Jeffrey Liao

Hello!

My name is Jeffrey Liao and I am currently a Graduate student at The University of Pennsylvania finishing up my Masters of Science in Design, Robotics and Autonomous systems (MSD-RAS). I received my Bachelors of Architecture degree at University of Southern California with a minor in Entrepreneurship. 

To me.. Design is composed through these three words: Conceptualization, Capability and Value. When you’re locked on a brilliant idea, you remain in this virtuous cycle - between the product or concept you’re creating, the capability that is needed to execute it, and the value that reinforces uniqueness. In a way, this three worded concept is my framework that pushes those possibilities, world encounters and connections. It pushes me to understand how technology enables design, the industries sustainable future, and the changing needs of human inhabitation. 

The world of architecture is ever-changing and I believe that young designers should strive to be courageous and find innovative meaning that excites them. During my time at USC, I've created projects that focus on: Low income housing, sustainability, restoration, as well as adaptive and immersive environments. My time at Upenn complimented my skill set through experiencing advanced methods of fabrication, computation, robot programming and multi-modal sensing technologies. 

As a Chinese-American, I've strived to find ways to connect my Chinese background with my love for architecture. Many of my internships were spent abroad in China because I believe it's an essential piece of who I am and also diversifies my understanding of design and culture. It has shown me that there is always more than one way to perceive something as well as the ideas that are created. Working in a different country, you start to see how different cultures create different visions, concepts and naturally diversify the meaning of design. Through my experiences and work in the US and abroad, it has prepared me and enabled me to be the best fit for any establishment. 

To me.. The cultural techniques and technological advances that come from various regions of the world really display the diverse solutions that can be used in our work. Culture remains a memory, and technology continues to expand. My goal as a future creator is connecting those diverse cultural techniques into habitable, equitable, innovative spaces which allows for technology to harmonize and compliment the design. I hope to impact the present and future trajectory of architecture through novel forms of production, practice and entrepreneurship. 

RESEARCH ASSISTANT 2022 - 2023 | University of Pennsylvania

CENMILL: Part-time Design Intern 2018 - 2022 | Glendale, California 

Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF): Design Intern 2021 Summer | New York, NY

AEDAS: Design Intern 2019 Summer | Beijing, China

SUNAC CHINA HOLDINGS LTD: Real Estate (Product + Site) Management Intern 2018 Summer | Shunyi District, 

ZHUBO DESIGN: Project Design and Development Intern 2017 Summer | Beijing, China

AECOM: Project planning/Management Intern 2012 Summer | Beijing, China 

Bachelors Degree: University of Southern California, Bachelors of Architecture (B.Arch) 2017-2022

Masters Degree: University of Pennsylvania, Masters of Science in Design, Robotics & Autonomous Systems (MSD-RAS) 2022-2023