CV — Yangtong Zhao

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My central motivation to study and practice in architecture is rooted in my philosophical studies. This discipline has cultivated in me a habit of close observation and critical reflection, particularly around a question that continues to shape my work: how does space shape relationship between environment and human identity, and how should architects exercise this power with care and responsibility?

Email: yzhao182@syr.edu
CV

Academic Work

Professional/Other Work

Analog Photography
Internship Works
Fine Art

Index

Yangtong Zhao

Phone: +1 4244534855
Email: yzhao182@syr.edu

I was born and raised in Beijing, where the layered presence of traditional and contemporary architecture first sparked my interest in design. Growing up in such a dynamic urban environment, I became fascinated by how buildings can carry history while also expressing innovation. This curiosity led me to study architecture at Syracuse University, where I major in architecture and minor in philosophy. Philosophy has strengthened my abstract and critical thinking, constantly reminding me to question whether my design decisions are truly responsible to the people who inhabit the spaces I create. Through the Syracuse programs in Florence and New York City, along with professional experiences across different cultural contexts around the world, I have developed a broad and global perspective. These experiences have taught me that architecture is not only about physical form, but about human experience, interaction, and adaptability.

EDUCATION

Syracuse University Architecture

Syracuse, New York

Major: Architecture

Minor: Philosophy

Dean’s list for all academic semester

Study Abroad Program:
New York, US (Spring 2024) | Florence, Italy (Fall 2024)
Fellowship funded international study program. Conducted architectural research across Florence, Rome, Venice, and Sardinia focused on reclamation and on-site surveys. Conducted research in New York on landmark preservation and adaptive reuse architectural strategies.

2021-2026

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Adjaye Associate
New York, US, Summer Apprenticeship
Participated in SD and DD phase of Altadena Charity Housing Project (LA) through research of reconstruction after wildfire, fire-resistant materials study, context and cultural precedent research. Involved in massing study, visual rendering, structural design, and a final 90-page client presentation.

Led CNC model fabrication for the Performing Arts Center in Barbados, learning full machine workflows and training the studio through a “Lunch and Learn” session to expand digital fabrication skills in the office.

Studio Ponsi
Florence, Italy, Internship
Contributed to a mixed-use adaptive reuse Hotel Borgo pignano in the CD phase, assisting with on-site visits, measuring existing conditions, construction detailing, and 3D visualization. Produced several visual renderings and drawings under architect Andrea Ponsi and Luca Ponsi

直向建筑 (Vector Architects)
Beijing, China, Internship
Participated as Material Specialist in CD Phase for the Beijing YuCai School project, responsible for material research, selection, and specification.

Participated in a mixed-use Anaya church project in Guangzhou, through construction detailing and 3D visualization during the CD phase.

PRO (Peterson Rich Office)
New York, US, Internship
Contribute to website design and representation. Including 2D visualization of producing detailed sections and plans

复合建筑 (Combined Architects)
Beijing, China, Internship
Contribute to the publication and photography of Ya-ji B&Bs and Qinhuang Island German Style Restaurant

2025 Jun - 2025 Aug

2024 Sep - 2024 Dec

2024 May -2024 Aug

2024 Apr - 2024 May

2023 Jun - 2023 Sep

ACADEMIC RESEARCH & EXHIBITION

Directed Research
XinJiang, China
Directed research project on the reuse and renewal of ancient ruins in Xinjiang, focusing on preservation methods and culturally sensitive adaptive strategies.

Media-scape
Florence, Italy
Exhibited in the MediaScape exhibition, producing a narrative photography series of an architectural site in Florence in collaboration with photographer Zara Pfeifer.

Living-Synthesis Affordable Housing Research
New York, US
Researched on affordable housing concept, exploring how under-bridge vacant land in New York City could serve as a site for new housing solutions.

Art Exhibition - Dissection of Love
Keystone Academy, Beijing, China
Contribute to website design and representation. Including 2D visualization of producing detailed sections and plans

2025 Fall- Ongoing

2024 Sep -2024Dec

2024 Summer

2020 Sep - 2020 Nov

AWARD

Designing Resilience Global 2025 | Excellence Award, First Prize
Guangzhou, China
Invited competition to work with Professor Abingo Wu and competing with architecture school across the globe. Win the Climate Resilience Architecture Design Excellence Award as Syracuse University team

Student Spot light at Syracuse University Career Service
Syracuse, New York, US
Selected for outstanding professional development and contributions to campus community.

Internship Funding Award
Syracuse, New York, US
Selected funding support for summer architectural internship based academic performance.

The King + King Integrated Design Studio Competition | Finalist
Syracuse, New York, US
Project “Design for Deconstruction” is finalisted, awarded for the best student group in each studio

Asian Design Award | Bronze
Syracuse, New York, US
Project “The Space for Community” now called “Apollonian and Dionysian“is awarded Bronze prize in the category of Renewal and Remodel

2025 Summer

2025 Fall

2025 Summer

2025 Spring

2024 Winter

SKILLS & INTEREST

Rhino
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Indesign

Adobe Acrobat
Sketchup
V-ray
Enscape
Twinmotion
D5

Revit
Climate Studio
Arch GIS
Physical model making
Microsoft Office
Auto CAD

Other Field of Interest

35mm and 120 Medium Format Film Photography
Darkroom Black&White Film Silver Printing
Fine Art(Oil Painting, Acrylic, Water Color, Pencil and Charcoal

Last Updated 24.10.37