The Architect’s Stair / Edition #1 competition Honorable mention winner - Haochen He

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our The Architect’s Stair / Edition #1 competition – Haochen He from United States!

Haochen He

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.

 I am an architectural designer currently working at a large international design firm specializing in sports and venue projects. I received my Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University. Alongside this professional role, I also pursue work in fine art, photography, and writing. My architectural projects have been recognized through international awards, while my artistic and photographic works have been exhibited and published in magazines in Europe and North America. In addition, my writings have appeared in magazines in China, Korea, and the United States. I continue to develop these four areas in parallel, allowing them to inform and enrich one another.

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?

 In my professional career, I am part of design teams working on large-scale sports venues, particularly major NFL stadium projects, with a focus on creating transformative, community-driven spaces. Beyond this primary practice, I dedicate time to independent explorations, including conceptual architectural design, installation art, illustration, and photography. These personal projects allow me to experiment with materiality, narrative, and cultural expression, extending architectural thinking into broader artistic and creative contexts.

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

 To me, architecture is a means of shaping the relationships between people, place, and culture. It creates environments in which life unfolds and communities can experience a sense of belonging. In this sense, an architect’s responsibility is inherently social—tasked with designing spaces that bring people together and foster communal experiences. I also view architecture as an experimental practice. Through conceptual projects, installations, and fine art pieces, I explore innovative ways of representing space and reimagining the built environment. These works are not intended as solitary exercises in form but as catalysts for conversation, awareness, and dialogue about how we live together. In this way, experimentation becomes an essential aspect of architecture’s role in society, offering perspectives that challenge conventions and inspire change.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I frequently imagine concepts that go beyond the scope of my everyday work, but I rarely have the time or space to explore them fully. Architectural competitions provide me with that opportunity. They offer a platform to develop these ideas, test them through drawing and modeling, and share concepts that might otherwise remain unrealized. For me, competitions are about more than just the results; they create a dedicated space to experiment and grow professionally.

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

I would encourage them to view competitions not as a burden but as an opportunity to clarify their own voice. It is less about winning and more about creating a space where ideas can grow beyond expectations. For students, competitions can serve as a bridge between academic work and independent authorship. For professionals, they offer a chance to step outside established roles. In both cases, competitions provide an opportunity to experiment, take risks, and discover the kind of architect you want to become.