I'm a NYC-based architect (licensed in NY & CA) with over a decade of experience on projects spanning a wide range of types, scales, and locations. Before starting Zhai Design, I was a senior architect at RIOS focusing on high-end residential projects that bring together architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture into an interdisciplinary design approach. Prior to RIOS, I worked for Frank Gehry in LA - notable projects included interior design for his personal residence, exhibitions at the Pompidou and Fondation Louis Vuitton, several Meta offices, and visionary urban-scale projects such as the LA River Master Plan.

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I received my B.A. at Stanford University in 2005, where I double-majored in Economics and Music. Post-graduation, I worked for three years in investment banking at Barclays Capital in Hong Kong, focusing on financial derivatives and risk management. Inspired by the richness of the city, and wanting to anchor my professional life in creative expression, I embarked on my path to architecture and attended Yale School of Architecture, where I received my M.Arch in 2012.​

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Apart from my work in architecture, I'm also a working musician. As a professional choral singer, I've been a member of the Grammy-winning LA Master Chorale since 2015, and have performed at major venues domestically and internationally, including at the recent Academy Awards. I can also be heard on several soundtracks, including the last two Star Wars films! I'm also a classically trained pianist, with a particular love for chamber music.

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I strongly believe that multidisciplinary thinking allows for better problem-solving, deeper empathy and understanding, and ultimately creates better architecture. I look forward to continuing bringing all of my diverse knowledge, skills, and experiences to my work!

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