LEILEI ZHAO
Selected works
June 3rd, 2020
To whom it may concern,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Ze Yao (LeiLei) Zhao to an architectural internship position for his continuing co-op curriculum at the University of Waterloo. I had many positive personal experiences working directly with Leilei over the course of his internship at NBBJ in the Spring of 2020, where he demonstrated his fantastic design sensibilities, technical aptitude and positive attitude through a variety of projects and tasks in our Commercial Studio.
These projects included a 92,000 sqm Mixed-Use Development in Hangzhou, China, an 11,000 sqm Office Tower in Wuhan, China, and a large comprehensive masterplan in New York City. The project scopes of Leilei’s involvement included Competitions, Concept Design and late Design Development. In each of these roles, LeiLei worked on a diverse set of tasks including building Conceptual Physical Models, creating Conceptual Illustrative Diagrams, producing renderings for client presentations, and constructing detailed 3D models for both project documentation and presentation.
I cannot overstate the intensity of these project timelines, which often called upon Leilei to work later hours than the rest of his peers. In every instance, Leilei went above and beyond to learn, cooperate, contribute and foster a positive environment of teamwork and camaraderie. It should also be of note that roughly a quarter of his internship was affected by the events of COVID-19, and I want to mention that Leilei was the first intern in our office to volunteer to test a remote-working situation with NBBJ after being recalled to Canada.
Leilei was a tremendously valuable member of our studio and his contributions still resonate in our projects from his time here.
It is with my highest regards that I endorse Leilei for an architectural internship position. For any further questions regarding his ability or his contributions to NBBJ, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Matthew Mark Designer / Visualization Lead
Reference Letter For LeiLei Zhao October 18, 2021
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to recommend LeiLei Zhao. He worked with us at Diamond Schmitt Architects as an Architectural Student and reported to me in my position as Senior Associate.
LeiLei worked on several projects in the office during his work term in the fall of 2020, including Vaughan Metro Centre, Ottawa Parkway, and Therme Canada | Ontario Place. He provided meaningful contributions to each of those projects. While working on the Therme Canada | Ontario Place project he was integrated with the project team in developing the concept design. Among his many tasks was the development of the topographically complex public ground plane surrounding the main building. The exterior public space is a critical component to the success of the project and had to balance the practicalities of flood control
LeiLei proved himself to be a strong and independent contributor, asking questions in a timely manner, and requesting more tasks as he was completing others. Throughout his work with both visualization and architectural teams he exhibited excellent problem-solving skills and an excellent design sensibility.
During his time at Diamond Schmitt the project teams were working remotely from home due to the pandemic. It was a unique circumstance where he was able to demonstrate and further develop his teamwork and communication skills. LeiLei works well with others on common tasks and communicates with his project team in a manner that encourages teamwork.
I enjoyed working with LeiLei, and look forward to seeing his future development as an architect. I would not hesitate to work with him in the future.
Please feel free to contact me at 416-303-2653 if you want to discuss LeiLei’s qualifications and experience further.
Regards,
Joseph Troppmann OAA, MRAIC
Senior Associate
Diamond Schmitt Architects jtroppmann@dsai.ca
October 7, 2022
To Whom it may concern:
R RE: LeiLei Zhao
It is my pleasure to provide a letter of reference for LeiLei Zhao
LeiLei joined our team as a student intern for a summer of 2022.
In his time at our office, he worked on a variety of projects at varying scales and degrees of complexity.
LeiLei proved himself very quickly in being proactive, resourceful and collaborative in his approach. He was required to complete number of tasks under very short timelines and was able to shift through different tasks quickly and without difficulty in a very focused and methodical manner. LeiLei has proved his abilities to be well beyond his age and education level at the time.
Specifically, during his time with GBL this summer LeiLei worked on a wide variety of projects, including design studies for Brentwood Phase 3, Rezoning and Development Permit submissions for Delta Headwaters, Final Design Drawings for 7638 Cambie, as well as Fire Stop and General Reviews for The Holland. He handled a wide variety of tasks through various programs, such as digital modelling, rendering, drawings, as well as packages for both clients and the city
LeiLei was able to quickly adapt to large team and very soon became instrumental member providing support and delivering complex studies in short period of time. He is also able to work independently under principal’s supervision where his creativity and diligence was proven invaluable when doing quick design studies.
LeiLei is very professional, organized, and enthusiastic. He has excellent design skills and is a quick learner always seeking opportunities for improvement.
We believe that LeiLei will be an excellent addition to any office and would not hesitate to offer him employment with GBL should his career bring him back to Vancouver.
Sincerely Yours,
Amela Brudar, Architect AIBC
Principal GBL Architects Inc.
Hi there! My name is LeiLei Zhao, and I’m an emerging designer currently based in Vancouver with a background in architecture and CNC fabrication. I draw inspiration heavily from the materials and fabrication systems I work with. These techniques, whether modern or traditional, often inform the computational and parametric processes I leverage to elevate my design approach. My work explores how to express these interests in a balanced manner. I continuously strive to merge my diverse experiences to create a refined design language. Please enjoy this collection of work, and I look forward to hearing from you!
CURRICULUM VITAE
SKILLS EXPERIENCE
Software: Fabrication:
Rhino 3D / AutoCAD Grasshopper
Aspire / Vectrics
Adobe Suite
Revit CNC Machining Woodworking Design Build Framing Millwork
EDUCATION
2023.08 | University of Waterloo School of Architecture
• Bachelor of Architectural Studies, with Distinction
• Athletic Coordinator and Vice-President for WASA
• Participated in study abroad Rome Program
ACHIEVEMENTS
2023.11 | Featured in UWSA 2023 Project Review | U. Waterloo
• For 4B Design Build Chair, Design at Riverside Gallery
2023.05 | Student Work Showcase Selected Project | CASA
• For 4A Studio project “Il Fiume Tevere Nel Tempo”
2022.09 | Andy Kesteloo Memorial Award Finalist | CAGBC
• For 3A Studio project “Vaughan Road Academy Retrofit”
2022.07 | Ella Dinoi International Experience Award | U. Waterloo
• Awarded for displaying passion for design excellence
2022.05 | Galvanize the Future Essay Contest Winner | AGA
• For essay addressing longevity of steel infrastructure
zeyao.zhao@gmail.com (416) 303-8254
2024.05 - Present | Klo Lab | CNC Machinist and Designer
Vancouver
• Designed products and established efficient workflows for CAD/CAM and CNC fabrication
• Upheld regular preventative maintenance of CNC, troubleshooting and repairs as needed
2023.12 - 2024.03 | Workbench. | Designer Fabricator
Vancouver
• Design and fabrication experience for a custom table, bookcase and a millwork package
• Developed parametric fabrication solutions for the “Naguri Architectural Skin”
2022.05 - 2022.08 | GBL Architects | Architecture Intern
Vancouver
• Extensive construction site experience with general reviews and fire stop reviews
2022.01 - 2022.04 | Arquitectonica | Architectural Intern Los Angeles
• Created drawings, diagrams, renderings and design studies for various projects
2021.05 - 2021.08 | Giannone Petricone | Architectural Assistant Toronto
• Created construction documents, community presentations, and rezoning applications
2020.09 - 2020.12 | Diamond Schmitt | Student Architect
Toronto
• Apart of Visualization Team for detailed digital modeling and renderings for various projects
2020.01 - 2020.04 | NBBJ | Architecture Intern New York
• Extensive model making experience with laser cutting, foam models and 3d printing
PIAZZA - TEXTURE
TINY HOUSE DESIGN BUILD
Fall 2021
Arch 393 Studio
Rhinoceros 3D, Illustrator, Woodworking, Construction, Photography
This Design Build Studio was led by Adrian Blackwell and John McMinn and done in collaboration with Jennifer Chen, Nini Chen, Gwen Del Rosario, Marc Eugenio, Anita Hu, Ernest Lee, Lauren Mok, Max Perry, Kenneth Siu, Niara, van Galeen, and Catherine Zheng. My design contributions included the design and detailing of the enclosure, done in collaboration with Kenneth Siu. This project called for complex collaborative efforts and coordination between teams to ensure the build was thoroughly completed within the given timelines. The construction of the exterior enclosure construction was led by and mainly done by myself. This prototype explored the possibility of using tiny homes to address housing insecurity in the Waterloo Region. It was shortly on display in front of Cambridge City Hall.
4’ 11” (1500mm) minimum dismount length
8” minimum from wall to toilet
2’ 11 ½” (900mm) minimum dismount width
4’ 11” (1500mm) minimum turning circle 2’ 0” minimum door clearance
2’ 11 ½” (900mm) minimum shower width
4’ 11” (1500mm) minimum shower length
A CHAIR FOR NOLAN
Summer 2023
Arch 570 Elective
Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photography, Woodworking
This chair was inspired by Robert van Embricqs’s “Rising Chair”. Done in collaboration with Peter Song and supervised by Elizabeth English. The design intent of this chair revolves around a hypothetical client: esteemed modern-day filmmaker Christopher Nolan. Inspired by his deeply existential filmmaking, we distilled the key themes as being: intricately intertwined narratives; mind-bending geometry; and rigorous dimensionality. After extensive prototyping and iterations that were elevated by parameterizing the design process, the chair’s design called for pushing the limits of woodworking tolerances. The final result was made possible through an exceptional attention to detail, and a love for the joy of beauty and craft. The chair was featured in the UWSA 2023 Project Review at the Design at Riverside Gallery Exhibition and has been on display in the UWSA library since.
INTERSTELLAR INCEPTION TENET
The Tesseract, Interstellar (2014)
Lattice Chair by Chen Kuan-Cheng
Pincer Building Explosion, Tenet (2020)
Rising Chair by Robert van Embricqs
Architecture of Dreams, Inception (2010)
Silkchair by Alvi Design
Initial input curves and adjustable parameters 1.
Creation of individual lines
Cut locations, based on initial curves Parameters that visualize 2. 3. 4a.
visualize the motion of the chair
Resolution of 3D intersection and movement of square sections Final 3D model of chair 4b. 6.
1/4” Magnets
1/2” Brass Hinges
Ash White Hardwood Rubio Compound clear coat finish
Quarter rounded and drilled ends
7” Steel plate
1/2” x 36” Threaded Steel Rod
1/2” Hex Nut
1/2” Steel Washer
1/32” Laser cut acrylic washers
CAUSTICS - L A M P ENTRY
October 2024
L A M P Competition
Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Illustrator, CNC Machining, Aspire
Light cast on moving water will always create unique sculptural qualities. Caustics suspends this timeless yet fleeting moment in a sconce. The inspiration for Caustics is a mixture of the traditional hand-carving techniques of wood, combined with explorations in digital and CNC fabrication. The resulting form emulates the entrancing light projections of a caustic network. It is highly tactile to touch and sight; it is elegant and lively; disordered yet contained. As the sunlight changes through the day, so do the textural qualities. When the day fades to darkness, and Caustics is switched on, a rich new lighting dynamic appears. New interactions with this lamp’s environment and users are constantly being redefined.
Input Geometry
Allowing for any negative cut shape to be utilized
Setting up base panel size and pattern that can be easily scaled
Generate 3D preview of panel or CNC files
Extensive adjustable parameters: panel dimensions, pattern depth, and quality of pattern
Seeded displacement and rotation of pattern
This script was intially developed during my time at Workbench. for the “Naguri Architectural Skin”. It was further modified with adjusted inputs for this project.
PROFESSIONAL - KLO LAB
May 2024 - Present Rhinoceros 3D, Aspire, Adobe Suite, CNC Machining, Design Build
During my time at Klo Lab, I was able to dive deep into a facet of fabrication I naturally excel in: CNC machining. Through continuous custom CNC fabrication projects, such as tradeshow booths, stage design builds, and custom furniture, I developed extensive skills in machining, joinery and design. In addition, I furthered the repertoire of the firm’s products through designing knock-down, easily assembled and shippable pieces of furniture. These include a stool, two workbenches, tables, a credenza, a wardrobe, and a kerf-curved cabinet. I also upheld regular preventative maintenance of the CNC machine, while troubleshooting repairs as needed.
PROFESSIONAL - WORKBENCH
Dec 2023 - Mar 2024
Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Adobe Suite, Woodworking, CNC Routing, Photography
During my time at Workbench, I assisted with the fabrication of our Donald Judd-inspired tables and our Modular Bookshelf. For both projects, I played a crucial role in designing and fabricating the joinery from the jigs to the assembly method. I also created shop drawings and fabrication strategies for a millwork package. Lastly, I developed parametric fabrication solutions for the “Naguri Architectural Skin” with Grasshopper to allow for fast and iterative customizability as well as the product’s spec sheet.
PROFESSIONAL - GBL
May 2022 - August 2022
Revit, Enscape, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Site Visits
During my time at GBL, I was exposed to various scales and scopes of projects in Vancouver. They were at different stages, offering varied exposure to different architectural design processes. Most notably, I completed Final Design Drawings for our Winona Project along with extensive site experience. Pictured next is a development in Delta where I contributed to the Rezoning and Development Permit packages. These two were mid-rise residential projects; I was also exposed to mixeduse complexes, residential towers, and urban renewals.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Sept 2018 - Aug 2023
Rhinoceros 3D, Adobe Suite, Rendering, Model Making, CNC Routing, Design Build
During my Architectural Studies at the University of Waterloo, I was exposed to numerous design typologies, including a single-family home, library, interpretive landscape institution, mixed-use housing complex, historical and cultural centre, and food bank. This plethora of design experience has shaped me extensively in my approach to design. Regardless of which pathways I may go down in the future, architecture is ultimately the foundational lens through which I navigate design and life. A condensed architectural portfolio is as follows (in order of appearance):
4B Final: Architecture of Healing, individual
4A Final: Il Fiume Tevere Nel Tempo, with Simon Pieris
2A Final: Geological Promenade, individual
VIA-MARMORATA PORTA-PORTESE
reconnect Romans to the Tiber River physically and temporally. The Nolli approach informs the are several avenues to the waterfront that encourage users to interact with the site. The museum the Tiber waterfront. These temporal moments are reflected by distinct museum exhibits and an
zeyao.zhao@gmail.com (416) 303-8254