Shin-Yau Huang

Senior Project Manager

SGA

20 years in the industry

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and who or what influenced you most along the way?

I was drawn to architecture because it sits at the intersection of many things I value – art and design, science and technology, and history and culture. I am especially interested in how the built environment shapes the way people live, work, and interact, and how thoughtful design can create memorable experiences and lasting impact. Architecture operates at both the human and urban scales, requiring careful attention to functionality, detail, craft, and the broader social context.

During my education and professional practice, I have been fortunate to learn from experienced practitioners and inspiring mentors, and to grow alongside talented peers who continually expand my thinking. I enjoy working collaboratively – bringing together user groups, consultants, builders, and design teams to align goals, navigate complexity, and translate constraints into strategic solutions. I’ve found it especially rewarding to carry a shared vision through the entire process –  from setting goals and crafting the design to developing the documentation and seeing it constructed. Building partnerships and friendships with the project teams has been another meaningful part of my architectural journey.

Can you share a project you’re especially proud of and explain what made it meaningful—either professionally or personally?

Every project is unique, but one that stands out is a 400,000-square-foot mixed-use development in Washington, DC’s Wharf District, comprising hotel, multifamily, retail, and parking as part of a larger master plan. I recently revisited the project two years after its completion, and seeing it fully realized in person was incredibly fulfilling.

I joined this project midway through Design Development during a critical value engineering phase. As both project manager and architect, I worked closely with the team to navigate budget constraints while preserving the design intent and accommodating evolving client needs. The 12-story building’s intricate massing (with setbacks and cantilevers at both wings) combined with its mixed-use program, made coordination particularly complex and required thoughtful decision-making, clear prioritization, and strong alignment among the client, design and consultant teams.

What made this project especially memorable was the collaboration it demanded. Keeping the team engaged, moving efficiently, and fostering a shared sense of ownership were just as important as resolving technical challenges and meeting clients’ goals. This experience reinforced that architecture is fundamentally a team effort, and I value not only the final result, but the trust and collective process that made it possible.

How do you see diversity and inclusion influencing better design outcomes in architecture today?

Diversity and inclusion are essential to achieving better design outcomes and deliveries. Different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences bring a wider range of ideas, leading to more thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative solutions. The most creative and effective ideas I’ve seen come from team environments that are open, respectful, and safe, where people feel encouraged to speak freely.

Inclusive teams better understand how spaces are used by a broad range of people—residents, visitors, and communities—resulting in designs that are more responsive, equitable, and context-sensitive. In my experience, diversity strengthens collaboration, improves decision-making, and ultimately contributes to more thoughtful and high-quality work.

Have you had mentors or advocates who played a key role in your career growth, and how important is mentorship for women entering the field now?

Mentorship has been critical in my career. I’ve benefited from leaders and advocates who made time and space for me, encouraged my growth, and offered guidance, trust, and empowerment, helping me develop confidence as a designer, architect, and manager.

Mentorship is especially important for women entering the profession today. Guidance, advocacy, and access to opportunities help women feel supported and empowered to make a profound impact. Support also comes from networks outside the workplace: family, friends, alumni, and former colleagues who continue to share their experience and exchange ideas. I enjoy sharing my own, particularly with students and early-career professionals, helping them explore and define their own paths, and contributing to a more inclusive and supportive profession.

How do you balance creativity with the technical, regulatory, and business demands of architecture?

For me, creativity and technical, regulatory, and business demands of architecture aren’t at odds—they actually support each other. Constraints often push the design in more interesting and thoughtful directions.

I approach each project by understanding clients’ and users’ goals alongside technical and regulatory requirements. From there, the work becomes about finding ways to maximize value within those boundaries. I see constraints as opportunities. They compel us to think strategically and creatively.

Experience helps you know how to shape practical, buildable solutions, but good work also takes curiosity and a willingness to challenge assumptions and push the envelope. That balance is what allows us to create work that’s feasible, innovative, and meaningful.

What changes have you seen for women in architecture over the course of your career, and where do you think progress is still needed?

Over my career, I’ve seen positive change. More women are entering the profession, taking on leadership roles, and receiving recognition for their contributions. There is also greater awareness around equity, representation, and work-life balance.

That said, there is still progress to be made, particularly in advancing women into senior leadership and decision-making positions. Continued advocacy, mentorship, and structural support are necessary to ensure women are not only entering the field but can sustain long, fulfilling careers and shape the future of the profession. Progress is still needed in retention, leadership opportunities, supportive partnership and systems, and open dialogue.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

Sustainability has really shifted from being an added feature to a fundamental part of how we approach design. Today, it’s part of the conversation from the very beginning; shaping decisions around site planning, orientation, massing, fenestration, materials, energy performance, and how a building can adapt over time.

The understanding of sustainability has also grown, both within the profession and with the general public. I see the conversation continuing to move beyond certifications and checklists toward lifecycle thinking, resilience, and the relationship between human wellness, buildings, and their broader urban and environmental context.

Sustainability is no longer just about performance metrics. It’s about creating buildings that contribute positively to communities over the long term. Many sustainable principles are now standard practice rather than specialized knowledge, which is an important and necessary shift for our industry.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey? 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been bringing people together to create a shared vision, and delivering it. Seeing complex projects come together through collaboration is incredibly rewarding and reinforces my belief that architecture is a collective effort. I often think of the architect as a conductor: listening to the different voices of the team, harmonizing diverse ideas, and guiding them into a cohesive composition that brings the design to life.

As a planner and urban designer, I’m especially fulfilled when projects create real social and public value. Ten years ago, I delivered a mixed-use project in the Lower East Side with a significant affordable housing component, which reminded me how architecture can contribute to equity and the public good, even within tight budget constraints. When a design responds thoughtfully to its urban context, supports placemaking, and you see people genuinely enjoying and using the space, it’s deeply satisfying.

Not every idea or project gets realized, so I cherish the ones that do. I sometimes pass by completed projects to see how the building and surrounding neighborhoods have evolved and how people interact with them. Those moments bring me back to the original design intent and process, and remind me that while the work takes tremendous effort, it’s deeply rewarding.

What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in architecture or the broader AEC industry?

I would encourage young women to stay curious, keep learning, and trust themselves. Architecture and the AEC industry can feel complex at first, but it’s also a long and rewarding career with many different paths—design, planning, project management, sustainability, technology—and there’s room to find what truly resonates with you. 

Seek mentors and be open to learning from every experience. Trust your perspective and develop your strengths. Your voice and ideas matter, and they can profoundly shape the built environment and the communities we serve.

Be patient with yourself and take opportunities to build a wide range of skills. Technical knowledge is powerful, while communication and people skills are just as critical. You may not be able to change others’ perceptions, but you can develop confidence, competence, and strategies through your work, and use them to navigate challenges and offer thoughtful, creative solutions.

During International Women’s Month, what does recognition like this mean to you, and how can the industry continue to better support and elevate women’s voices year-round?

Recognition like this is meaningful because it highlights the contributions of women whose work often happens behind the scenes. It’s a chance to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and underscore the importance of representation.

To support women year-round, the industry needs to foster inclusive cultures, provide mentorship and leadership opportunities, and actively elevate women’s voices in conversations about design, strategy, and the future of our cities. When women are empowered and supported, the whole profession benefits. It’s not just about women supporting women. We need allies across all genders and generations. Inclusive conversations and shared participation are key to elevating voices and creating lasting change.