Hospice - Home for the Terminally ill / Edition #4 competition Honorable mention winners - Mingrui Jiang

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Hospice - Home for the Terminally ill / Edition #4 competition – Mingrui Jiang from United States!

Mingrui Jiang

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

After completing the MSAUD program at Columbia University GSAPP in 2023, I began my professional career as an architectural designer at Fogarty Finger in New York. With a background in both architecture and urban design, I am deeply interested in how design can meaningfully shape the built environment and engage with broader urban and social contexts.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

My work spans a range of scales—from interior spaces to speculative urban proposals—developed through both academic exploration and professional practice. At Fogarty Finger, I’ve been involved in residential projects across New York and New Jersey, which has given me valuable insight into the complex relationships between design, policy, and stakeholder interests. Many of my academic and independent projects are rooted in social, environmental, and contextual themes. This breadth of experience continues to shape my interest in architecture as a medium for cultural dialogue and critical reflection.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

To me, architecture is the act of shaping space to care for life. It is not just about form or function, but about how people feel, move, connect, and heal within the spaces we create. Shaping the place attracts me a lot. In my society, I believe architects have a responsibility to bring dignity, clarity, and empathy into the built environment—especially in spaces often overlooked. We are constantly making efforts to make the built environment better.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in competitions because they challenge me to engage deeply with meaningful topics within a limited timeframe. It’s a focused and creative process that sharpens both design thinking and communication. At the same time, it’s a valuable learning opportunity—seeing how others interpret the same brief through different perspectives expands my understanding and inspires growth.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

It’s always worth giving it a try :)