I am a driven, outgoing and hard working individual that strives to deliver excellence throughout my work. I take pride in my enthusiasm, motivation and ability to always take on new challenges. I thrive best in a collaborative environment, contributing new outlooks and ideas to a team.
My skill set and attributes have been developed through both within my education and out, in which I have developed communication and leadership from a range of groups through difficult situations, performing within a creative and competitive, high pressure environemnt. I characterise myself by an approachable and enthusiastic demeanour, enabling me to engage, adapt and build relationships with individuals.
My interests lie in innovative, sustainable constructions, with a diverse range of materiality that are applied to both commercial and residential projects, and I am driven to seek unique oppurtunities that broaden my perspective, enhance my skills and challenge my capabilities so I am able to continuously learn, adapt and grow my professional development, cultivating a versatile and insightful understanding to increase my experiences.
07469889405
xindi.su@yahoo.com
@xindidrawshouses
Xindi Su
Edinburgh and London
// INTERESTS conservation evolving heritage mass timber and sustainability shaping society through human interaction
index of chosen works
01 URBAN STITCHES [2023/24] bridging the gaps
02 TEMPORAL WEAVINGS [2023/24] adapting through generations
PASSAGE THROUGH THE SHADOWS [2023/24] gradiating landscapes
CAUKIN STUDIO [2024] the home of enlightenment
03 DWELLINGS FOR A DANCER [2022/23] an artist’s residence
04 WALKWAY INTO THE WOODS [2022/23] look, pause, feel
LORN MACNEAL ARCHITECTS [2024/25] part 1 placement
EDINARCSOC [2023-PRESENT] various roles
curriculum vitae
EDUCATION The University of Edinburgh 2021 - present MA (with Honours) in Architecture. A project based course, with a randing variety of building types in both design and technology projects requiring self-directed study. Projects required to incorporate inclusive, environmental strategy, materiality and structure through a highly iterative design process to refine and develop initial concepts and strategies into finalised designs.
Bedford Girls’ School 2016 - 2021
A- Levels (Textiles A*, Maths A, Chemistry A) EPQ (Architecture, A*).
GCSE’S (Textiles 9, Maths 9, Chemistry 9, Biology 9, Physics 9, English Language 8, English Literature 8, Fine Art 8, Geography 8, German 7)
ARCHITECTURAL EXPERIENCE
Lorn Macneal Architects (Edinburgh) August 2024 - present Experience across RIBA Stages of Work 0-7, working with Category A, B and C listed buildings across Scotland on contentious residential, community and commercial schemes ranging up to £12 million.
- Iterative design development alongside private clients, trustees, interior designers, landscape architects, contractors, engineers, principal designer
- Aiding resolution of construction issues and navigating risks, adapting to site restrictions and changing commercial imperatives/ business models, aligned with current policies
- Preparing projects for bidding to tender construction, procurement and delivery, aiding quality and budget control in conjunction with quantity surveyors, main contractors and associates
- Responsible for facilitating, communicating and issuing contractual and tender drawings, renders and sketches, models, schedules and specifications to administer the building contract
- Responsible for resolving points and gaining approvals for planning, warrants and further alongside city planners and building control
CAUKIN Studio (Indonesia) - July to August 2024
Construction placement for the ongoing collaboration between CA.UK.IN Studio and CERCONDESO, aiding a residential construction located in Cidokom, West Java, Indonesia alongside local builders. The development emphasises importance on both a contemporary and vernacular space, whilst optimising community interaction and identity.
- Proficiency in numerous aspects of on-site construction and machine handling, including wall construction, concrete casting in-situ and woodwork, as well as assisting with design upholding Indonesian building policies.
Guest Critic, University of Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture - April 2024
Guest reviewer/ critic for Year 2 Architectural Design: Any Place final reviews. Advised and aided undergraduate students on the presentation, delivery and conceptualisation of their social housing projects based in Belleville, Paris, designing towards selected protagonists.
Internship: Fosters+Partners, London (July 2021)
Selected for a short internship before starting university, observing and participating in various stages of project development, such as conceptual design, drafting, model creation.
- Shadowing architects, gaining insight into real-world applications of design principles, construction methods, and the collaborative nature of the architectural profession.
SKILLS
All software skills are proficient to expert (4+ years)
Team Co-Ordination/Collaboration - I thrive when operating as part of a design team, working collaboratively and communicating within a studio and professional environment. During my placement, I am regularly accustomed to communicating with clients, contractors and project managers, directors/ associate directors and Edinburgh Planning Council to help facilitate projects from conception to completion.
Time Management - I regularly manage multiple projects and tasks within a high pressure environment, always remaining in control and maintaining a meticulous standard of work.
Sketching/Hand drawing - for design development and iteration.
Model Making - experienced in workshop machinery within a range of different medIums and at various scales, for both design exploration and final presentation.
Commercial Awareness - Continuously driving professional and personal development, attending Young Professionals in Construction networking events, Edinburgh Architecture Association/RIAS events, corresponding with interdisciplinary fields within infrastructure, and internal CPDs to ensure progression of skills and knowledge in line with the current building standards and policies.
curriculum vitae [cont.]
COMPETITION PROJECTS
Reimagining Cities Towards Carbon Neutrality (2023), Urban Stitches: 3rd International Design Competition by ISCM/UEH University.
Urban design masterplan and regeneration of the identiy of North Phuoc Thang, Vung Tau City. Exploration of proposing solutions to the ‘Global South’. Won 3rd Place.
Beyond Isolation Senior Living (2023), Temporal Weavings: Senior Housing, International Architecture Competition by BUILDNER.
Integration with the first competition, proposal of inclusive, inter-generational interaction to define the social and cultural dynamics of North Phuoc Thang.
The Home of Shadows (2024), Passage Through the Shadows: International Architecture Competition by BUILDNER
Residential project encapsulating movement through and with the landscapes and shadows, forming the journey cascading through the alternating landscapes and light of the Loch Ness, reflecting and framing its presence.
CURRICULAR
President, Social Secretary, Graphic Designer and Social Media Manager, Edinburgh Student Architecture Society, Edinburgh
Elected as president for 2025-26, event organisation, co-ordination and management for ESALA across the executive team, lectures, graphics, marketing and business development, memberships and socials alongside programme directors and head of school for increasing inclusivity, access to the profession and outreach.
Running commitee meetings and conceptualisation of social events, such as the Architecture Ball (250+ people) and Winter Ball (200+ people) for 2023-24.
Graphic designer for the committee and management of the social media marketing for 2024-25.
ECA Student Representative Edinburgh College of Art, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Elected for coordination of student representation and support for Year 3 MA Architecture within Edinburgh College of Art. Working in partnership with staff and other Student Representatives through SSLC to allow for my own personal and professional development, as well as ensuring the enhanced communication, response, and quality of program experience.
Digital Creator, City of Edinburgh
Personal self-driven design account on Instagram, displaying a collection of ongoing and archived work showcasing a range of media. Displaying my interests within sculptural textiles, digital design and photography, as well as showcasing evolution within projects.
ESALA Climate Action, The University of Edinburgh
Member of ECAN, who aims to encourage students to raise awarenessand knowledge of climate change, in which all of my roles and motivation is to drive positive change for the discipline through education and co-curricular activity.
Badminton and Netball Society
Netball coach and captain, BUCS badminton team.
REFERENCES Dr Nikolia Kartalou: {n.kartalou@ed.ac.uk} - Cohort Lead, The University of Edinburgh
Dr Ana Miret Garcia: {amiretg@ed.ac.uk} - Course Organiser, The University of Edinburgh
bridging the gaps
[urban stitches]
COMPETITION PROJECT: Reimagining Cities Towards Carbon Neutrality (ISCM) 3rd International Design Competition by ISCM/ UEH University. THIRD PLACE PRIZE
BY: Architectural Design: Explorations - Competitions Unit
This competition project is based on the redevelopment of the underdeveloped area of North Phuoc Thang, in the “Global South”, for creating an Urban design researched new masterplan and regeneration of the identiy of North Phuoc Thang, Vung Tau City, that allows for reconnection to the surrounding cities, and shifting the area away from being a thoroughfare.
Our design proposal was centralised around three key “Threads” we identified and explored, whilst ensuring complete sustainability. This translated into the Social Thread (ensuring continued integration and access to socioeconomic functions for existing residents), the Blue Thread (reimagining the current flooded region which required extensive strategy to mitigate risk from rising water levels) and the Green Thread (proposing a strategic soft green technological landscape that actively worked to restore and protect the border between land and water from erosion whilst increasing the biodiversity of the city, the river facilitating mangrove restoration to become the structural framework of the infrastructure, and the land). We were driven by the current residents, rather than a detached masterplan, and aimed to tackle degradation and increase social integration whilst developing the city to become significant in the Ho Chi Minh region.
Our strategy of interpreting our protagonist, a young boy born and raised within the site, and interrogating the different changes to his life and the people that are connected with him throughout his life formed the pathway of our master plan. Extensive research on the local and wider economies, as well as analysis of the current and projected environment guided our approach to achieve net carbon zero, whilst enhancing the lives of the residents. Every decision made throughout the hermeneutical process was a product of a complete collaborative questioning, research, and debate of both my own and my group members ideas, allowing further revision and refinement to reach our end proposal.
Recognition from the Edinburgh College of Art: https://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/news/international-competition-achievements-esala-students
phasing masterplan and natural implications
reimagining the boundary between land and sea
bridging the gaps
[temporal weavings]
COMPETITION PROJECT: Beyond Isolation Senior Living (2023), Temporal Weavings: Senior Housing, International Architecture Competition by BUILDNER.
BY:
Architectural
Design: Explorations - Competitions Unit
After combining competitions with Urban Stitches, the development of Temporal Weavings aims to increase intricacy to the three threads. Modular housing strategies can be easily replicated throughout South East Asia in areas facing similar environmental and social problems, and along our masterplan, allowing both the relation between both nature with people, and people to people to become intertwined and strengthened. Housing is adaptable to various family structures through time, and their changing needs and privacy, whilst integrating seniors within the fabric of the community.
By developing further the threads that we explored within the first competition, we weaved together the fabric and explore in depth providing a solution to the social and political implications identified through our research. Our interpetation of the brief to successfully overcome isolation was to cater not only to the elderly, but the entirety of the demographic, as it was vital to develop how seniors can become a part of the community by incorporating them within living with all ages, whilst ensuring safety and wellbeing.
extract of floor plans
masterplan of chosen section of city
After combining competitions with Urban Stitches, the development of Temporal Weavings aims to increase intricacy to the three threads. Modular housing strategies can be easily replicated throughout South East Asia in areas facing similar environmental and social problems, and along our masterplan, allowing both the relation between both nature with people, and people to people to become intertwined and strengthened. Housing is adaptable to various family structures through time, and their changing needs and privacy, whilst integrating seniors within the fabric of the community.
By developing further the threads that we explored within the first competition, we weaved together the fabric and explore in depth providing a solution to the social and political implications identified through our research. Our interpetation of the brief to successfully overcome isolation was to cater not only to the elderly, but the entirety of the demographic, as it was vital to develop how seniors can become a part of the community by incorporating them within living with all ages, whilst ensuring safety and wellbeing.
section and diagram of visual manipulation
an artist’s residence
[dwellings for a dancer]
PROJECT: Residential design
BY: Architectural Design: Any Place
The primary aim of this project was aimed towards a chosen film character, Pierre, who is a dancer that feels isolated from society. Use of balconies and hierarchy of levels facilitate both private, semi-private and public spaces that allow oppurtunity for natural interaction, whilst providing necessary privacy. The threading of public services integrat ed with the creative communities of the context in Belleville, create views between levels, increasing connectivity.
The creative character protagonist reflects the ability of architectural elements to promote the natural engagement within a community that elevates and advances the ability of its residents whilst providing for the entirety of Belleville. In regards to my strategy to promote natural interaction, by varying levels, and creating spaces that the protagonist enjoys and relates to, whilst allowing him to facilitate his privacy and enjoy both the views and observing life dancing around him
collage with photographs from site visit displaying demographic of Belleville
levels
look, pause, feel
[walkway into the woods]
PROJECT: St Mark’s Park Shelter
BY: Technology and Environment
Technology project, in which my concept was aimed towards the design of an open wooden structure that facilitates movement and sensory interaction with the natural environment within the woods. Construction of the connections were key in maintaining structural integrity and longetivity even within environment conditions of Edinburgh.
When designing the Walkway Into the Woods we were rigid with the measurements fitting into two concentric circles, and utilised joinery techniques to prevent to use of steel, designing a repeated structure that catered to the parks natural features and did not want the user to remain stationary and restricted within the space, instead we wanted to convey openness and allow movement and interaction with other users and the park itself, leading in and out the forest.
Additionally, to integrate the structure into its natural surroundings, we designed a natural, flowing shape that mimicked the growth and form of the forest line.
formation of modular components and arrangements
covered and uncovered components
gradiating landscapes
[passage through the shadows]
COMPETITION PROJECT: The Home of Shadows (2024), International Architecture Competition by BUILDNER. BY:
Architectural
Practice: Working Learning (self - directed study)
The Passage Through The Shadows reflects the lacustrine characteristics of the Scottish LocNess, whilst intentionally encapsulating and establishing a relationship with the local light conditions. The building revolves around a triad of features. the shoreline, the forest treeline and the movement of the sun at 57° N latitude define the limits of the building. The shifting horizontal shape creates a pathway for movement, providing clear division between the public and private space, as well as the changing landscape. The pathway through the building acts as a guide through the dark utilizing light as focal points to lead the user. The angles that form barriers between spaces replicate those in the natural treeline, thus shaping the building to reflect the local context. Each of the spaces use light differently depending on the time of day.
The entryway, using a perforated sandstone wall allows for select moments of light to enter the space whilst maintaining privacy. This feature hides the views of the Loch which will be exposed in subsequent stages of the user’s path. Contrastingly, the angles of the rooms capture and expose the view to the user within the room, whilst allowing specificity of function to naturally follow sunlight. room, whilst allowing specificity of function to naturally follow sunlight. The courtyard sits at the intersection of public and private sections of the building. A pathway which connects the two distinct parts allows for views of the magnificent Loch. The southern fragment of the courtyard is a tunnel viewpoint, admiring the loch. The building allows the users to be on the water without physically interacting with its dangerous waters.
The light which enters through the roof of the spaces has also been strategically placed to follow the users journey horizontally through the building. The angled panels have been placed along the central path of the building and they create linear shadows which direct the user of the building on their subsequent steps. The level changes within the building’s structure follow the natural elevation of the coast. Strategic steps throughout the pathway of the building differentiate the rooms while allowing for an open plan between the different spaces. Such choice creates differentiation between the distinct functions of the rooms while allowing for an open landscape and clear views out onto the Loch through the entire house.
final competition panel
conditions of light
render within landscape
guiding path through building
defining lives within the community
[the home of empowerment]
PROJECT: Guesthouse in Bogor, Jakarta
BY: CAUKIN Studio
Through the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of working on-site on a construction placement in Cidokom, a village south of Jakarta, with CAUKIN Studio, volunteers from the Islamic University of Jakarta and the local tradesmen. The project itself, the CERCONDESO guesthouse, aims to improve access for increasing opportunity and education to rural communities and the surrounding areas, utilising a blend of contemporary and vernacular design with local materials to emphasise the development and evolution of cultural identity.
I was also trusted to both design and build the exterior entrance and integration with the landscape, enabling me to realise the hard work required to actualise my sketches! Throughout my time there, I could not help but witness the deep bond between everyone in the community, and their love for interaction on their verandas; for conversation between neighbour and friends, laughter, and cultivating vegetation, thus becoming the inspiration for me to design an integrated double staircase with stepped seating and built-in planters to further facilitate this dynamism. This experience highlights the importance of collaborative design and construction in defining lives within the local community.
For more information about the project: https://www.caukinstudio.com/cercondeso-guesthouse
placement year 2024 - 2025
[lorn macneal architects]
PROJECT: various
PLACEMENT: Lorn Macneal Architects, Edinburgh
12 month Part 1 Architectural Assistant placement. Extensive experience in assisting in management of multiple projects at different stages across Scotland. Currently undertaking and overseeing multiple projects from RIBA Stage 0-7, from large residential to commercial schemes, with the primary focus on remaining sensitive to heritage whilst evolving and adapting to contemporary requirements.
Familiar with navigating through initial client consultation and site visits, developing initial ideas and designs with the project architects, directors and associate directors. Aiding with contentious projects and Category A-C listed buildings with communication with various Council planners progressing through planning and building warrant.
Experience with projects currently on-site, both in the early demolition stage and up to 30% through the programme. Assisting throughout progress meetings and site inspections, and with tender drawings, both technical detailing and 1:20 construction and setting out drawings, as well as communication with the various relevant subcontractors to collaborate on projects, including structural engineers, interior/lighting consultants, contractors and project managers.
Aided navigation through to applying and gaining completion certificates, through defects and concluding contracts/ negotiations/ inspection schedulings.
Responsible for marketing, growing and crafting online presence/ engagement/reach/ audience through various platforms, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and website.
Edinburgh University Architecture Society 2023-present
[edinarcsoc]
PROJECT: various
BY: Architecture Society Committee
Throughout my academic education, I have been heavily involved in the Edinburgh University Architecture Society within various roles, inclding as graphic designer, social media management/marketing and social secretary.
As social secretary, I was responsible for the conception, development, and management of large-scale events for the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, such as the annual ESALA Ball, Winter Ball, social events, and competitions, aiming to engage across various interdisciplinary programmes. Additionally, as graphic designer and social media management, I aimed to maintain a consistent brand for the society.
