Bio:

The great architect, Xin zhao sixteen years i gave her my engineer job in Shanghai, came to America to pursue my dream of studying architecture. Eleven years ago, I graduated from UNL and started my career as an architectural coordinator at HDR. Now, I have played critical roles on various award-winning projects, and am responsible for leading diverse teams through all phases of design and construction for projects, including hospitals, community art centers and research facilities.

​

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I have always loved art since I was a little girl, and drawing is the art form I enjoy most. meanwhile, I am also fascinated by science. To me, architecture is the perfect combination of art and science, a childhood dream to pursue.

​

What do you do?

I am a project manager and senior project architect at HDR.

​

What excites you in the work you do?

To solve problems and serve community in a positive way by utilizing my ability, knowledge and skills as an architect to form built environment.

​

Who or what inspires you professionally?

All my brilliant colleagues around me, because I believe architecture, especially successful ones, rely on coherent, dedicated team work.

​

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

I became a registered architect only 2 years after my graduation while I was pregnant with my child. And the first project I worked as a project architect after my registration won 2016 AIA Nebraska Honor Award.

​

Featured Project Name: 

Think Whole Person Healthcare

 

Featured Project Location: 

Omaha, Nebraska

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2016

​

Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect

​

Featured Project Description:

One of the largest purely primary care clinics in the nation has taken shape in Omaha. The clinic is a patient-centered medical home focused on educating, monitoring, and treating patients, as well as creating long-lasting relationships between individual patients and care teams, creating a more robust approach to care coordination. Extensive research was conducted to identify physicians needs and patient expectations for this care model.

​

Photography Credit:

HDR

​

​

​

Featured Project Name: 

Omaha Conservatory of Music

 

Featured Project Location: 

Omaha, Nebraska

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2017

​

Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect

​

Featured Project Description:

Located in the center of cultural redevelopment area of Omaha, the 30,000 SF, former Temple Israel was intensively renovated to make the home for Omaha Conservatory of Music. Inside, the facility houses a 500-seat concert hall, a recital hall, administration offices, teaching studios, and a coffee house. Outside, the newly constructed harmony garden provides a welcoming environment and an outdoor performance platform for students, teachers, as well as the surrounding community.

​

Photography Credit:

HDR

​

​

Featured Project Name: 

Grand Island Regional Medical Center

 

Featured Project Location: 

Grand Island, Nebraska

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2020

​

Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect, Deputy Project Manager

​

Featured Project Description:

Set within the central Nebraska landscape, the GI Regional Medical Center focuses on vernacular-inspired materials to convey a modern healthcare solution to the community. The red, open-joint metal panel system recalls the classic red barn, while a ledgestone-patterned precast base establishes a strong foundational plinth. Throughout the interior, the design integrates over 90 full-height commissioned photographs that showcase Midwestern landscapes.

​

Photography Credit:

HDR

​