Congratulations to our 2025 Emerging Leader - Jonathan Yeung! His study abroad experiences played a key role in fostering intercultural understanding—an asset he continues to apply today as he works with clients from across the globe.
UCEAP Emerging Leader - Jonathan Yeung
UCEAP is proud to announce the recipient of its 2025 Emerging Leader Award: Jonathan Yeung. A dynamic voice in contemporary architecture, Jonathan is a founding partner of the design and architecture studio YY Projects, a lecturer at both the University of Hong Kong and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, and a writer and collaborator for ArchDaily (check out one of Jonathan's recent articles here).
Jonathan began his academic journey in architecture at UC Berkeley, where he was a two-time UCEAP participant. He studied abroad at the University of Cambridge in England (2013) and Doshisha University in Japan (2014), experiences that helped shape his global perspective. He later earned a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard University, which launched his professional career in New York City before he ultimately relocated to Hong Kong.
Following his graduate studies, Jonathan’s connection with Professor Toshiko Mori led to his role at Toshiko Mori Architect, where he worked on a range of private, commercial, and institutional projects. He has also practiced at several other esteemed firms, including Michael Maltzan Architecture, Sasaki, and Sidell Pakravan Architects, and collaborated with the art collective teamLab on interactive exhibitions in Tokyo.
When asked what drew him to architecture, Jonathan shared that he has “always liked creating spaces,” and values architecture as a way to engage critically with the “social and economic aspects of society.” For him, being able to pursue this career is “a small dream come true.” He finds deep fulfillment not just in building and imagining, but also in teaching, mentoring, and learning from students. He acknowledges the rigorous nature of the field, adding, “Every single design is unique. It's always a new challenge, and you always look at the problem in a new way.”
Reflecting on his time at UC Berkeley, Jonathan cites the diversity of the academic environment as a highlight. “Working with students from various backgrounds and perspectives was a huge advantage,” he says. “Harvard may have had a slightly more rigorous program, but Berkeley offered the most diverse group of people I could engage with… I always try to observe and understand where the person sitting across the table is coming from.”
His study abroad experiences played a key role in fostering intercultural understanding—an asset he continues to apply today as he works with clients from across the globe. His Japanese language skills, developed while abroad, even helped open the door to working with Professor Mori. He credits his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone as essential to building meaningful professional connections and launching his career.
Jonathan remains active internationally. This year, he contributed to the Venice Biennale and has worked on projects in Taiwan and China. His advice to students considering study abroad? “Don’t be afraid to explore, expand your comfort zone, and immerse yourself in the community.” He believes the experience offers a chance to gain a greater understanding of self, noting, “When you change your whole environment, you’re able to understand your own interests and culture from a new perspective.”
At his studio, YY Projects, Jonathan leads a range of design initiatives across scales, disciplines, and geographic contexts. His work has earned an Honorable Mention in the Home Competition 2021 and was a finalist in the HKRI FLEXhome+ International Interior Design Competition. His projects have been featured in publications including ArchiPosition, KoozArch, and Artron, with upcoming work to appear in Contemporary Living – Yearbook 2026 by Beta-Plus. He also served as the exhibition designer for Test Site: Social Condenser Extraordinaire – The Municipal Services Buildings of Hong Kong.
To hear Jonathan speak more about his work, we invite you to check out this episode of ARCHITALKS where Jonathan discusses his career and several different aspects of the evolving field of architecture.
For further examples of his work, please check out his Small Exhibition on Municipal Services Buildings of Hong Kong with HKU Department of Architecture.