Selected Projects
“If my background had been different, I might not have experienced such a wide range of perspectives growing up. That diversity has been truly invaluable.”
Vivian Yu’s journey into architecture started in an unexpected place—the City of Oakland planning department, where, at age 10, she served as a translator for her father. Her parents, local restaurateurs, had purchased a building and needed help navigating their renovation plans. Since her dad didn’t speak English, Vivian was recruited to interpret. “It was the first time I had seen a set of plans,” she recalls. “Before then, I didn’t even know architects existed.”
That early exposure gave Vivian a unique perspective on the design and construction process. “I went into architecture knowing a little more than just, ‘I’m designing buildings,’” she says. After college, her first job was with a construction firm, which taught her the practical language of contractors and gave her invaluable insight as she trained to become an architect.
A lover of urban exploration, Vivian enjoys walking through cities, soaking in their energy and architecture. One of her favorites is Budapest, which she describes as “the Portland of Europe” with its charming bridges, vibrant coffee culture, and great beer. Having explored much of Europe and Asia, she’s always dreaming about her next adventure.
Vivian’s blend of early hands-on experience, construction knowledge, and love of travel brings depth and practicality to her work as an architect. She designs with a deep understanding of how buildings come to life, ensuring her projects are as thoughtful as they are functional.