Bio:
The great architect ,Yu-Ngok Lo, AIA, CDT, LEED AP is the founding principal of YNL Architects, Inc. His work received numerous design awards and was published at various international media such as ArchDaily, Hinge Magazine, CONDE, Commercial Architecture Magazine and Hospitality-Interiors Magazine. Yu-Ngok is a recipient of the 2016 AIA National Young Architects Award, 2016 BD+C 40 Under 40, 2015 ENR 20 Under 40 and the winner of the 2015 AIACC Young Architect Award.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I wanted to become an architect since I was a kid. The design element of a structural and the ability to use buildings to influence and change a community is fascinating.

What do you do?
The work of my firm is diverse, including educational, residential, and commercial projects. I am also heavily involved with the AIA and enjoy every opportunities to give back the communities.

What excites you in the work you do?
Seeing the smile on the building users’ face. I think the satisfaction inspires me to keep going.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Seeing many people in the profession doing great things! Seeing other professionals making an impact to the community really inspires me to work harder!

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I was the editor of the YAF CONNECTION and the NOMA magazine. Being able to talk to many people in the profession, both here in the U.S. and overseas, and report on their stories and share with readers worldwide would be my biggest achievement.

Featured Project Name: 
Median Cafe
 
Featured Project Location: 
Anywhere
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
N/A

Role in Featured Project: 
Designer
 
Featured Project Description:
The project is a theoretical proposal that reclaims the city’s unused space. The existing multilane street medians are used as an example to investigate the possibility of reinforcing the street activities on both sides of the street that has been disconnected by the width of these highways. A simple architectural expression is proposed to blend with the existing median creating a bridge that weaves pedestrian traffics with onsite existing activities.

Photography Credit:
Sergio Mereces