We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Xena Zhang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Xena below.

Alright, Xena thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was during my childhood in Beijing, surrounded by a family deeply immersed in the arts. My grandfather, an author, filled our home with stories that inspired me to create my own. At the same time, everyone in my family contributed to the artistic environment, whether through writing, music, or visual arts. By the 5th grade, I began formally learning drawing and painting, and these practices became a cornerstone of my life. Even today, I still practice, finding it an essential way to explore and express my ideas.

One defining moment came when I started turning my written stories into cartoons in middle school. I remember sitting for hours at my desk, sketching characters and bringing scenes to life. It was exhilarating to watch my imagination take form on the page. This wasn’t just about drawing—it was about connecting with people through storytelling and visual expression. I realized then that I wanted to dedicate my life to creating art and stories that could resonate with others.

This passion led me to pursue interior design for my bachelor’s degree, where I began exploring how spaces could tell stories and evoke emotions. But I wanted to dive even deeper, which brought me to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for my master’s degree in architecture with an emphasis on interiors. There, I found the perfect environment to expand my creative horizons. The school’s interdisciplinary approach allowed me to explore beyond architecture, incorporating ceramics, photography, and even game design into my practice. This period was transformative, as it showed me how different disciplines could come together to create richer, more dynamic narratives.

Now, as a professional architect and cross-disciplinary visual artist, I bring all of these experiences into my work. My architectural background has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to think three-dimensionally and craft immersive, interactive spaces. At the same time, I’m constantly pushing myself to learn new skills, from metalsmithing and jewelry-making to silkscreen printing and bookbinding. These explorations keep me inspired and ensure my work stays fresh and innovative.

Looking back, I see how each step—starting with those childhood sketches—has shaped the artist I am today. My work is driven by curiosity, storytelling, and a desire to connect with others through creativity. That initial spark I felt as a child is still very much alive, fueling everything I do.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Xena, an architect and cross-disciplinary visual artist with a unique approach to blending storytelling, art, and design. My work spans architectural spaces, experimental installations, and fine art projects, all unified by a commitment to creating meaningful connections between people and the environments they experience. I specialize in crafting spaces and designs that balance functionality, emotion, and beauty—whether it’s a physical building, an immersive artwork, or a concept that bridges traditional and modern techniques.

One of the key problems I solve is helping clients and audiences connect with spaces and designs on a deeper level. Whether it’s a commercial space, a public installation, or a personal art commission, I focus on telling a story and creating an experience that resonates. My architectural training ensures that my designs are practical and efficient, while my artistic sensibility adds a layer of narrative and visual engagement that makes the work stand out. For example, I use tools like 3D modeling, VR, and innovative materials to help clients visualize their projects and ensure that the final result is both inspiring and accessible.

What sets me apart is my ability to think across disciplines. With over 16 years of experience in fine art and design, combined with my architectural expertise, I approach every project from multiple perspectives. My architectural background gives me a strong grasp of spatial thinking and technical precision, while my fine art practice allows me to explore unique forms and visual narratives. This cross-disciplinary approach enables me to create designs that are not only functional but also deeply imaginative and emotionally compelling.

I’m most proud of my versatility and curiosity. I’ve never stopped learning, and my practice continues to evolve. Recently, I’ve explored metalsmithing and jewelry-making, and I have plans to delve into silkscreen printing and bookbinding. These pursuits fuel my creativity and allow me to bring fresh ideas to my work.

For clients, followers, or collaborators, I want you to know that my goal is always to push boundaries, create meaningful experiences, and deliver designs that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a carefully designed space or a visually captivating artwork, I strive to bring a unique perspective and a deep sense of connection to everything I create.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to continuously explore the unknown and challenge myself to try new things. Creativity keeps me in a constant state of curiosity and discovery, which not only fuels my work but also enriches my perspective on the world. Every time I learn a new skill or experiment with a different medium—whether it’s metalsmithing, ceramics, or even new digital tools—it feels like unlocking a new layer of potential.

This process helps me cultivate a habit of thinking outside the box. When I face challenges or encounter limitations, I naturally approach them with flexibility and adaptability, often drawing on skills and insights from across disciplines. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how combining these varied experiences can lead to fresh ideas and innovative solutions.

Another aspect I deeply value is how being creative keeps me energized and inspired. The process of trying something new, pushing past the fear of failure, and finally seeing the results fills me with a sense of achievement. It’s a cycle that keeps me feeling refreshed and motivated, ensuring my work never becomes stagnant.

Ultimately, being an artist allows me to constantly evolve, both professionally and personally. It’s not just about the finished work but about the journey of growth and discovery that comes with each new challenge. This is what makes the creative path so rewarding for me—it’s a way of life that keeps me inspired, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I’ve faced in my career came when I transitioned from studying to working full-time as an architect. During my studies, I was deeply immersed in the creative and artistic aspects of architecture—exploring innovative designs, telling stories through space, and experimenting with interdisciplinary methods like ceramics and game design. I was focused on how my work could evoke emotions and create meaningful connections with people.

When I began working professionally, the reality of the industry hit me hard. Suddenly, my focus had to shift to practical concerns like construction budgets, ever-changing client demands, and aligning my artistic vision with the more functional requirements of real-world projects. Tasks like producing detailed construction drawings, visiting job sites, and managing paperwork took up a significant portion of my time. These responsibilities, while essential, felt far removed from the creative, boundary-pushing work I was passionate about.

At first, this shift was challenging. I had to learn how to balance my artistic goals with the practical realities of architectural work. One key adjustment was how I communicated my ideas. I realized that not everyone—clients, contractors, or stakeholders—shared the same appreciation for design and beauty. For many, practicality and budget were the primary concerns. This forced me to adapt my approach, finding ways to express my vision in terms that others could understand and value.

What helped me navigate this pivot was my ability to think across disciplines. I drew on my storytelling mindset, fine art background, and digital skills to create visual tools like VR walkthroughs and detailed 3D models that helped bridge the gap between my artistic ideas and the client’s expectations. These methods not only allowed me to communicate more effectively but also reignited my creative spirit by finding innovative ways to connect my goals with real-world constraints.

This experience has made me more adaptable and resilient. It taught me that while artistic ideals are important, they thrive best when paired with practicality and collaboration. It also reaffirmed my commitment to continuous growth. Outside of work, I’ve kept pushing my creative boundaries, exploring new disciplines like metalsmithing and jewelry-making, which help me stay inspired and bring fresh perspectives to my projects.

Ultimately, this pivot strengthened my belief that art and practicality don’t have to exist in opposition—they can work together to create something truly meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xenazhang.com/
• Instagram: xena_owo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xenazhang97/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/xxxenazhang