We recently connected with Yanci Chen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yanci, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is “Crevice – Weihai Art Museum,” a rural art museum in Shandong, China. This project is particularly significant to me because it embodies a deep connection between architecture and nature, blending contemporary design with the organic rhythms of the landscape. It also represents my approach to architecture—where built form emerges from its environment rather than imposing upon it.

The site is located in Weihai, a coastal city in China known for its undulating terrain and agricultural terraces. Instead of placing a rigid structure on top of the land, I wanted the museum to grow out of the landscape, following the natural flow of the existing terraces and creek. This led to the concept of “Crevice,” where the museum is envisioned as a series of triangular voids carved into the earth, inspired by the Chinese philosophy of “mountains beyond mountains.”

We designed the museum to feel like an extension of the land itself, using limestone and wood to harmonize with the surroundings. A stream flows through the site, acting as both a physical and metaphorical connector between different spaces—exhibition halls, performance areas, and community gathering zones. This fluidity ensures that the museum is not just a place for viewing art but a space for immersion and discovery.

“Crevice” is meaningful to me because it challenges the conventional idea of a museum as a static, object-like building. Instead, it becomes a landscape museum, where architecture, nature, and art interact seamlessly. The design encourages visitors to explore not just the exhibitions but also the terrain itself, walking along pathways that weave through light and shadow, inside and outside.

Additionally, the project was an exercise in sensitivity to place—how architecture can exist with the landscape rather than against it. It reinforced my belief that thoughtful, site-responsive design can elevate both cultural experiences and environmental consciousness.

Winning multiple awards, including the Gold Mention in the Weihai Art Museum Competition and an Honorable Mention in the IDA Design Awards, the project validated the idea that contemporary architecture can be deeply rooted in its context. More importantly, it taught me how architecture can evoke emotion—not through grand gestures, but through its quiet integration with the land.

Yanci, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About Me
I’m Yanci Chen, an architect and designer with a passion for blending architecture with nature, technology, and cultural narratives. My journey into architecture has been shaped by my international education and experiences across China, Germany, and the U.S. I hold a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Architecture from Dalian University of Technology, with additional studies at Technische Universität Darmstadt in Germany. Currently, I work as a Technical Designer at Gensler Seattle, where I focus on projects that integrate science, retail, and emerging technologies into the built environment.

Beyond my professional role, I am deeply engaged in architectural discourse through exhibitions, jury panels, and design competitions, where my work has been recognized globally. My design philosophy revolves around the intersection of the natural and built environment, seeking to create spaces that are immersive, contextually sensitive, and forward-thinking.

How I Got into Architecture
My interest in architecture started with a fascination for how spaces shape human experience. Growing up, I was drawn to places that evoked emotion—whether ancient temples, contemporary museums, or hidden courtyards. This curiosity led me to study architecture, where I developed a deep appreciation for how design can serve as a bridge between people, history, and the environment.

Studying and working in different cultural contexts exposed me to diverse approaches to design. While in China, I explored the relationship between tradition and modernity. In Germany, I immersed myself in parametric design and digital fabrication, and in the U.S., I refined my skills in integrating sustainability, user experience, and advanced technology into architecture. This cross-cultural background has shaped my ability to think globally while designing locally.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I am incredibly proud of the impact my projects have beyond aesthetics—whether it’s revitalizing landscapes, fostering cultural dialogue, or pushing boundaries in digital design. Winning international recognition for projects like “Crevice,” “Pine to Sea” and “Gradient Living” has been rewarding, but even more meaningful is knowing these ideas spark conversations about how architecture can respond to contemporary challenges—from climate change to urbanization and cultural preservation.

Beyond my work, I take pride in contributing to the architectural community through mentorship, jury panels, and exhibitions. I believe in uplifting diverse voices in design, and I actively seek ways to support emerging talent in architecture, including participating in portfolio reviews and mentorship programs like HBCU initiatives.

What I Want People to Know About My Work
At its core, my work is about creating meaningful, responsive, and transformative spaces. Whether through built projects, speculative designs, or research, I strive to craft environments that resonate deeply with people while addressing ecological and societal challenges.

For clients, collaborators, and followers—whether in architecture, art, or technology—I want to continue pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve and explore new ways to shape the future of spaces, cities, and landscapes.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the idea that a project should be perfected before it’s shared. Instead, I learned that architecture and design are about evolution—the willingness to iterate, to be challenged, and to embrace imperfection as part of the creative process. Some of the most successful projects I’ve worked on emerged from collaboration, feedback, and unexpected discoveries rather than from striving for perfection in a vacuum.

Now, I approach my work with a growth-oriented mindset, valuing experimentation, dialogue, and iteration over an unattainable idea of flawlessness. I’ve realized that great architecture isn’t about creating something perfect—it’s about creating something meaningful, responsive, and adaptable.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I wish I had tapped into certain professional resources earlier, as they would have provided invaluable mentorship, networking, and career-building opportunities. These platforms not only help early-career architects navigate the profession but also foster connections that can shape one’s career trajectory.

AIA Emerging Professionals Resources – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) offers mentorship programs, ARE study materials, and networking events that would have been incredibly beneficial during my early years. Engaging with these resources sooner could have provided deeper insights into professional development and licensure pathways.
NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) – NOMA’s mentorship programs, networking events, and leadership initiatives are fantastic for fostering inclusivity in architecture. I now appreciate its role in supporting emerging architects, but I wish I had been more actively involved earlier in my journey.
ACE Mentorship Program – Programs like these create valuable bridges between students and professionals. They offer mentorship from experienced architects, helping young designers navigate everything from portfolio development to career planning. Being part of this network earlier would have provided invaluable guidance and industry connections.
These resources are essential for any young architect looking to build a strong professional foundation, gain mentorship, and connect with a broader architectural community. If I had known about them earlier, I could have leveraged them to grow my career more strategically—but now, I’m committed to giving back and helping others discover these opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ycjarch.cargo.site/
• Instagram: @yanci.chnn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanci-chen-734800/

Image Credits

YANCI CHEN, JING CHEN, GUANYU TAO, ZHIQIAN XU, YINZHU YAO, QIZHEN TANG, JINGZI CUI.