KUO PAO LIAN
PI.KL Studio
SAY IT LOUD - MARYLAND Exhibitor
Maryland Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The people of Baltimore inspire me. The City is built of such great color, texture, and energy that makes our neighborhoods so diverse and unique. I admire the resilience of our people here and that's what excites us to continue our work here.
KUO PAO LIAN
Bio:
The great designer, Kuo Pao Lian is an architect and licensed contractor whose experience includes architecture, design build and development. He is Principal and Co-founder of the award-winning PI.KL Studio and serves as Member of the Public Art Commission for Baltimore's Office of Promotion and The Arts (BOPA) and former faculty at Morgan State University and Maryland Institute College of Art. He is also a unionized Set Designer & Art Director with experience in films and TV shows for HBO and Netflix.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a child, I was always making, creating, drawing, painting, and exploring space. Though it was not until I went to college where I would meet some of the most profound teachers and studio mates that inspired me to explore and experiment.
What do you do?
I am the Co-Founder and Principal of PI.KL Studio. These days, I focus on the business side of the Studio, new and existing client relationships, new project acquisitions, and marketing.
What excites you in the work you do?
Working on projects that make a positive impact on the existing community and the City at large. We strive for those collaborations that bring us close to community stakeholders, neighborhood organizations, and families.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The people of Baltimore inspire me. The City is built of such great color, texture, and energy that makes our neighborhoods so diverse and unique. I admire the resilience of our people here and that's what excites us to continue our work here.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest accomplishment is having the humble ability to lead a Studio that is made of the most talented and thoughtful designers who strive for excellence, challenge design, and always fighting for the greater good for over a decade now.
Featured Project Name:
HOHM
Featured Project Location:
Baltimore, MD
Featured Project Completion Date:
Spring 2022
Role in Featured Project:
Architect
Featured Project Description:
HOHM is a new 150 unit housing project in the Highlandtown District of Baltimore City. The project sought to create a formal communal courtyard space that meets the neighborhood.
