Jian Zhu Reimagines Sustainability Through Design

Thank you! I’m Jian, and my design journey began with a passion for engineering and sustainability. Inspired by projects like the Solar Decathlon, I saw how design can empower communities and shape a better future. I pursue design to create meaningful, lasting impact through innovation, storytelling, and human-centered solutions.

Being recognized by the MUSE Design Awards is a deeply meaningful honor. It validates the passion, purpose, and collaboration behind my work. More than a personal achievement, it’s a reminder that thoughtful, human-centered design can inspire change—and it motivates me to keep pushing creative boundaries that make a real difference.

This achievement has brought a surge of energy and pride to my career and team. It’s strengthened our credibility, opened doors to exciting collaborations, and sparked new interest in our work—from clients to creative partners. It’s also reinforced our shared belief in design’s power to drive innovation and positive change.

Experimentation is at the heart of my creative process—it’s how ideas evolve and innovation happens. I see it as a way to explore beyond the obvious and discover unexpected solutions.

For example, while working on a solar-powered pavilion, we experimented with modular forms and adaptive materials. Through multiple prototypes and environmental simulations, we refined a design that not only generated energy efficiently but also responded beautifully to light and user interaction. That spirit of curiosity and iteration is what drives every project forward.

One of the most unusual—and inspiring—sources I’ve drawn from was the shape of a generator and Nikola Tesla’s wireless electrical charger. For a Tesla museum project, we designed the central void to echo that form.

Even more uniquely, we harnessed visitors’ footsteps to generate energy, turning movement into power and creating an immersive, interactive experience. It was a blend of history, science, and design that honored Tesla’s legacy while engaging people in a tangible, memorable way.

I wish more people understood that the design process is not just about aesthetics—it’s a journey of problem-solving, empathy, and iteration. Great design comes from deep research, testing, and collaboration. It takes time, exploration, and even failure to arrive at solutions that are not only beautiful, but meaningful and effective.

Balancing client expectations with creative vision is all about communication and trust. I believe a good designer should guide the client—not just deliver what’s asked, but help them see what’s possible. By listening closely, understanding their needs, and sharing ideas with clarity and purpose, we can co-create solutions that are both visionary and aligned.

We approach this balance by involving users early and often in our design process. When feedback challenges our original ideas, we don’t see it as compromise—we see it as refinement. Our goal is to deliver tools that are not just innovative, but genuinely helpful. Staying true to our ideas doesn’t mean ignoring input; it means ensuring every decision reflects the values we stand for.

One key challenge in creating the Halo Bubble was navigating differing ideas—natural in any collaboration. Working with my design partner, Rubo Sun, we embraced open communication and focused on recognizing each other’s strengths. Trust and mutual respect helped us align our vision, turning diverse perspectives into a unified, award-winning design.

When I hit a creative block, I recharge by exploring the latest innovations in technology. New materials, digital tools, and sustainable systems often spark fresh ideas and open new design possibilities. Stepping back to learn and observe how tech is reshaping our industry helps me return to my work with renewed vision and excitement.

I infuse values of sustainability, innovation, and human-centered design into every project. My background in renewable energy and STEM education drives me to create designs that are not only functional but also responsible and forward-thinking. I prioritize designs that foster connection, promote inclusivity, and leave a lasting positive impact on the environment and communities.

My advice to aspiring designers is to stay curious and embrace learning—both from successes and failures. Don't be afraid to experiment, and always seek to understand the deeper context of the project.

Build a strong foundation of communication and collaboration, because great design is often a collective effort. And most importantly, stay true to your vision while being open to new ideas and feedback. Keep pushing boundaries!

If I could collaborate with any designer, it would be Kisho Kurokawa. His visionary thinking, especially through Metabolist architecture, deeply inspires me. He blended technology, adaptability, and philosophy in a way that feels more relevant than ever today.

I’d love to explore how his ideas of impermanence and modularity could evolve in response to today’s environmental and social challenges—bringing together his legacy with contemporary design thinking.

I wish people would ask: “How do you define the relationship between form, function, and meaning in your design philosophy?”

My answer: I see form, function, and meaning as an interconnected triad—none should exist in isolation. Form gives shape to function, but meaning gives depth to both. A successful design not only works and looks compelling, but also tells a story or evokes a response. I aim to create spaces where aesthetics and utility serve a greater narrative—rooted in culture, context, and the human experience.