MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25 Kingspan Award winners - Yi Yan and Andres Felipe Pineda

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Kingspan Award winners of our "MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25" competition – Yi Yan and Andres Felipe Pineda  from United States!

Yi Yan and Andres Felipe Pineda

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.

Yi Yan is an architect with a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a background in Urban Studies. Andres Pineda is a landscape architect trained at Florida International University (FIU). Together, we collaborate on interdisciplinary design work that blends architecture, landscape, and urban thinking. Our shared interests have led to ongoing creative collaborations across various design scales.

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?

We have worked on a variety of projects, primarily focusing on multifamily housing, urban landscape design, and residential architecture. Our work ranges in scale from private homes to larger urban developments, always aiming to create spaces that are both functional and inspiring. We’re particularly interested in how architecture and landscape can work together to enhance everyday life and build stronger communities in dense urban settings.

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

To us, architecture is a way of shaping how people experience the world. It’s not just about buildings—it’s about creating spaces that support life, foster connection, and respond meaningfully to their environment. We see architecture as a bridge between the tangible and intangible: it reflects culture, memory, and identity while also addressing practical needs. The role of the architect in society is both a steward and a catalyst. We are responsible for designing spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, but also for asking questions and challenging norms. Architects help communities imagine new possibilities, whether through housing that promotes dignity, public spaces that invite gathering, or landscapes that heal.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions as a way to explore ideas freely and push the boundaries of our creativity. Competitions offer a space for experimentation—where we can challenge conventional approaches, test new concepts, and express our design values without the usual constraints of client expectations or budgets. They also provide an opportunity to engage in global conversations, learn from other designers, and continue growing as architects through exploration and reflection.

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

Our advice is to view architecture competitions as opportunities for growth rather than just a means to win. If you're unsure, start by choosing a competition that aligns with your interests or values—something that excites you. Competitions can help you discover your own voice, build confidence in your ideas, and develop your design process in a meaningful way. Don’t worry too much about the outcome. Even if you don’t place, the experience itself—thinking critically, pushing your creativity, and producing something you're proud of—is incredibly valuable. It’s a space where you can experiment, take risks, and grow outside the pressures of everyday practice or academia.