Interview with Hao Zhong & Yuchen Qiu

Hao Zhong & Yuchen Qiu ("HZ&YQ") interviewed on Wednesday, 28 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

HZ&YQ : Hao: Yuchen and I both graduated from Columbia GSAPP in 2022 and have been working professionally ever since. We've continued our collaboration as design partners on projects we're passionate about—something that began during our time in school. Yuchen is currently at Perkins Eastman, and I’m with EwingCole. It's a dynamic partnership—we each bring distinct perspectives shaped by our backgrounds and current work experiences, and we’ve found that our strengths complement each other in meaningful and productive ways.

How did you become a designer?

HZ&YQ : Yuchen: I was initially amazed by how architecture can create these tiny moments that completely change our behavior.. I realized that buildings weren't just shelters; they were these powerful tools that could influence how we move, feel, and interact with each other. As I started to appreaciate that architecture could create these behavioral shifts, I was completely drawn to it. It felt like discovering a hidden language that speaks directly to our instincts.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

HZ&YQ : Hao: Design is rarely a linear process, and the emotions it brings are complicated. I constantly move between moments of fulfillment and frustration, highs and lows—but I appreciate each part of it. It definitely feels rewarding when design got realized. Knowing that these spaces will exist for years to come and have the potential to create meaningful moments for people brings a deep sense of fulfillment.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

HZ&YQ : Yuchen: Don't fall in love with your first idea and spend time with people who aren't designers—they'll keep you grounded and show you problems you'd never notice otherwise. Hao: The next iteration is always better

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

HZ&YQ : Designers have the power to shape how people live, and that comes with serious responsibility. We're not just making objects or buildings - we're influencing behavior, resource consumption, and social interaction. With climate change accelerating, every design decision is essentially having an impact on the future we will be in. That's why we think projects like Spira Silva matter so much - we're proving that sustainable alternatives aren't compromises, they're the future. Designers need to think beyond the immediate client and consider the ripple effects of their work on communities and ecosystems.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

HZ&YQ : Yuchen: I look at user experience and impact first - both immediate and long-term. Does it improve people's daily experience? Does it contribute positively to the environment? With Spira Silva, we asked whether each decision was moving us toward a more sustainable future. Hao: I don't necessarily have an answer. Every design serves a specific purpose, and I think a project can be considered successful if it effectively meets its goals and fulfills its intended function in a thoughtful and meaningful way.