Architect | Gensler, Seatle + YCJ Studio | USA
Yanci Chen is an accomplished architect and Technical Designer at Gensler in Seattle, where she has been contributing her expertise since 2021. With a strong foundation in design innovation, Yanci’s work bridges architecture, technology, and cultural narratives. Her creative journey spans diverse scales and disciplines, from intricate spatial designs to large-scale public installations.
Yanci holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan (2020) and a Bachelor of Architecture from Dalian University of Technology (2018), with additional studies at Technische Universität Darmstadt in Germany (2015-2016). These diverse academic experiences have shaped her thoughtful design approach, emphasizing contextual storytelling and seamless integration with the environment.
Her professional career includes roles at SPAN Baukunst – del Campo, Manninger. OG in Ann Arbor and an internship with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Los Angeles, where she contributed to a range of projects spanning educational, cultural, and residential spaces.
A Registered Architect in Washington, USA (2023), Yanci is also a member of the AIA and NOMA (2024) and a LEED GA (2019), underscoring her commitment to sustainable design and inclusive environments. She actively engages in mentorship and design discourse, recently serving as a jury member for the INSPIRELI and Archiol Competitions.
Yanci’s design work has earned prestigious recognition, including a Gold Mention at the Young Architects Competitions for the Weihai Art Museum, and Gold Winner honors at the French Design Awards, Muse Design Awards, and the London Design Awards. Her projects have been showcased in international exhibitions across New York, London, Guangzhou, and California.
Through her design practice, Yanci continues to explore innovative solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and cultural narratives — creating spaces that inspire connection and foster meaningful experiences.
