Zhou, Shenghao (Knyck), Assoc AIA, LEED AP® BD+C, earned his BFA in Architecture degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he explored a wide range of design disciplines, including interior design, furniture design, and motion media. This interdisciplinary approach is reflected in his diverse portfolio.
Knyck's background as a theatrical technician instilled in him a deep appreciation for the experiential potential of architecture. He believes buildings are more than just physical structures; they are vessels for human experiences. This belief drives his exploration of the dynamic interplay between design, space, and people.
By exploring cutting-edge technologies and leveraging BIM, computational tools, and evidence-based design methodologies, Knyck is committed to creating spaces at various scales that possess emotional, environmental, and economic value. Knyck believes that only through designing physically enduring and historically meaningful structures that stand the test of time can the AEC industry promote true sustainability and avoid the wasteful cycle of demolition and reconstruction that plagues many contemporary buildings.
Professional Affiliation:
Passed ARE Division (As of Dec 2024):
AXP Progress (As of Dec 2024):
CannonDesign, Baltimore, MD, US, Architectural Designer IA
- Works predominantly on healthcare and education projects
- Under direct supervision of the Project Architect, collaboratively contributes to site analysis, code compliance review, design optioneering, BIM modelling, construction drawing set documentation, visualisation, graphic presentation, etc, in various project phases
- Engages with local communities and helps high school students with pre-career development
The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), Savannah, GA, US, Professional Development Chair, SCAD Chapter Board 2022-23
- Helps AIAS membership to understand the architecture profession
- Informs the student body about how to begin a professional career, including knowledge about licensure, gaining AXP hours, taking ARE exams, starting an NCARB record and aspects of applying for a job, such as making a resume and portfolio
- Organises and runs the Friday firm tours.
- Represents the student body at the AIA Savannah monthly meetings
KplusK Associates, Hong Kong, HK, Interior Design Intern
- Assists team in building and modifying 3D models and technical drawings for several architectural and interior projects worldwide
- Submits proposals to clients and collects documents from the government Building Department.
Echo Arts Cultural Communication Co, Ltd, Shanghai, CN, Events Administrative Assistant (Part-Time)
- Takes care of foreign musicians and orchestra staff in their itinerary, dining, and living arrangements during their stay in Shanghai
- Helps with ticketing, logistics, and general affairs for concert events
Million Mountain Constructions Co, Ltd, Kaohsiung, TW, Architectural Drafter (Apprenticeship)
- Assists contractors with landscape, architectural, and interior projects in surveying sites, inspecting and modifying technical drawings
- Maintenances the company material library
Shanghai Sunlight Exhibition Engineering Co, Ltd, Shanghai, CN, Theatre Technician
- Coordinates with client Artistic Directors and Technical Directors at local venues
- Provides professional stage lighting and sound services for plays and commercial events
Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA), Brooklyn, NY, US, AA Visiting School New York: Urban Features
In partnership with Pratt Institute, the AA Visiting School New York aims to investigate new computational approaches and collaborative design methodologies for the development of urban interventions, developing strategies of automation in design and construction utilising advanced large-scale 3D printing technologies as the basis for the interventions.
IaaC - The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, Online, Global Summer School 2024
- Advanced Computation for Design: From decoding geometry to surface analysis and environmental simulation, the workshop teaches how to harness the power of Python to optimise designs, rationalise geometries, and analyse architectural attributes while considering their environmental impact with precision.
- Urban Analytics for Participatory Design: The workshop explores the integration of public participation with digital innovation in urban design, developing urban analytics for participatory design by collecting and mapping citizen inputs for data-driven design of public space.
- AI for Regenerative Design: By using cutting edge AI tool including infrared.city for real-time microclimate simulations, multi-modal large language models, stable diffusion models and advanced computer vision models, this workshop teaches to develop design workflows for architectural solutions to make the buildings and surrounding area more sustainable.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Online, Beyond Smart Cities: Emerging Design and Technology
This course from the MIT Media Lab demonstrates how disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can be leveraged to improve the lives of those who make their homes in the increasingly urban landscape.
Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA, US, Bachelors, Architecture
- Minor in Interior Design
- Experiences in Furniture Design and Motion Media Design
- Nine-time Dean’s List
- Professional Development Chair, AIAS SCAD Chapter Board 2022-23
- Student member of AIA, AIAS, NOMAS, ASHRAE, ASID, IIDA, USITT
Architecture MasterPrize, Award
"The Ark Hub" - Student Winner in Architectural Design / Conceptual Architecture
Photography MasterPrize, Honorable Mention
"Time Machine" - Honorable Mention in Interior Architecture Photography / Interior Details
A' Design Award, Award
"The Ark Hub" - Iron Award in Spatial Design
BLT Built Design Awards, Award
"The Ark Hub" - Winner in Architectural Design - Mixed-Use Building
International Design Awards, Award
"The Ark Hub" - Silver Prize in Public Space Architecture Designs / Disaster Relief
International Design Awards, Award
"The Ark Hub" - Bronze Prize in Public Space Architecture Designs / Community Centre
