Building a vision into reality, Yun Gui LSM, Lehman Smith McLeish, Milbank law office London
Building A Vision Into Reality: Leadership Lessons from an Architect Who Designs for Change
31 October 2024
Author: Adrian Welch
Yun Gui, Director at LSM (Lehman Smith McLeish):
In a world where concrete and steel define our cities, architects wield the power to transform visions into reality. Yun Gui, the Director at LSM (Lehman Smith McLeish), is at the forefront of this transformation, crafting not just buildings but environments that redefine our urban experience.
With a portfolio that includes award-winning projects like the Milbank law office in London and South Station Tower in Boston, Yun’s work reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and innovative design.
What sets Yun apart is her leadership philosophy, distilled from her experiences into valuable lessons that inspire teams and empower communities. From leading diverse groups of architects across multiple offices to embedding sustainability into her designs, Yun embodies a vision that encourages growth, collaboration, and change.
Let’s explore the leadership lessons that shape her approach to architecture and how they can resonate across various fields.
Lesson 1: Cultivate Your Passion Early
Nurturing interests from a young age can pave the way for future success. For Yun, this passion sparked in a home brimming with creativity. She recalls, “My parents were both in the architecture & design field, and I was able to start playing with cutting models at a very young age. I used very professional engineering and architectural scales in math class in elementary school, which looking back was an interesting story to tell.”
This early exposure to architecture ignited a lifelong passion that propelled her through her education at The Ohio State University and later at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.
Her transition from creating cutting models as a child to directing large-scale projects illustrates how youthful interests can blossom into successful careers.
Lesson 2: Inspire, Don’t Dictate
Effective leadership thrives on giving your team the freedom to innovate and contribute unique perspectives. Coordinating a team of 40 architects across D.C. and NYC, Yun believes that leadership is about inspiration rather than control.
“As an architect and after practicing for 8 years now, I now have more respect for architects who have a strong vision and persist with it and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.”
She has effectively led cross-office teams, recognizing that collaboration enhances creativity. Incorporating diverse perspectives, she notes, leads to richer designs, highlighting the value of varied ideas in the architectural process.
Lesson 3: Embrace Local Context
Creating designs that resonate with the community requires balancing vision with local insights. Yun stresses the need to understand the local context for every project. Each city possesses its own personality and challenges, and it’s their responsibility as an architect to harmonize designs with those distinctive characteristics.
Her work on the Covington NYC project demonstrates her ability to adapt designs to fit New York City’s unique landscape while maintaining a cohesive vision. By weaving local context into her designs, Yun ensures that each project is not just an architectural endeavor but a cultural contribution.
Lesson 4: Encourage Creative Freedom
Promoting a culture of creativity within teams leads to innovative solutions and standout designs. Yun believes that creativity is the heartbeat of architecture.
Her leadership during the K&L Gates project in Boston exemplifies this philosophy. By fostering an environment where team members feel free to express their ideas, they were able to incorporate unique features that transformed a traditional office into a vibrant, dynamic workspace.
Lesson 5: Integrate Sustainability from the Start
Embedding sustainability into the core of her designs ensures they meet both aesthetic and environmental standards. For Yun, sustainability is not merely a trend; it is a fundamental principle.
She believes architects have a duty to create designs that are sustainable and beneficial for future generations. This commitment shines through in her projects, particularly the Covington office in London, which achieved BREEAM “Excellent” rating.
Lesson 6: Foster Open Communication
Building trust with clients is grounded in transparency and consistent communication. Yun knows that successful architecture hinges on effectively realizing client visions. Throughout her career, she has prioritized open lines of communication, ensuring clients feel heard and valued.
Reflecting on the Covington project, she recalls how crucial collaboration with clients was in bringing their ideas to life, describing it as a rewarding experience for both the clients and the team when they see their vision realized.
Lesson 7: Share Knowledge and Inspire Others
Engaging in public speaking and mentorship not only shapes the industry but also enriches one’s understanding. Yun sees herself as more than just an architect; she is a visionary shaping the future of her field.
She believes architecture truly thrives when the wisdom of experience is blended with innovative, fresh perspectives. Her recent public speaking engagements, including theTeknion Roundtable Panels, allow her to share valuable insights and experiences with fellow industry leaders.
She articulates that sharing knowledge is vital for the advancement of the field, pointing out that learning from one another and harnessing collective wisdom is essential for shaping the future of architecture.
Lesson 8: Embrace Global Perspectives
Exposure to diverse cultures broadens understanding and leads to innovative solutions, and Yun’s international experiences provide her with a unique lens for approaching architecture.
She views each project as an opportunity to learn from new cultures and contexts. Working on projects like design consultancy for the London carbon-neutral skyscraper reflects her belief that embracing global perspectives enhances design relevance.
Incorporating different viewpoints, she explains, makes designs richer and more pertinent, reminding us of the importance of adaptability in a globalized world.
Architecting Change for Future Generations
Yun Gui’s leadership philosophy offers a powerful blueprint for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their field. By cultivating passion, inspiring teams, embracing local context, and integrating sustainability, she illustrates how architects can shape not just structures but entire communities.
As she notes, “Architecture is a profession that benefits greatly from experience. More experience with different phases of a project, especially the higher-level negotiation and decision-making process, will help me get to the next level.”
As we transition into an increasingly interconnected world, Yun’s insights serve as a reminder of the profound responsibility architects—and indeed leaders in any discipline—have to create spaces that enhance lives and foster sustainable development.
Looking ahead, she recognizes the need to evolve in her career, stating, “I’m going from a more drawing role to a more management role. I see myself getting more involved with the business side of running projects in the next phase of my career.”
Her work exemplifies that great architecture is about more than just design; it’s about creating a legacy that resonates with people and the planet for generations to come.
Comments on this guide to Building a vision into reality article are welcome.
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Buildings
Education Building Designs – architectural selection below:
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Design: Atelier Nuno Architects
The University of Hong Kong Medical School
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