Founded in Shanghai in 2002 by a group of architects with academic backgrounds from China and abroad, Verse Design currently operates offices in Shanghai and Los Angeles. For over two decades, Verse Design has been deeply engaged in multi-scale practices across urban design, architectural design, community making, and residential product systems, developing a systematic and coherent design logic and methodology. From master planning and urban design to schematic design and detail control, a "craftsman's spirit" underpins every phase of their work.
Cultural and tourism resort towns, neighborhood communities, civic spaces, and community retail form the core of the firm's spatial typologies and research. Over the past decade, Verse Design has master-planned and fully designed a series of resort towns for the renowned lifestyle brand Aranya, including projects in Qinhuangdao, Jinshanling, Wuling Mountain, Sanya, and Jiulong Lake in Guangzhou. Additionally, the firm has been deeply involved in the master planning and architectural design of prominent projects such as Jiangshan Wanli, Prolo Utopia, and Shanghai Vanke's Ideal Land.
Verse Design maintains a boutique team size and a flat management structure, offering architects a highly autonomous working environment. Here, team members engage in multi-dimensional, full-phase projects ranging from early-stage programming and urban design to architectural design and detail execution. We welcome talented, like-minded architects to join us and grow alongside the firm. The office is located in a historic garden villa at the intersection of Zhaojiabang Road and Wulumuqi Road in Shanghai, just 50 meters from the Zhaojiabang Road Metro Station (Lines 7 and 9), offering easy accessibility and a comfortable working environment.
OUTIN.DESIGN was founded in 2014 by Chen Wang and Shajun Jiang. Based in China, it is an award-winning, multidisciplinary design firm with international recognition.
OUTIN.DESIGN's creative process begins with the observation of the self, daily life, nature, humanity, art, and the world itself. The studio seeks to gather and translate these impressions, reflecting ideas, objects, and moments through an experimental, functional, and forward-looking design language.
Our practice comprises four interdisciplinary design teams—R.E.C, WMT, SIBAN, and JEDI 404—which operate both independently and collaboratively across boundaries. Their exploration spans a comprehensive range of design scales, including architecture, community interaction, innovative retail spaces, exhibition design, co-working offices, boutique hotels, residential and lifestyle environments, interior styling and sourcing, as well as product design and prop development.
Each team brings a distinct design language and expertise to the table, enabling us to provide clients with comprehensive support across highly specialized, intersecting domains. This structure fosters diversity and pluralism within creative communities and technical innovation, while ensuring the streamlined operation of OUTIN.DESIGN as a cohesive, collective practice.
Lujia Village Community Service Center, Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone, Public Building, Under Construction | 2023-2024
Wild City Studio was founded in Paris in 2010, and established in Beijing in 2015 as Wild City Factory. An innovative and experimental interdisciplinary architectural practice, its research and practice span architecture, urbanism, landscape, interior and exhibition design, art curation, event planning, content production, the integration of technology and art, and metaverse development.
Founder and principal architect Ye Cheng graduated from the Department of Earth Sciences at Nanjing University before studying in France at the École Spéciale d'Architecture (ESA) in Paris, where his thesis project won the ESA Annual Award. He is the first Chinese recipient of the "Prix des Jeunes Artistes" (Young Artist Award) from the Institut de France. Having lived and worked in France for over a decade, Ye Cheng possesses a cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural background spanning science, architecture, and art, making him a representative figure among China's young interdisciplinary pioneers. He has curated major domestic and international exhibitions, including five editions of the "Reconstructing Utopia" architecture and art exhibition, the "Urban Interconnection" Sino-French Contemporary Architecture Exhibition series celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the "Unknown City" Chinese Contemporary Architecture Installation and Video Exhibition, the main exhibition of Beijing Design Week 2015, the inaugural 2019 Nanjing Youth Olympic Art Light Festival, the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival 3.0" Digital Art Exhibition in Hong Kong, and the "Emotional Architecture" exhibition at the Laboratoire d'Exposition in Paris. His large-scale spatial art installations—such as Huntian City, Void Shanshui, Net City, Super-Axis, Ecological Mandala, and Wormhole City—merge Eastern philosophy and aesthetics with modern technology, proposing a poetic vision of "Eastern Urban Shanshui" for future urban spaces and social structures. Furthermore, he independently produced the sci-fi short film Interstellar Folding, which uses cinematic language to explore his "Interstellar Great Bay Area" space city concept. In 2022, serving as the master planner of the "Meta City" metaverse, Ye Cheng collaborated with Meta Media and Baidu to develop and launch this internationally leading metaverse application, pioneering the "Eastern Futurism" metaverse school that integrates Eastern and Western philosophies with urban theory.
Design Philosophy Wild City Factory has consistently adhered to a design philosophy centered on "spatial ontology." From the spiritual to the material, the individual to the world, and reality to the virtual, all questions are fundamentally spatial. Everything begins with space, rooted in the present while spanning the three dimensions of time: past, present, and future. Space is not merely a container, but a connector—linking people to people, space to space, and humanity to space. Space exists in a fleeting moment of time, yet resides in its eternity. In this sense, from architecture to art, exhibition to writing, and observation to criticism, the work of Wild City Factory always revolves around spatial inquiries. Space, ultimately, is the root of all questions.
Externally, our work explores, perceives, imagines, constructs, dissolves, abolishes, and regenerates space within its limitations. Internally, we continuously traverse the "in-between" (jian) within the infinity of space, drawing infinitely closer to its "void" (kong)—the very ontology of space.
Believing that "design is problem-solving," Wild City Factory champions a trinity spatial strategy of "Space-Content-Event." By conducting in-depth research and analysis of project contexts, we integrate this spatial philosophy and methodology into innovative designs. This approach embodies the diverse, multi-directional, and cross-border interdisciplinary nature of our practice.
Based in Chongqing, We Live Architects is a pioneering, research-oriented design practice. The firm boasts a highly creative international design team whose principals are alumni of top-tier global and domestic institutions, including the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), the School of Architecture at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), Goldsmiths, University of London, the University of Nottingham, and the University of New South Wales.
Blending humanistic and technological thinking, the practice centers its work on the tripartite relationship between humans and environment, society, and self. Using space as a medium, the studio approaches design through the three dimensions of form, morphology, and concept, aiming to generate distinctive spatial experiences for urban environments.
The firm's portfolio spans urban regeneration, public architecture, cultural tourism planning, and commercial spaces. Its notable projects include high-quality architectural designs and spatial transformations such as the Liziba Yellow Building, Jiangxiaobai's One-Acre-and-Three-Fifths Field (Yimusanfendi), the Luxe Lakes Curator District, and the Jialing Bridge East Village.
Design Philosophy We Live Architects is both pioneering and pragmatic. Beginning with imagination and a commitment to originality, we seek a unique soul for every project. Guided by responsibility, we manage the entire process to guarantee high-quality execution. Grounded in our ecological and temporal contexts, we navigate the space between “the reasonable and the forbidden,” embrace challenging yet intriguing design constraints, and maintain an authentic, if sometimes unconventional, attitude. We focus on the threefold relationship between humanity and the environment, society, and self. Using space as our canvas, we engage with design through form, morphology, and concept to foster unique behaviors and experiences, encouraging people to embrace new ideas and perspectives.
CLOU architects is an award-winning international design practice working across architecture, interior, and landscape design. The team has designed a diverse portfolio of projects focused on community connectivity and social spaces. CLOU's diverse design team consists of 65 experienced architects and designers from China and around the world. Clients include retail and mixed-use developers, residential investors, hotel operators, as well as governmental and educational institutions. Under the leadership of German architect Jan Clostermann, the CLOU team is dedicated to tailoring innovative, holistic spatial solutions for clients. By fully exploring the possibilities of public space within high-density developments, CLOU aims to subtly catalyze community growth and exert a positive impact on people's behaviors and lifestyles.
#Anodized Aluminum Panels In recent years, anodized aluminum panels have emerged as a prominent material, utilized across numerous interior and exterior architectural projects in China. Anodized aluminum features six key characteristics: 1. Metallic Appearance, protected by a transparent anodic oxide film, the natural, soft metallic texture of aluminum is fully preserved; 2. Workability, anodized aluminum features exceptional workability, as well as outstanding forming and bending capabilities; 3. Surface Consistency, across diverse architectural forms, anodized aluminum panels maintain a highly uniform color; 4. Corrosion Resistance, the anodization process generates a dense oxide film on the metal surface, providing superior corrosion resistance and enhancing structural hardness and strength; 5. Weatherability, the static-free surface does not attract dust, making it easy to clean and maintain its pristine, like-new appearance even after repeated washing. This ensures the building facade stands the test of time; projects completed with anodized aluminum 40 years ago still look as good as new today; 6. Sustainability, functioning as an environmentally friendly material classified as Class A non-combustible.
#Almeco Anodized Aluminum Panels Almeco is a global expert in pre-treated aluminum surfaces, offering a range of innovative anodized aluminum products for interior and exterior curtain walls and decoration. Their unparalleled metallic texture, rich colors, and excellent workability bring new vitality and artistic form to interior and exterior architecture, turning every building into a unique work of art. Consequently, Almeco has become the material of choice for renowned architects such as Jean Nouvel, Thom Mayne, MAD, and UNStudio.
MUDA-Architects was founded in 2015 in Beijing, China, and Boston, USA, establishing its Chengdu office in 2017. MUDA features an international team of architects composed of creative designers from diverse global backgrounds. The firm brings forward-thinking concepts, extensive experience, high professional standards, and unique creativity to the fields of architecture and design. MUDA’s design portfolio spans public, cultural, and commercial buildings, as well as urban design, landscape architecture, and interior design.
This week's featured career opportunities come from two design firms based in Beijing and Shanghai: IN.X Design and SLT- STUDIOLITE. Specialized in projects of varying scales and themes, both practices are highly active across diverse design sectors and are looking to recruit like-minded design talent to join their teams.
CROX was founded by architect C.R. Lin. The name CROX represents "cross over" (interdisciplinary design), with a portfolio spanning urban planning, architecture, interiors, furniture, curation, and artistic creation. Guided by an "Avant-garde Natural" design philosophy and deep humanistic sensitivity, CROX expands design from mere art into a dialogue between culture and nature, continuously exploring the fluid and organic potential of the imagination to leave a contemporary mark. In recent years, the firm has participated in the 2016 Milan Triennale, as well as the 2016 and 2018 Venice Architecture Biennales. Its projects have been recognized with numerous prestigious international honors, including the World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards, the Architecture MasterPrize (AMP), the Andrew Martin Interior Design Award, DNA Paris Design Awards, K-Design Award, and the JCD Design Award.
JKP Jaeger Kahlen Partner Architects provides architectural design services to a global clientele. Partners Johannes Jaeger and Peter Jaeger have repeatedly spearheaded the design and project management of internationally renowned buildings. The firm's portfolio spans corporate headquarters, commercial offices, mixed-use developments, residential districts, cultural facilities, and historic renovations. JKP firmly believes that exceptional service and design deliver extraordinary value to clients. Focusing on people-centric placemaking, the firm is widely recognized for its distinctive modernist facades that become urban landmarks.
ArchDaily, the world's most visited architecture website, and Architonic, the premier database for premium design and architecture products, are seeking an experienced, proactive, and highly motivated Sales Representative for the China region. Based in Shanghai or Beijing, this role requires solid sales experience and a deep familiarity with digital media, architecture, real estate, and manufacturing. Dedicated to providing architects and designers with essential inspiration, information, and services, we have served the architecture and design communities for over 13 years, building the world's largest online community of design professionals and an extensive network of industry resources. We invite you to join our international, open team to help shape the global landscape of architecture, design, and construction.
Since ArchDaily launched its recruitment services, we have received job listings from architecture practices of all scales across China, from Beijing and Shenzhen to Hangzhou. Characterized by their distinct design philosophies, these practices operate across diverse architectural fields, seeking talented professionals to join their teams. Concurrently, ArchDaily and its sister platform, the design and materials database Architonic, are seeking a Business Development Manager for China. Below is a curated selection of nine active openings and representative practices. We invite qualified candidates to apply.
# Number of architectural projects completed annually: 3,000 # Total length of fabric sold annually: 3,999,220 meters #Retail price of the most expensive textile: ¥ 4,000 / meter # Textile Brand Kvadrat
Founded in Denmark in 1968, Kvadrat is a renowned textile brand deeply rooted in Scandinavia's world-famous design tradition. The name Kvadrat means “square” in Danish, inspired by the grid paper commonly used by designers and engineers for sketching in the 1960s. Refusing to be homogenized by global trends, the company maintains its distinct Scandinavian identity. As a leader in design innovation, Kvadrat continuously explores new ideas in material and technological applications within design and manufacturing, producing high-quality contemporary textiles and textile-related products for architects, designers, and private consumers worldwide.
Founded in 2010, Origin Architect seeks to root its practice in the complexities and conflicts of contemporary reality, drawing from them the power of symbiosis and integration.
Since ArchDaily launched its recruitment services, we have received job postings from design firms of all scales across the country, from Beijing and Hangzhou to Shenzhen. Active across diverse architectural fields, these practices bring distinct perspectives and are looking for talented designers to join their teams. Below, we feature eight outstanding offices and a selection of their work. Readers are highly encouraged to apply.
In the future, the Internet of Things (IoT) will play an increasingly profound role in our lives, with devices communicating independently and integrating into our daily routines as smart assistants. As a result, demand for smart home technology is growing in tandem with the range of products on offer. In a recent report, market research firm Statista predicted that this year, approximately 12% of households worldwide will own smart home devices, a figure projected to rise to over 21% by 2025—translating to more than 478.2 million users globally. But which of these devices are actually useful? A selection of outstanding technologies and designs has recently been honored with the 2021 iF Design Award, and here we take a closer look at nine of them.
Founded in 2005 by Wu Wei, Beijing IN.X Design Co., Ltd. is based in Beijing. Guided by its proprietary philosophy of "Strategy First, Design Second," the firm provides highly differentiated consulting and design services for food and beverage (F&B) brands. Over the years, IN.X has established long-term, stable strategic partnerships with leading industry brands such as Siji Minfu, Huda Restaurant, and Dayali. In addition to its focus on design, the company is deeply committed to supporting young designers, continuously providing open and equal opportunities for learning and practice, alongside ample room for professional development.
SLT- STUDIOLITE is a design consulting firm specializing in the evolution of commercial spaces. Founded in the United States in 2013 by Chen Ling, it is currently headquartered in Shanghai, with branch offices in Hong Kong and Seattle. SLT’s services encompass commercial interior design, dynamic retail SI iteration, strategic commercial complex upgrades, and brand identity renewal. The firm is dedicated to championing avant-garde ideologies and innovative business thinking, while actively fostering integrated collaborations with avant-garde artists, cutting-edge technology providers, and innovative material R&D laboratories.
