Bio:
The great designer, Ms. Yu has designed single-family and multi-family residential projects across the Washington, D.C. area. She has worked on homes of all styles and scales, her diverse portfolio includes modern new construction and transitional historic renovations. Ms. Yu’s designs tailor each project to the unique essence of the client and the site it represents. Through this highly personal and complex journey she is able to create continuity and coherence using beautiful, functional and sustainable spaces.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I came home from a summer in the UK during high school year countless people-free pictures of buildings. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. My structural engineer dad was always pointing out projects he worked on while I was growing up.

What do you do?
I wear many hats. At the surface I’m a listener, an interpreter, and a creator. But I find that a successful project is truly a collaboration between architect and client. Everyone has the same goal and is fighting for the best possible outcome.

What excites you in the work you do?
I love the challenge of finding that aha moment. Even in a field that is so subjective, there is always one idea that makes a little more sense than the rest. And this happens at all scales. It’s literally a game of inches.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am constantly searching for unique shapes and patterns wherever I am. I document these images and use them to feed my creative energy to inspire and push my clients to try something a little different.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Getting the opportunity to mentor and befriend a colleague. She started working at our firm right out of school about 7 years ago and I’ve learned just as many things along the way watching her grow into a wonderful person and a confident architect.

Featured Project Name: 
The Divine House
 
Featured Project Location: 
McLean, VA
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2018

Role in Featured Project: 
Senior Project Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
This contemporary home uses an open living concept with a strong indoor/outdoor connection. They came to us with this very clear vision of a tall central Living/Dining/Den space that we were able to build upon. It was important to bring a lot of light into the house while balancing with the need for privacy. Touchable natural materials can be found inside and out. There is a generous wrap around front entry porch or out to the deck and pool in the rear yard for entertaining.

Photography Credit:
Anice Hoachlander