My name is Yichao Chen. My email is yichaoc@usc.edu, and my address is 595 Pavonia Avenue, Unit #1113, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306.
I graduated in 2020 from the University of Southern California with a Master of Architecture degree. I have two formal work experiences: 2 years and 3 months as an Architect at OPEN Architecture and 1 year as an Architectural Designer at Atelier Xuk. I have received several awards, including Second Prize ($85,380) and an Excellence Award in the International Creative Design Competition for Wuyi Mountain National Park No.1 Scenic Byway, as well as the Jaime & Susan Gesundheit Graduate Traveling Fellowship ($5,000).
I am detail-oriented, prioritize communication within the team, and have a knack for identifying errors and omissions, ensuring the accuracy of project execution. My logical and comprehensive approach to project organization and management has significantly improved team efficiency. For example, in competitions, I achieved satisfactory results by scientifically planning progress and reasonably allocating tasks. At OPEN, I led a group of interns to complete 100% DD drawings for a residential complex in Shenzhen with a complex façade. OPEN is a great company, but the workload is very intense. However, my experience there has only strengthened my passion for architecture. I believe my dedication and hardworking can add valuable contributions to your team. In addition, I have solid experience in project realization and competitions in China, which could help your company expand its market in China if needed. I am highly proficient in using Rhino, SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Revit for modeling and drafting across all project phases. I am also skilled in using V-Ray, ENSCAPE, and Lumion to visualize designs and have excellent presentation skills with PowerPoint, which have led to multiple proposals being adopted by firm partners and competition judges.
OPEN Architecture, Architect
Actively participated in several significant projects at various phases, including CD, SD, DD, and Interior DD. Played a key role mainly in three projects of different scales. For the campus planning of a vocational university in Chongming, Shanghai, I was responsible for the overall layout and the preliminary design of some individual buildings. I led the façade design of a high-rise residential complex in Nanshan, Shenzhen. Additionally, I worked on the geometric forms, interior space design, and interior design of Yantai Space Crystals Digital Space Museum. Gained recognition from both partners due to my proficiency in handling intricate forms and spatial relationships, effectively communicating rigorous, compelling, captivating, and innovative concepts through an impressive proposal presentation, producing exceptional renderings, efficiently allocating and organizing work tasks, as well as demonstrating meticulousness and accuracy in drawings. Consequently, I have become an important member of the team.
AZL Architects, Nanjing, CN, Intern
Participated in five projects on design, program arrangement, technical drawings, model building, renderings and texts.
Joined in Architectural Scheme Design of OPPO International Headquarters Building Competition.
Zhejiang Historical Architecture Design & Research Institute, Hangzhou, CN, Intern
Participated in field research, drew CAD drawings, and choreographed texts.
Engaged in the repair work of Xiaguang Bridge in Taishun, Huzhou.
LUOJIA Architecture design Institute, Wuhan, CN, Intern
Designed and built architecture models for the tutor, did rendering and choreographed texts.
Joined in Professional teaching building of School of Urban Design WUH competition.
University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, US, MArch, M. arch 2
This 2-year NAAB program armed me with logical methodology and vanward thinking, so see and question architecture on its essence, the space, and the relationship with the city.
University of Dundee, Dundee, GB, BArch, Architecture
It is a program run together with Wuhan University. Compared to domestic study, I got to know more about structural and constructional knowledge which can be used in my studio design. Also, Design Research Studio gave me a chance to explore a more personalized side relative to architecture, and a "thinking machine", similar to installation art, was produced to present the research creatively.
Wuhan University, Wuhan, CN, BArch, Architecture
It is a program run together with University of Dundee. Production skills and systematic theories were taught, and several field studies and competition experiences enabled me to work in different situations and cooperate with others.
Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, CN, Summer School
The course focused on several selected architectural sites of historic or cultural significance in Harbin. Used low-cost but advanced digital technologies to record 3D form and 360 videos on the site, and created interactive and immersive exhibits to represent the space, such as Augmented Reality.
First Prize in Chaotian Palace Street Shop Renewal Cempetition, 1st Place
Design Excellence Award in The International Creative Design Competition for Wuyi Mountain National Park No. 1 Scenic Byway, Honorable Mention
2020 USC School of Architecture Traveling Fellowship, Scholarship
Traveling fellowships provide undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to further their global knowledge base. In my case, the award is 5,000$. Being selected as a traveling fellow can be a life-changing journey and a truly enriching part of the academic experience at USC Architecture.
ART&TECH Competition, 3rd Place
Gained the “Excellence Award” with the work of “Lifen Architecture Renovation”
