me to share my ideas. Gradually, I became more confident in presenting my designs and became a good collaborator.

The intense multitasking was another challenge. While studying architecture, I wanted to explore cross-disciplinary courses to gain a better understanding of design. Besides the architecture studio, I studied coding, animation, and interior design simultaneously. Managing my time among all these courses was not easy, but it significantly improved my multitasking ability. In general, the difficulties I faced also built up my resilience. I started to embrace challenges because I knew they would make me stronger.

As a designer, I love sketching and creating new things. This passion is not only my job but also my lifestyle. Since college, I’ve always carried a sketchbook and camera with me, taking walks outside. I discovered my love for wandering the streets, sketching, and photographing what I see. Capturing the people, buildings, and city scenes feels like a form of communication with the world around me, which is relaxing. When I’m feeling down or facing difficulties, these walks with my camera provide a temporary private moment that often helps. These hobbies help me relax and understand myself better.

Sharing my thoughts with others, even strangers, also helps me overcome difficulties. I am a content creator on Xiaohongshu (a Chinese social media platform), where I share my thoughts on work and study. Surprisingly, I often receive many comments and advice on my vlogs. Through conversations with my online friends, I gain unexpected support and valuable insights. Sharing my thoughts with others helps me overcome challenges and makes me more resilient.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m an architectural designer, and I believe that design is inherently cross-disciplinary and multi-platform. I have always been passionate about various media where people express their feelings, immerse themselves, and create memories. As a designer, my goal is to create spaces that facilitate these experiences. Throughout my work and academic journey, I have explored the design of both physical and virtual spaces. My projects range from real-world built environments to visual art explorations. In the future, I hope to continue creating innovative designs, share my creativity with others, and gradually establish my own practice and brand.

I love trying new things to uncover new possibilities. Between 2020 and 2022, I was selected to participate in several TV shows in China, where I took on challenges and had the opportunity to converse with leaders from various industries. I also run a social media account to share insights with people interested in architecture. Additionally, I have acted in student drama productions and hosted student galas at Yale. I am grateful for these opportunities, as they have taught me a great deal and enriched my personal and professional growth.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?

My design portfolio Link:

Contact Info:

• Website: https://issuu.com/yikaiqiao/docs/yikaiqiao_arch_portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yikai.qiao/
• Other: Xiaohongshu Blog: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5c4aa0f10000000010003982