Xiyao Wang

Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) / Associate Principal

Xiyao Wang is an accomplished architect and urban designer, currently serving as an Associate Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and the founder of Extended Play Lab, a New York-based architecture and design studio. With over a decade of experience in the architecture industry, Xiyao has developed a distinctive approach that merges innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design. His work spans across diverse architectural typologies, from high-rise landmarks and complex mixed-use developments to conceptual art installations, reflecting his versatile skill set and deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.

Xiyao’s passion for architecture was ignited during his studies, where he earned both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Tsinghua University, followed by a Master’s degree from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (GSD). His academic journey at Harvard helped shape his philosophy on urban space, where he focused on the intersections of architecture, culture, and social interaction. He believes in the importance of creating places rather than mere spaces and is dedicated to revitalizing urban environments that foster meaningful connections among people.

Xiyao’s career has been marked by his role in designing iconic architectural projects in major cities worldwide. As an Associate Principal at KPF, he has led the design of numerous landmark towers and urban developments, focusing on integrating advanced technological solutions with sustainable design principles.

In addition to his work at KPF, Xiyao is the founder of Extended Play Lab, a design practice that allows him to explore new forms of architectural expression and engage in conceptual projects. His artistic and experimental projects have been exhibited in several prestigious galleries around the world. Notable exhibitions include “Surreal Photography: Illusions and Dreams” at the Independent Image Gallery in Chengdu, China, and “Specters of the Subconscious” at Bushwick Gallery in Brooklyn, New York.

The combination of art and architecture highlights Xiyao’s multidisciplinary approach, blurring the lines between functional design and conceptual experimentation. Xiyao’s innovative contributions to architecture have been widely recognized by the design community. In 2024 alone, he received several prestigious awards, including: Platinum Winner at the Muse Design Awards, French Design Awards, and London Design Awards; Gold Winner at the International Design Awards, NY Architecture Awards. 

His approach to architecture and design has made him a prominent voice in the international architectural community, one that bridges the gap between contemporary innovation and timeless human values. Xiyao’s architectural philosophy is deeply influenced by his belief in the importance of creating vibrant, human-centered spaces. His projects often explore the intersection of architecture, memory, and identity, focusing on how built environments shape and reflect the way people live, work, and interact. For Xiyao, architecture is not just about form; it is about creating spaces that resonate with human experience and that are adaptable to changing societal needs.

His vision is to design buildings and spaces that are not only sustainable but also enriching, fostering connections between people, culture, and nature. Through his work, Xiyao hopes to inspire the next generation of architects and urban designers to approach challenges with creativity and a strong sense of responsibility to the environment and the communities they serve.