Binghao Yao came to architecture through an early love of drawing and woodworking and his affinity for science and technical innovation. After earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Soochow University in Suzhou, China, Binghao pursued advanced education in the United States, earning his professional Master of Architecture degree from the University of California at Berkeley.
With extensive international competition experience and experience at high-profile offices, Binghao brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Senior Designer and Design Team Leader at Tom Wiscombe Architecture. Known for his strong design skills, the ability to meet tight deadlines, and sophisticated graphic ability, Binghao leads groups of Project Designers in resolving complex design tasks, with flair and good humor. Binghao also leads TWA competition teams for large-scale public and entertainment projects in the Middle East, including the winning project of Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre.
With extensive international competition experience and experience at high-profile offices, Binghao brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Senior Designer and Design Team Leader at Tom Wiscombe Architecture. Known for his strong design skills, the ability to meet tight deadlines, and sophisticated graphic ability, Binghao leads groups of Project Designers in resolving complex design tasks, with flair and good humor. Binghao also leads TWA competition teams for large-scale public and entertainment projects in the Middle East, including the winning project of Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre.
Education Background
University of California, Berkeley/ California, USA/ Aug 2021 - May 2023
College of Environmental Design/ Master of Architecture/ GPA: 3.9 (4.0)
College of Environmental Design/ Master of Architecture/ GPA: 3.9 (4.0)
Soochow University/ Suzhou, China/ Sep 2016 - Jun 2021
School of Architecture/ Bachelor of Architecture/ GPA: 3.6 (4.0)
School of Architecture/ Bachelor of Architecture/ GPA: 3.6 (4.0)
Professional Experience
Tom Wiscombe Architecture, Inc., Los Angeles, California/ Senior Designer
Jul 2023 -
Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre/ Qiddiya City, KSA/ Competition,Concept design, SD, DD Phase
- Design Team Leader, design team coordination, project reports design and production
- Overall Geometry Control, building massing design, 3D model quality control, coordination between Design Team and Technical Team
- Site visit and Client Meetings (Riyadh, KSA)
- Developers, Builders, Architects, Engineers, and Consultants Workshops (Dubai, UAE)
- Theatre Design Lead, theatre interior, acoustic and lighting design of all three theatre venues, consultants coordination and render
- Facade Design Lead, facade geometry, patterning and lighting design, consultants/ contractors coordination,detail design and render
- Interior Design Lead, Interior look & feel design and render, team coordination, material testing and supplier contact, detail design
- Project Render/ Visual Lead, 'Render Team' workflow building, internal renders production and quality control, internal render animation and VR standalone file production, coordination with professional render company, project diagrams production and quality control
Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre/ Qiddiya City, KSA/ Competition,Concept design, SD, DD Phase
- Design Team Leader, design team coordination, project reports design and production
- Overall Geometry Control, building massing design, 3D model quality control, coordination between Design Team and Technical Team
- Site visit and Client Meetings (Riyadh, KSA)
- Developers, Builders, Architects, Engineers, and Consultants Workshops (Dubai, UAE)
- Theatre Design Lead, theatre interior, acoustic and lighting design of all three theatre venues, consultants coordination and render
- Facade Design Lead, facade geometry, patterning and lighting design, consultants/ contractors coordination,detail design and render
- Interior Design Lead, Interior look & feel design and render, team coordination, material testing and supplier contact, detail design
- Project Render/ Visual Lead, 'Render Team' workflow building, internal renders production and quality control, internal render animation and VR standalone file production, coordination with professional render company, project diagrams production and quality control
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), New York/ Architectural Intern
Jun 2022 - Aug 2022
Disney NYC Headquarters - Project Galaxy/ CA Phase
Disney NYC Headquarters - Project Galaxy/ CA Phase
- Sky garden, Public Stair and Skylight design studies and render
- Site visit and inspection
- Partial facade design and visualization, prefab facade panel inspections at prefab plant
Penn Station Reconstruction/ Competition Phase- Modeling for animation rendering, diagrams and drawings for presentation
One Flagler/ SD Phase- Interior design and rendering
Studio Zhu-Pei, Beijing, China/ Architectural Intern
Aug 2020 - Oct 2020
OCT Art Center/ CD phases- Physical model, illustrations and technical drawings for publication
The Opening Exhibition of Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum
OCT Art Center/ CD phases- Physical model, illustrations and technical drawings for publication
The Opening Exhibition of Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum
- Exhibition Design, exhibition design and render, exhibition material graphic design, coordination with exhibitor Bing Xu, Jianguo Sui, Xiaodong Liu
- Site visit and Client Meeting (Jingdezhen, China)
- Exhibits Fabrication, exhibits design and render, supplier contact and on-site inspection (Jiangsu, China)
Penda China (Yong Architecture), Beijing, China/ Architectural Intern
Apr 2020 - Jun 2020
Adcote School Competition/ Competition Phases- Site analysis, massing study and diagram production, facade design and render
Hangping Visitor Center Project/ Competition Phases- Massing study and diagram production, project reports design and production, project render
Adcote School Competition/ Competition Phases- Site analysis, massing study and diagram production, facade design and render
Hangping Visitor Center Project/ Competition Phases- Massing study and diagram production, project reports design and production, project render
Design Competitions & Awards
Buildner Student Award, Sansusī Forest Food Court Competition, Buildner (Bee Breeders)
Drawing of the Year 2022 - Shortlist, Archisource (Published on Ideas Pocketbook 2023)
2023 Raymond Watson Prize, UC Berkeley, CED Prizes & Awards
Design Excellence Award Finalist, UC Berkeley Architecture Studio Design Awards
Finalist Prize, The 7th Architectural and Environmental Design Competition of 'Zijin Award'
Selected Works (Top 10), The 33rd Space Prize for International Student of Architectural Design
2 X Third Prize, 2020 'Yuanye Award' International Competition
Finalist Award, The 2nd National Green Building Competition for Colleges and Universities
Second Prize, The 10th 'Yuanye Award' International Competition
Third Prize, The 9th 'Yuanye Award' International Competition
Third Place, SCUA Construction Festival
Drawing of the Year 2022 - Shortlist, Archisource (Published on Ideas Pocketbook 2023)
2023 Raymond Watson Prize, UC Berkeley, CED Prizes & Awards
Design Excellence Award Finalist, UC Berkeley Architecture Studio Design Awards
Finalist Prize, The 7th Architectural and Environmental Design Competition of 'Zijin Award'
Selected Works (Top 10), The 33rd Space Prize for International Student of Architectural Design
2 X Third Prize, 2020 'Yuanye Award' International Competition
Finalist Award, The 2nd National Green Building Competition for Colleges and Universities
Second Prize, The 10th 'Yuanye Award' International Competition
Third Prize, The 9th 'Yuanye Award' International Competition
Third Place, SCUA Construction Festival