Project Designer & Future Design Leader with over five years of professional experience and a M.Arch degree, seeking a challenging Architectural Designer role focused on project coordination, design development leadership, and client management. Expertise in managing and designing complex projects from concept through CD, orchestrating urban-scale visions, and ensuring cross-cultural code compliance across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. 3,600+ hours logged toward architectural licensure.
EXPERIENCE
My name is MacKenzie Zetkov. I am a multidisciplinary designer, musician, and artist from Westchester, New York. My work explores the intersection of design, culture, and storytelling through both architectural and artistic expression.
EDUCATION
Laguarda.Low Architects | Project Designer | New York, New York
-Led the execution of complex design packages from Concept through Design development across a range of typologies, including urban mixed-use, cultural, retail, and residential projects, enhancing project scope and quality across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe
-Directed the production of four large urban-scale design visions, utilizing parametric 3d models and articulated facade logic to support early-stage narrative development
-Orchestrated internal project coordination across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring timely delivery and alignment of design goals through strong organizational skills
-Collaborated with international design partners and local architects to resolve complex cross-cultural code requirements, adapting global design concepts to local frameworks and ensuring compliance and innovation
Arthur Chabon Architects | Architectural Designer | Irvington, New York
-Supervised design execution from concept through approval for three residential, commercial, and institutional projects, delivering projects within schedule and exceeding clients’ expectations
-Managed stakeholder feedback and maintained clear client communication to coordinate and deliver three residential, commercial, and institutional projects throughout design and approval phases
-Directed iterative form studies and façade development, delivering contextually responsive design solutions that optimized material use, met regulatory standards, and improved environmental performance
-Applied working knowledge of IBC codes and zoning regulations for high-end residential and commercial projects
-Produced detailed construction documentation and provided on-site support for three high-end residences, coordinating with contractors and consultants while completing architectural studies at Syracuse University
KG+D Architects | Associate Designer | Mount Kisco, New York
-Supported design development and construction documentation for educational and civic projects, assisting with detailed Revit modeling, drawing coordination, and client presentation materials
-Streamlined consultant coordination and expedited client approvals by producing clear, detailed documentation
Syracuse University | M. Arch | Syracuse, NY
-Teaching Assistant for Drafting Representation and First-Year Design Studios, assisting with coursework in architectural drawing, design methodology, and visual communication
-Piloted lectures and tutorials on Rhino 7, Revit, and technical drafting, emphasizing precision, workflow optimization, and graphical clarity in architectural representation
-Mentored 20–30 students through one-on-one design critiques and drafting guidance, strengthening conceptual understanding and contributing to a 100% course pass rate
Roger Williams University School of Architecture | B.S. in Architecture | Bristol, Rhode Island
-Completed degree with Dean’s List Honor: Cum Laude
-Architectural Work Presented for Student Exhibition and for School of Architecture Accreditation Process
-Devised a conceptual masterplan for a proposed Syrian refugee community, addressing displacement through resilient design strategies, resulting in its showcase for Student Exhibition and a nomination for best design work
-Developed four projects which were nominated and presented for Student Exhibition, resulting in continued Accreditation for Architectural Design
Habitat
for Humanity - Lower Ninth Ward | Community Service | New Orleans, Louisiana
-Construction Foreman assisting in woodwork, painting, and structuring of affordable homes, contributing to the development of affordable housing in Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans
-Accomplished full repair of 3 houses and irrigation of farmland, enhancing living conditions at the Sisters of the Holy Family Motherhouse
-Thesis nominated for Britton Awards (Syracuse University, 2022)
-Design and Artwork Showcased for RISD Exhibition (RISD, 2013)
VOLUNTEER WORK & LEADERSHIP
Radicalization of the Spectacle
Year: 2022
Team: MacKenzie Zetkov
Type: Thesis
Role: Visualization, design, publication
Status: Published
My thesis, entitled Radicalization of the Spectacle, explores the intersection between the urban conditions of New York City, Times Square, and the notion of radicalization. The term ‘radicalization’ refers to an extreme change in worldly affairs. This term is critical in understanding my view of architecture, as it suggests architecture must formatively react to changes in culture, climate, politics, etc. Moreover, the term ‘radical’ is aggressively progressive and favors social reform performance, adding an urgency for new ideas to form. Secondly, the term ‘Spectacle’ refers to a visually and spatially arresting event that is dramatic in occurrence.
The act of the spectacle is meant to captivate its viewer, providing a sense of awe and unfiltered stimulation. More specifically, through the parallel exploration of Radicalization and the Spectacle, social activism, art, and performance will become one. My thesis topic focuses on fostering free artistic expression through architecture. Through the use of architecture, the built environment can allow for creative endeavors and public discourse. The nature of architecture (and its authenticity) promotes importance and value to its user. As a result, the final outcome for this thesis is a 25,000 sqft. machine that promotes radicalized spectacles.
Contested Ground
The Contested Ground are the city streets: a blank canvas that is constantly changing at intense speeds. The ground is contested as it promotes opposing theories; a clash between individualism and organized law. This space can be used to call for change, allowing the general public to assemble and either be a spectator or an active performer. The Contested Ground has three main spaces: The Centre Stage and the two Staged Spaces.
These spaces can be utilized by the public to press forward agendas, criticisms, and performances that encourage change.
The Archive
The Archive is a zone for digital permanence and recorded performance. Projections of previous performances, as well as live camera feeds of artists transcribing performances, paint the walls of this space. This space was created to allow people to become acclimated to contending issues in Times Square. Testimonials, performances, speeches, and other creative endeavors are projected throughout this space. Additionally, The Archive allows locals to easily avoid the pedestrian heavy streets below (as it spans 2/3 of Times Square) from West 46th to West 45th Street.
By entering this space, pedestrians too will be recorded and archived.
Exploded Axon rendering showing Contested Ground of Times Square | View facing the Staged Spaces.
Exploded Axon rendering showing The Archive View showing extracted LCD Billboard facade.
The Public Arena
The Public Arena is an open space for the public to watch performances and artists simultaneously. Archived projections of the performances would dance from surface to surface within this space, allowing for the spectactor to see both performances simultaneously. This space is highly charged/flexible, allowing for the spectators to either watch or control how the performance is viewed using the Archive Centre Controls (A.C.C).
Archive Centre Control
The Archive Centre Control (A.C.C) is a central hub space for the public to access archived performances and to control the Fly Loft mechanisms. The Centre Control room is located in the center of the Public Arena. This space is flanked on either sides by Artist Lofts, where artists can transcribe the performances below. Two corridors span between the Artists Lofts, allowing for artists to freely change positions and to change subject matter rapidly.
This space is accessible to anyone, further promoting the idea of free artistic expression.
This space is for daring creatives. This space grants the public a choice: to be a spectator or to be an artist.
Exploded Axon rendering showing the Public Arena View showing extracted skylights.
Exploded Axon rendering showing the Archive Centre Control hub| View showing the extraction of the A.C.C’s facade.
Centre Stage Space
1/3 Prototypes created for final thesis publication.
The structure contains multiple performance spaces that could be operated simultaneously. The fly loft would allow for rapid change of performances by providing theatre elements into the spaces below. The performances would be rapid, with 45-minute intervals between every performance. Prototype III builds off from Prototype II, in which the space would collapse three spectacles at once, the performance, the speech, and the artist. These three acts would be in simultaneous motion, appealing to sight and hearing. This prototype allows for circulation at and above the stage level.
Prototype III would allow multiple performances to occur at once, with two central spaces to be used exclusively for scheduled performances. These performances would be scheduled at the same time so that people can walk from one spectacle to the next.
Prototype III would require a permanent installation within Times Square. Fundamentally, the structure would not change, but its radical displays would be in constant rotation. Prototype III’s Staged Spaces would allow for flexibility in performances. The Fly loft would allow for props, artifacts, and displays to be dropped down to the Contested Ground. The Archive could be controlled to allow access to the LCD screens located on the facade and interior.
Nominated for the Britton Award.
Rendering showing a potential performance in the Centre Stage space
MacKenzie
YMCA Riverbrook Regional
Year: Team: Role:
2017
Russell Davidson (Principal Architect), Erik Kaeyer (Principal Architect), Brian O. Mangan (Lead Architect), and MacKenzie Zetkov (Intern)
Type:
Professional Work
Visualization, Research, Design Proposals
Status:
Completed
I worked as an intern, in the Summer of 2017, at KG+D Architects, located in Mount Kisco, New York. This job required me to be analytical and take on tasks and responsibilities of which senior/junior designers would be accountable for.
This project, YMCA Riverbrook Regional, called for the enhancement and expansion of wellness offerings within Wilton, Connecticut. The project’s objective was to renovate and expand the lobby/reception and modernize its appearance. In addition, the renovation included designing a new health/wellness center with an expanded fitness center and hospital rehab center, new and renovated early childhood classrooms, a new pool bubble for 50M and 25YD pools, renovation of pool support spaces, and new administrative rooms.
I partook in this project’s pre-design and schematic design phases. In addition, I assisted with BIM operations, translated site conditions, prepared client presentations with supplemental graphics, and analyzed local laws/codes. Lastly, I prepared a series of facade proposals, lighting designs, and structural solutions.
Schematic Plans prepared for client for reviews. Proposal for centralizing gym and group exercise program.
Virtual Reality
Perspective view looking at the 2nd-floor group exercise room. The shown rendering was produced in Enscape.
Northstar Residence
Year: Team: Role:
2019
Arthur Chabon (Lead Architect), Matthew Cairo (PM), Huiwon Hong (Architect), and MacKenzie Zetkov (Junior Architect)
Type:
Professional Work
Construction Drawings, Physical Models, Client Presentations, Alternates, Design Work, and Drawings Sets.
Status:
Completed
The North Star Project was a private residency that I worked on while at Arthur Chabon Architects. With, “nods to the English and Scottish Arts and Crafts movement, the North Star residence utilizes large windows frames to highlight gorgeous views of Nassau, bringing inside the majesty of the local flora and the sounds of the ocean.”
“The floor plan is formal and processional. The grand apsidal Entry Loggia leads to clearly delineated axially arranged entertaining spaces and inner courtyards to give a sense of interconnectedness.”
I worked on this project exclusively with project manager Matthew Cairo and principal architect Arthur Chabon on design choices and creative direction, developing physical models, construction documents, and interfacing with the client through all phases of project development.This project required me to fully engage with the site and the eclectic architectural typology of the Bahamas.
Construction Document section through artist studio, proposed art stations outfitted with pin up walls, drying racks, and natural lighting.
Construction Document section of artist studio, showcasing coquina stone veneers, cast concrete walls, and decorative wood detailing.
Construction Document site section through residence. Interior complimented by galleries, double-height living spaces, and a watch tower office.
Construction Document site elevation of residence. Bohemian styled wood details complimented with exterior balconies facing the ocean.
Model of residence with papered finishes of exteriors. Model was
Pre-liminary rendered perspective of artist studio. View showing central artist station, pin-up walls, and overhead skylight.
Pre-liminary rendered perspective of exterior loggia entry. View showing exterior cour tyard facing private office, living areas, and front foyer.
Zhongshan Waterstreet
Year: Team: Role:
2023
John Low (Lead Architect), Junkyeu Song (Lead Architect), Stephen Chang (PM), Jin Liang (Architect), and MacKenzie Zetkov (Project Designer)
Type:
Professional Work
Construction Drawings, Physical Models, Client Presentations, Alternates, Design Work, and Drawings Sets.
Status:
In-Construction
The Zhongshan Waterstreet project is a large-scale urban development in Zhongshan, Guangdong, shaped by evolving standards in land use efficiency, ecological stewardship, and integrated infrastructure. Working within the framework of updated national and provincial planning regulations, our team developed a forward-looking master plan focused on mixed-use density, public space connectivity, and multi-modal transportation integration.
The project aims to foster sustainable growth while respecting Zhongshan’s historical and ecological context. Emphasizing refined spatial organization and dynamic phasing, our proposal aligns with the city’s long-term development goals and anticipates future legislative updates.
I contributed during all design phases, assisting with site planning, coordination of zoning and mobility requirements, and translating statutory guidelines into actionable urban design strategies. My role involved architectural alternates, design feasibilty studies, and establishing a workable design set with documentation for planning approval under the city’s updated regulatory framework.
Zhongshan Waterstreet
Year: 2023
Type: Commercial, Residential, Renovation, Master Plan
Role: Construction Drawings, Physical Models, Client Presentations, Alternates, Design Work, and Drawings Sets.
Status: In-Construction
Throughout the project’s design trajectory, I supported the development of a cohesive master plan by translating evolving regulatory standards into actionable strategies. I played a central role in evaluating land-use efficiency, environmental setbacks, and mobility requirements, ensuring compliance as provincial and national policies shifted. My role on the project required continuous coordination between zoning constraints, ecological buffers, and district-level circulation demands. I conducted design feasibility studies, developed architectural alternatives, and tested massing scenarios to understand the implications of density, scale, and phasing across a complex waterfront site with dynamic legislative conditions.
My technical responsibilities included assembling documentation for planning approval and organizing design information into a clear, review-ready structure for municipal submission. My technical role on the project included refining site plans, preparing regulatory diagrams, and clarifying relationships between public space networks, multimodal transportation systems, and proposed built forms. I supported cross-disciplinary coordination to ensure infrastructure, open space, and architectural strategies remained integrated through revisions. Through this work, helped establish a resilient design framework that aligned the client’s ambitions with Zhongshan’s long-term development goals while adapting to future policy updates.
Design Development phased diagram showing a break-away chunk of an individual building I developed for a city presentation.
City Presentation
Perspective view looking at one of the waterstreets on the site. I developed the facades and outdoor space for all shown buildings. Rendering was produced in Enscape.
Orbeli 23
Year: Team: Role:
2024
Junkyeu Song (Lead Architect), Stephen Chang (PM), Jiteng Yang (Architect), Marco Salcedo (Architect), and MacKenzie Zetkov (Project Designer)
Type:
Professional Work
Construction Drawings, Design Feasibility Studies, Client Presentations, Alternates, Design Work, Physical Models, and Drawings Sets.
Status:
In-Construction
Building on the project’s urban vision, my role at Orbeli 23 went beyond design support to include leading the coordination and realization of several key architectural components currently advancing through construction. Beginning with schematic design and continuing through design development, I was responsible for refining the architectural framework that unified the site’s diverse programmatic zones (residential, institutional, commercial, and public) into a coherent urban composition. My focus was on ensuring clarity in spatial hierarchy, functional connectivity, and material coherence across the large-scale site.
A significant portion of my contribution focused on the design and development of the corporate offices, library addition, interiors, and residential tower façades, each requiring a nuanced understanding of both contextual sensitivity and technical performance. For the corporate offices, I conducted façade studies and developed modular layout strategies that balanced visual transparency with energy efficiency, laying the groundwork for a flexible workplace environment. In the library addition, adjacent to the preserved medical facility, I designed a transitional aesthetic that bridged heritage and new construction, allowing the building to function as both an educational resource and a cultural link within the district.
Orbeli 23
Year: 2024
Type: Corporate, Residential, Renovation, Master Plan
I worked closely with structural and planning teams to shape the public realm that connects the development. By integrating pedestrian circulation, plazas, and programmed green spaces, I helped reinforce the “15-minute city” concept at a human scale. These interventions enhanced the overall livability of the site and positioned the development as a model for mixed-use, community-oriented urban design in Yerevan.
The impact of my work is now evident as the site is currently under current construction in Yereban. The corporate offices, library extension, and residential towers are currently under construction and reflect both my team’s and my design vision for the site, demonstrating continuity from concept to execution. My contributions not only elevated the architectural quality of the project but also strengthened collaboration among design, technical, and client teams, ensuring that Orbeli 23 achieves its goal of redefining contemporary urban living through integrated, context-driven design.
Design Development of public outdoor space; sunken plaza for public events. Developed for a city presentation and in early construction.
Perspective view looking at the 5-storey offices facing streetside. developed the structure for constuction drawings, facade and details, and outdoor space for shown buildings. Rendering was produced in Enscape.
Al Lulu Island
Year: Team:
Type:
Role:
Status:
2024
Pablo Laguarda (Lead Architect), Junkyeu Song (Lead Architect), Victor Ortiz (Lead Architect), and MacKenzie Zetkov (Project Designer) Competition
Master plan development, client & city presentations, conceptual design, feasibility studies, in-house rendering.
Completed
Between downtown Abu Dhabi and the breakwater, the transformation of Al Lulu Island into an innovative new hub includes a 21-hectare Commercial Zone and a 189-hectare Residential Master Plan. The island’s remaining 210 hectares are reserved for roadways, waterways, and extensive parkways. The defining feature of the Commercial Zone and the island is a 400-meter Mixed-Use Tower that completes the axial view from Abu Dhabi’s main avenue. The Tower is evocative of an ancient, tiered minaret that is partially shrouded by a textured veil and infused with light to appear like a lighthouse on the horizon. The Residential Master Plan is divided into a chain of 7 islands, each one loosely representing the 7 states of the UAE.
The islands are configured in such a way that maximizes privacy and allows for every single villa to have frontage on either waterway or parkway.
In developing the commercial base and façade articulation for the 80-storey tower, I led design explorations that established the tower’s architectural identity from the ground plane upward. Working in Rhino, Enscape, and D5, I produced iterative massing studies, podium interface analyses, and façade rhythm concepts that balanced performance, constructability, and visual impact. My work focused on shaping a commercial podium that activated the public realm through transparent retail frontages, shaded pedestrian arcades, and a sculpted structural expression that visually anchors the tower. I collaborated closely with senior designers to refine proportions, material strategies, and screen geometries, ensuring the podium and tower façade formed a cohesive vertical narrative while supporting programmatic requirements and maintaining design integrity throughout each iteration.
For the urban landscape and marina integration, I developed site strategies that seamlessly connected the waterfront public realm with the commercial base and adjacent hospitality components. My studies for the landscape included generating circulation diagrams, waterfront activation concepts, and experiential landscape sequences that shaped the marina as the masterplan’s central organizing feature. By aligning view corridors, pedestrian flows, and program adjacencies, I helped craft a cohesive waterfront environment that supported both leisure boating activity and daily community use, reinforcing the island’s identity as a vibrant, mixed-use destination.
Al Lulu Island
Throughout the competition, I contributed to the preparation of final presentation boards, diagrams, renderings, and narrative content, working under accelerated schedules and independently managing large portions of the graphic and digital model output.
My role required balancing visionary design with technical feasibility while reinforcing a high standard of design quality at every stage.
As a Project Designer on the Al Lulu Island masterplan competition, I played a central role in shaping the project’s design narrative, visual communication, and technical development across early concept and earlyschematic design. Working closely with Design Principals and team, I helped generate the overarching architectural vision for a new cultural and resort district off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
My responsibilities included producing core conceptual frameworks, masterplan strategies, site programming, and form-finding studies to articulate a cohesive narrative that responded to the island’s ecological sensitivities and development goals.
I led the creation of 3D massing models, urban design diagrams, landscape/environmental analyses, and experiential renderings using Rhino, V-Ray, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite, ensuring design clarity and strong storytelling throughout the competition process.
I developed design options, circulation strategies, corridor studies, and façade direction, ensuring each option maintained design integrity while meeting budgetary expectations and program constraints. I coordinated closely with internal teams to align architectural intent with environmental strategies, hospitality typologies, and infrastructural requirements.
Huanan Mall Renovation
Year:
Team:
Type:
Role:
Status:
2025
Pablo Laguarda (Lead Architect), Jiteng Yang (Lead Architect), Marco Salcedo (Lead Architect), and MacKenzie Zetkov (Project Designer)
Professional Work
Construction Drawings, Physical Models, Client Presentations, Alternates, Design Work, and Drawings Sets.
In-Progress
The Huanan Mall renovation is a large-scale commercial and public facility re-development, encompassing 75,280 sqm over five stories above ground and one basement level. Designed as a community-based shopping destination centered on department stores, the project includes a 55,000 sqm retail center, 10,780 sqm of offices and ware-houses, and a 9,500 sqm underground parking facility. The design scope spans architectural planning, façade enhancement, and comprehensive interior renovation across 19,000 sqm of indoor public areas and 7,800 sqm of outdoor plazas. Targeting mid-range and young family demographics, the mall integrates natural, healthy, and family-oriented design elements.
As part of the architectural design team, I developed a renovation façade option aimed at redefining the mall’s street presence and strengthening its identity within the urban context. My work focused on enhancing material articulation, refining the massing strategy, and creating a stronger visual connection between the mall and the two existing towers to elevate its visibility as a local landmark. Following overall design approval, I advanced the project through the interior design phase—developing spatial layouts, circulation strategies, and design concepts that improved user experience and cohesiveness between interior and exterior spaces.
Huanan Mall Renovation
Year: 2025
Type: Retail/Renovation
Role: Design, Interior, Spatial Planning, and Visualizations
Status: In-progress
My work centered on reorganizing public circulation, anchor retail nodes, and key gathering spaces to create a more intuitive and fluid spatial experience. This included strengthening the connections between multiple levels, improving wayfinding through clear visual corridors, and reinforcing anchor points that guided visitors through the mall. I placed particular emphasis on creating interior environments that support the broader community-focused vision of the project. Integrating daylight and greenery into circulation areas softened the interior character and enhanced the spatial quality, while careful alignment of interior materials and finishes with the façade strategy established a coherent architectural language throughout. The result was a unified design narrative that balanced commercial performance with an elevated public realm experience.
My capacity to translate conceptual design ideas into technically coordinated, buildable solutions allowed the design to progress smoothly through internal approvals, demonstrating both design leadership and strong technical proficiency. Ultimately, my work contributed to strengthening the mall’s identity, optimizing its commercial potential, and aligning the project with its broader urban and community context.
Perspective view looking from fourth floor down towards center atrium space.
Perspective view looking at the center atrium space. I worked on developing the interior design and overall improvements to user circulation.
KK Longgang
Year: Team:
Type:
Role:
Status:
2025
Pablo Laguarda (Lead Architect), Jiteng Yang (Lead Architect), Stephen Chang (Project Manager), and MacKenzie Zetkov (Project Designer)
Professional Work
Construction Drawings, Exterior/Interior Design, Client Presentations, Alternates, Design Detailing, Visualizations, and Drawings Sets.
In-Progress
Positioned within Shenzhen’s rapidly developing Longgang district, KK Longgang is a large-scale mixed-use development that integrates retail, office, and public amenities within a cohesive urban framework. Conceived as a vibrant civic anchor, the project seeks to redefine the relationship between commercial density and public life through an interconnected network of plazas, courtyards, and interior atriums. The architectural language emphasizes permeability, daylight, and spatial rhythm, offering an environment that supports both highintensity urban activity and moments of social pause.
As a member of the architectural design team, I contributed through the design development adjustment phase. My work encompassed architectural design, interior design, and spatial planning, with a particular focus on establishing the design logic that connected the exterior architecture to the interior user experience. I developed design development drawings that refined the project’s massing, façade articulation, and program organization. Through iterative studies, I explored the balance between solid and void, transparency and enclosure, to strengthen the project’s sense of continuity and visual coherence. In addition to design development, I produced detailed architectural drawings, detailed studies, and façade studies, resolving technical challenges related to constructibility, envelope systems, and modular coordination.
KK Longgang
Year: 2025
Type: Retail, Master Planning
Role: Design, Interior, Spatial Planning, and Visualizations
Status: In-Progress
My work on KK Longgang contributed significantly to refining the project’s architectural and spatial identity. By bridging conceptual design with technical documentation, I ensured that the design narrative remained consistent across scales, from overall master planning to the detail of a façade joint or interior finish. My visualizations played a pivotal role in articulating the design vision to stakeholders, while my technical coordination supported the project’s progression through the readjustment design phase.
My attention to both design precision and technical feasibility helped advance the project through key internal design reviews. I developed high-quality visualizations and presentation renderings, which became integral communication tools for client presentations and design approvals, effectively conveying the spatial atmosphere and material qualities of the proposal. The resulting design presents a contemporary interpretation of urban density, one that prioritizes human experience, spatial fluidity, and architectural integrity at the heart of Shenzhen’s evolving cityscape.
Detailed cross-section through entire site showcasing interior with schematic-level detail.
MacKenzie Zetkov
Sunshine 100
Year: Team: Role:
2025
Pablo Laguarda (Lead Architect), Junkyeu Song (Lead Architect), Ken Shigematsu (Lead Architect), and MacKenzie Zetkov (Project Designer)
Type:
Professional Work
Construction Drawings, Physical Models, Client Presentations, Alternates, Design Work, and Drawings Sets.
Status:
In-Progress
Located in the Maonan District of Maoming City, this project involved the conceptual planning of 1,100 mu of land with a focus on integrating commercial, cultural, and ecological elements. The first phase included a commercial design scheme covering approximately 81,700 square meters, with both above-ground building expansion and underground parking. The second and third phases included expansion of the retail network around the lakefront edge while the fourth phase contained the hotel and residential block. The goal was to create a modern, park-like retail environment that blends seamlessly with the local landscape and cultural context.
Drawing inspiration from Lingnan traditions—such as arcaded facades and local materials— the design avoids conventional urban commercial tropes while celebrating regional identity.
I led the development of two of the three submitted design schemes, contributing significantly to massing strategies, facade articulation, and the spatial configuration of public areas. The result is a refined commercial village that balances modern appeal with local character and functionality.
view looking at an articulated canopy that would display local cultural art via LED modules mounted to its underside.
Master-Plan perspective view showing Phase 1 retail village and its envisioned embrace with the local lake. Beginning of massing studies.
view looking at the planned retail village for Phase II. Offering a panoramic stage for cultural and commercial events.
Second master-plan scheme showing a more restrained approach to preserving the lakefront while still allowing for social engagement.
Aerial view looking at the second scheme and its surrounding context. developed the facades, outdoor space, and landscape for all shown buildings. Rendering was produced in D5.
Sample of Architectural Work 2023-2025
Zetkov | Project Designer | Syracuse University | M.Arch