The Architect's Chair #5 competition Honorable mention winners - Kaiwen Liu and Yuhe Wang

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our The Architect's Chair #5 competition – Kaiwen Liu and Yuhe Wang from United States!

Kaiwen Liu and Yuhe Wang

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.

We are architecture major students from Pratt Institute in New York with a minor in sustainability and construction management. Our academic work focuses on architectural design, environmental strategies, and building technology exploration.

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?

Our work mainly consists of academic design studios and international architecture competitions. We have explored projects across multiple scales, from furniture and installations to community buildings and public spaces. Our interests focus on sustainable design, material exploration, and human-centered architecture.

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

To us, architecture is about shaping the relationship between people, materials, and space, regardless of scale. This belief is reflected in our work on the Architecture Chair Competition, where designing a chair became an exploration of structure, human experience, and the dialogue between the body and its environment. We believe the role of an architect is not only to design buildings, but also to create thoughtful, sustainable, and meaningful experiences. Whether working at the scale of a chair, a pavilion, or a city, architects have the responsibility to improve everyday life, respond to local contexts, and contribute positively to society through design.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions because they provide an opportunity to explore ideas beyond the limits of academic projects. Competitions encourage us to experiment with new concepts, challenge conventional thinking, and respond to real-world social and environmental issues. They also allow us to exchange ideas with the international design community and continuously improve our design skills through research and critical thinking.

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

We would encourage them to give it a try. Architecture competitions are not only about winning—they are valuable opportunities to develop design thinking, experiment with new ideas, and build a strong portfolio. Every competition is a chance to learn, receive feedback through the process, and grow as a designer. Even if the outcome is not an award, the experience itself is worthwhile.