I am Ria (Ruixin) Zhang, a second-year master's student studying architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. My academic journey, coupled with diverse work experiences, has equipped me with a solid foundation in design and construction processes.
Following my graduation from the University of Sydney, I had the privilege of working at various architecture firms in China. Notably, my last internship at Neri&Hu Design and Research Office involved active participation in the design development phase of two projects – Aranya Thermal Bath Center and Yango Chapel. My responsibilities included refining interior and building façade elements, studying building materials, and preparing presentation documents for clients. Working within the dynamic environment at Neri&Hu, I collaborated closely with teams across architecture, interior, landscape, and furniture design, gaining valuable insights and teamwork skills.
Additionally, my role as an architectural assistant at ArchiJusture provided me with commercial design experience. I developed planning and digital modeling skills throughout the schematic design and design development stages of a shopping mall project. A prior internship at Studio FSJ familiarized me with effective communication processes with construction teams, involving small-scale residential projects from initial design to final construction phases.
In conjunction with my work experience, my education in both Australia and the United States has broadened my design thinking. Exposure to diverse styles at the University of Sydney and the University of Pennsylvania has cultivated a unique perspective that combines imagination with practicality.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to discussing potential job opportunities with you further.
Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, Shanghai, CN, Full-time Architecture Intern
Role of participation:
Concept development, schematic design development, diagraming, rendering, etc.
Projects Involved:
1) Ningbo Aranya Thermal Baths Renovation, DD
2) Yango Chapel, DD
ArchiJusture, Shanghai, CN, Assistant Architect
Role of participation:
Master planning, presentation, facade design development, technical drawing, diagraming, etc.
Projects Involved:
1) Shicheng Science and Technology Museum, SD
2) Shicheng Commercial Complex, DD
3) Community Supporting Kindergarten, DD
Studio FSJ, Beijing, CN, Full-time Architecture Intern
Role of participation:
Coordination with construction team, design development, technical drawing, physical modeling, renderings, etc.
Projects Involved:
1) Shidu country hotel, CD
2) "Th Crystal” 8sqm kitchen design, CD
3) Residential interior design,CD
Atelier Deshaus, Shanghai, CN, Full-time Architecture Intern
Role of participation:
Schematic design and development, material study, master planning, physical modeling, etc.
Projects Involved:
1) Hengqin Science City Phase II: High-Rise Complex, SD
2) Hengqin Science City Phase I: Courtyard Residential Community, SD
3) Flower Expo – Garden inside Garden, DD
The University of Sydney, Sydney, AU, BArch, Bachelor of Design in Architecture
From this program, I gained foundational studies of architecture, including design studios, architectural history, architectural technologies, professional practice, etc. I was enabled to conceptualise designs, test assumptions, evaluate results, and refine my craft. Through a studio-based program, I learned to solve design challenges by working on real-world projects tackling social, environmental, commercial, and aesthetic concerns critical to the built environment.
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, US, MArch, Master of Architecture
The MArch I program at the University of Pennsylvania is a comprehensive and rigorous program, preparing graduates for the full range of activities in the profession. An intensive sequence in Design Studios constitutes the focus of the program. Thorough training is also provided in history, theory, technology, ecology, society, and professional practice. Studios and courses are supported by a rigorous program in visual studies that develops skills in digital and new media.
