The first wave of international design accolades for 2025 has been released. Architectural designer Zihe Ye and her team have been notified that they claim the highest honor—the Platinum Winner distinction—in the Architectural Design category at the London Design Awards for their "Knowledge Portal—Community Library Design in Chicago" project. (London Design Awards Platinum Winner: Knowledge Portal - Community Library Design in Chicago) This groundbreaking work has also earned a Muse Design Awards (Gold Winner). This award-winning project was completed in collaboration with team members Sixuan Chen, Jiafeng Li, Jingyu Zhang, and Jiaying Qu.
The London Design Awards stands as one of the most respected design competitions globally, with the Platinum Winner designation representing its highest level of recognition. This premier distinction is reserved exclusively for designs that demonstrate extraordinary innovation, exceptional execution, and transformative impact in their respective fields. The Platinum tier acknowledges work that advances the boundaries of design practice while demonstrating technical mastery.
The Muse Design Awards is an internationally esteemed competition dedicated to recognizing outstanding creativity and innovation across various design disciplines. Celebrating visionary ideas and groundbreaking concepts, the Muse Awards attract submissions from the world's most talented designers and creatives. With rigorous judging criteria emphasizing originality, sophisticated execution, and the ability to inspire and engage, the Gold Winner distinction specifically honors works that exhibit superior creativity, skillful execution, and meaningful contributions to the fields.
"The London Design Awards recognizes designs that are truly exceptional in the visualization of creative influence," stated the official certificate presented to Ye and her team. This prestigious commendation underscores the project's outstanding contribution to community-centered architecture.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ye's architectural journey began at age 12 when she discovered that an urban plaza near her school was designed by a classmate's father. "Something that once felt distant suddenly became concrete and accessible," Ye has recalled. This early experience sparked her fascination with how architectural spaces shape human experiences and create lasting memories.
"That square served as a life anchor for the surrounding residents—people would chat, rest, exercise, dance and enjoy their time there," Ye explained about the formative space that inspired her career path. "The changing seasons were reflected in the vegetation and landscape of the square, and children left their laughter in this space as they played. I believe the most captivating aspect of urban spaces and architecture lies in creating memories within these spaces."
After earning her bachelor's degree in Urban Planning and Design, Ye studied at the University of Virginia's School of Architecture, where she obtained her Master of Architecture degree. Her education at UVA proved transformative as she learned to approach design from the user's perspective and to focus on architectural details that enhance the human experience.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying architecture at UVA," Ye has shared. "The architecture school building itself was designed by experienced professors, and as I walked through the space, I found inspiration in the details—the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the materials and construction of the staircases, the revolving doors at the exhibition hall entrance, and even the design of the classroom furniture."
Ye's professional work has evolved from large-scale urban planning to detailed architectural elements, with particular attention to often-overlooked components like waterproofing and material selection—areas where developers frequently attempt to reduce costs. Her commitment to these technical aspects stems from a conviction that buildings should be durable and safe, not merely visually impressive.
After graduating with her master's degree, Ye began her career as an architectural designer specializing in higher education buildings. "The first project I worked on was designing a football center for my alma mater, located along the very path I used to walk past as a student," she has noted. "This unique perspective—seeing the project from both the designer's and the user's point of view—helped me develop a more comprehensive approach to design."
Her current work involves waterproofing design—an often-overlooked aspect of the building process. "I contribute not only to the design of new buildings but also to the protection and renovation of existing structures by providing periodic design solutions," Ye explains. "My projects range from single-family houses to university campus buildings."
"Urban living spaces have long been a critical subject in architecture," Ye has stated. "As a designer, I focus on the diverse needs of different communities across various cities—not just to create buildings that are 'visually beautiful,' but to advocate for those often overlooked in urban development."
Her architectural philosophy champions spaces that serve diverse populations, from migrant workers in high-density urban villages to residents of immigrant neighborhoods seeking cultural centers. She argues that "city-building should not only prioritize commercial spaces that generate immense economic value but should also strive to improve the daily lives of the people who quietly sustain the city."
In recent years, Ye's work has shifted toward the finer details of architecture. "Beyond aesthetics and interior finishes, I delve into critical aspects like waterproofing and material selection—areas where developers or private clients often seek to cut costs," she explains. "As an architectural designer and detailer, part of my responsibility is to uphold professional standards and ensure that buildings are not only visually impressive but also durable, safe, and built to last."
The award-winning Chicago library project exemplifies Ye's commitment to these principles, creating a knowledge portal that serves as both a functional resource and a community anchor. This Platinum recognition at the London Design Awards and Gold Winner at the Muse Design Awards validates her human-centered approach to architecture and signals her growing influence in the architectural world as she continues to create spaces that prioritize community needs while advancing architectural innovation.
