Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ziyu Liu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ziyu, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my curatorial and architectural experiences is that organizational abilities are often more critical than technical expertise—especially when managing large-scale projects. Additionally, I realized that in art and design fields, a diverse skill set is invaluable—no experience is ever wasted.

A defining moment came when I worked on the Shenzhen Museum exhibition, which involved recreating a Sanxingdui ritual scene from 3,000 years ago. The scale was immense, requiring careful spatial planning, content curation, and coordination among multiple teams. While my architectural and research skills were essential, I quickly discovered that my ability to organize, delegate, and adapt mattered even more. I had to balance historical accuracy with spatial experience, ensuring that artifacts, the reconstructed scene, and exhibition content complemented each other seamlessly. Managing timelines, budgets, and communication between designers, historians, and museum officials became just as crucial as the creative aspects. This experience taught me that technical expertise alone isn’t enough—strong organizational skills are what keep a project from falling apart.

Another valuable lesson came when working on the traveling version of the exhibition, where we had to adapt the curation to different museum environments within a few days. This forced me to draw on a broad range of skills—architecture, research, logistics, and even elements of public engagement. It reinforced that art and design fields demand versatility, and every past experience contributes in some way. Whether it was writing exhibition texts, adjusting spatial layouts, or problem-solving last-minute challenges, I saw firsthand how diverse skills—not just specialized expertise—make a curator or designer truly effective.

Ziyu, 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?

I’m an architectural designer, curator, and historic preservationist, currently working at Beyer Blinder Belle and contributing to high-profile projects. My work focuses on the intersection of architecture, cultural heritage, and exhibition design, where I merge technical expertise with storytelling to create immersive and historically meaningful spaces.

How I Got Into the Field
My journey into architecture and preservation began with a deep-rooted passion for history, culture, and the built environment. Growing up in Nanchang, China, I was surrounded by layers of history embedded in urban spaces, which fueled my interest in how architecture both preserves and shapes cultural narratives. After moving to the U.S. in 2019, I pursued a Master of Science in Historic Preservation at Columbia University, where I specialized in architectural documentation, digital heritage, and adaptive reuse strategies. This academic foundation, combined with my hands-on experience in field research and exhibition curation, led me to my current role in architecture and cultural heritage.

What I Do & the Problems I Solve
Architectural design & BIM management – Creating, revising, and coordinating drawings for large-scale projects like the Met Tang Wing.
Exhibition curation & design – Developing museum exhibitions that blend research, spatial storytelling, and digital heritage techniques, such as my work on the Shenzhen Museum’s Sanxingdui exhibition and the Teaching and Knowledge Seeking exhibition at SUSTech Museum.
Historic preservation & research – Conducting building condition assessments, preparing documentation for Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approvals, and integrating preservation strategies into contemporary projects.
Graphic and Product Design – I design posting materials for various academic organizations, including visualization of published issues and conferences. I also designed a model-building product that represents traditional Chinese architecture.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of my ability to multitask and quickly learn new professional skills, allowing me to adapt to complex projects and diverse roles with efficiency. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on challenges that required me to step into unfamiliar territory and quickly gain expertise, whether in exhibition curation or architectural practice. For example, when curating archaeological exhibitions, I had to master the nuances of historical research, spatial storytelling, and museum logistics—all within tight deadlines. Despite coming from an architectural background, I quickly adapted by combining design thinking with curatorial strategies, ensuring that the exhibitions were not only visually compelling but also academically rigorous and engaging for visitors. Similarly, transitioning into an architecture office environment, I was able to integrate into fast-moving projects within weeks, handling design layouts, technical drawings, and coordination with consultants while also navigating the complexities of preservation and landmark approvals.

What I Want People to Know About My Work
I want clients, collaborators, and audiences to understand that my work is about more than just architecture—it’s about creating meaningful connections between history, design, and innovation. Whether I’m working on historic landmarks, museum exhibitions, or digital storytelling projects, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective that ensures the past is preserved while embracing the future. Beyond architecture, I also work on graphic design and product design. I’m also the creator and host of Jellynerds, a Chinese-language podcast exploring art, architecture, history, and digital heritage. This platform allows me to connect with listeners in China and beyond, making academic and design discussions more accessible and engaging.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2021, I faced one of the most challenging periods of my life. During the pandemic, I experienced deep depression and ultimately made the difficult decision to pause my studies and return home to China. The uncertainty and isolation of that time took a heavy toll, and I questioned whether I would be able to continue pursuing my passion for architecture and historic preservation.

However, during that period, I was given the opportunity to work on the Shenzhen Museum’s exhibition, curating a large-scale archaeological showcase. Despite my struggles, I immersed myself in the project, channeling my energy into storytelling, spatial design, and connecting with history. This experience was a turning point—I found purpose in the work, and the sense of accomplishment and connection it brought helped me slowly rebuild my confidence and resilience. The experience reminded me of the transformative power of creativity and collaboration, even in the darkest times. As the project took shape, I regained my focus and drive, ultimately finding the strength to return to my studies in New York. I completed my degree, took on new challenges, and began working on ambitious projects in architecture and historic preservation.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a designer, curator, and preservationist is the ability to deeply engage with human connections—whether on a personal level, within the urban environment, or through history.

At the most intimate scale, my work allows me to create spaces, exhibitions, and narratives that resonate with people, sparking curiosity and meaningful interactions. Whether designing an exhibition that immerses visitors in an ancient ritual scene or shaping a historic building’s adaptation for modern use, I find fulfillment in creating experiences that bridge the past and present. On an urban scale, my work contributes to how people navigate, experience, and shape their cities. Whether it’s preserving historic spaces or designing new ones, I see architecture as a way to foster relationships between people and their environments—spaces that tell stories, evoke emotions, and create shared cultural experiences. Working in historic preservation and curation allows me to connect with history in a tangible way. Every building, artifact, and exhibition is part of a larger dialogue that links generations. Being able to unearth, interpret, and give new life to these narratives is what makes my work truly meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_ziyuuu/
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ziyu-liu-4a3b091a0

Image Credits

All images are provided by myself.