Profession: Research Strategis
City: London
Country: United Kingdom

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
My experience of growing up with a dual Korean-British identity had a profound impact on wanting to work within the Architecture and creative industries. I moved to the UK at the age of two, this early transition meant that while I was immersed in British culture from a very young age, my Korean heritage remained an integral part of my identity, creating a unique lens through which I view the world and, particularly, the built environment.

Growing up in the UK with Korean parents, I inhabited a space between two cultures. At home, I was surrounded by Korean customs, language, and aesthetics, while outside, I navigated the British way of life. This dual perspective made me acutely aware of how different cultural values and practices manifest in physical spaces, from the layout of homes to the design of public areas and how we interact, our cultures.

I remember visiting Korea as a child and seeing over the years, Seoul and Jeonju becoming more metropolitan with skyscrapers becoming more common than the trees and mountains that used to occupy the spaces. I’ve always been drawn to and inspired by projects that illustrate multi-cultural aspects of life, and draw on the interplay between different cultural dialogues.

I am drawn to approaches that connect design with other fields such as sociology, anthropology, and urban planning. My dual Korean-British identity gave me a unique perspective on concepts like spatial use, community design, and the integration of nature into urban spaces. I often found myself drawing inspiration from both Korean and British architectural traditions, seeking ways to create harmonious designs that speak to diverse communities.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
I’m inspired by practitioners that experiment in a multi disciplinary way and learn from other disciplines to push the boundaries. Practitioners like Neri Oxman, with her focus on environmental design and digital fabrication, inspires me to think beyond traditional boundaries of architecture and explore how technology and biology could inform design processes. Equally organisations like Biohm inspire me to look at how we can re-imagine and challenge our perception of materials and current systems for a new and improved future.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?:
In my work, I use participatory methods, ensuring all stakeholder voices are central to urban design processes and research. I constantly examine my own biases and encourage my team to do the same. I challenge assumptions and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. Continuous learning and adopting a growth mindset is central to my work and I always strive to stay curious.

What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?:
I believe that there is a need to for us to learn how to compassionately communicate and learn how to build trust and respect with one another. More transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary work is crucial which can help to break down siloes between fields. I think more participatory approaches should be adopted as to ensure that community voices are heard. We need to promote systems thinking to address complex challenges holistically and bridging theory and practice through stronger academia-industry partnerships is essential.