Rachel Yi Lu

How did you find your current job?
I graduated during the peak of COVID in 2020, and it was tough to find a job at that time. Luckily I started early in January and have already received a couple of offers in February from firms I would love to join before COVID began to ramp up. One of my best friends in Penn referred me to my current firm WRNS Studio, and I was excited to visit the firm on-site for an interview in mid-February. I got the offer; however, because of COVID my offer was frozen, and I couldn’t start until early August. 2020 was a challenging year; thanks to the high-quality design education and the strong alumni network, I was able to find my dream job working as a designer in one of the best firms doing sustainable architecture.

What kind of work are you doing?
The current project I’m working on is a Biotech Campus located in San Francisco. From façade design to plan layout, from concept phase to construction documentation, I’m amazed at how fast this project is moving and how efficient our team has been when dealing with changes of all sorts.

What attracted you to the firm or job?
I’m interested in sustainable architecture, and WRNS Studio is one of the best architecture firms doing sustainable design. This is the main reason why I’m attracted to this firm. Also, I find the architecture landscape on the West Coast fascinating due to its strong connection with the tech industry. This gives me the chance to collaborate with creatives from different industries and bridges networks beyond my profession.

How did your education at Weitzman prepare you for your current tasks?
My education in Weitzman enhanced my design and technical skills, and on top of that, it provides me with a strong alumni network, which is vital for my future career. Although I only spent three years studying at Weitzman, the visible and invisible resources I got from Weitzman would continue to support me for a lifetime.

Are there specific courses and instructors that influenced you philosophically?
I was heavily studio-oriented when I was in Weitzman. The design studios are intense but super helpful in helping me establish design skills and a good portfolio. I had the honor to have Eduardo Rega, Annette Fierro, Kutan Ayata, Nate Hume, Thom Mayne, and Jason Payne as my studio instructors in Weitzman throughout my three years of study. They all helped me grow as a designer in different ways and passed on their unique design philosophy, most of which still influence my design today.

As for electives, Material formation and heavy architecture are also instrumental courses, approaching architecture from programming and detailing. It’s essential to sometimes zoom out from studios and learn to approach design from a fresh perspective.

Any top moment(s) of your education here?
My Last year in Weitzman was the most fruitful. I had the honor to be taught by Thom Mayne and have our project acknowledged by Steven Holl and Wolf Prix. The excitement of meeting, presenting to, and being recognized by the architecture masters was the top moment of my education in Weitzman.  Weitzman does a great job gathering some of the best instructors across the US, and the studio landscape in Weitzman is very diverse and fascinating.

What’s next?
As a young designer, I know how hard it could be to find opportunities as an individual, so I wanted to establish a platform to match designers with people who need ideas and designs of all kinds. To achieve this target, I plan to use my leisure time to take a Part-time MBA, pursuing systematic knowledge in business. I kept practicing design worldwide and have met many talents who are still seeking a chance to shine. I aspire to realize my dream and the dreams of many others by empowering designers with more opportunities and better income.

Are you keeping in touch with others from your class/the Penn community?
Yes, although it has been hard to meet them in person these days due to COVID, we stay connected via phone and the internet. The Penn community is well-connected. I was also still connected to friends from product design and Wharton. I met them through electives for my certificate. At Penn, you will be able to enjoy a broad network beyond your profession. 

Any words of advice for prospective students?
I encourage design students to go out and meet/collaborate with students from other professions. This might take a bit of time from working on your school project, but it could broaden your horizon, cultivate empathy and help you think beyond the box.