From concept to completion with Associate Director Lola Gu

I studied Architecture at the University of Liverpool. After my degree, I worked for four years in Shanghai, before moving to London where I did an interdisciplinary master’s at The Bartlett, UCL. I focused on architecture and urban design, specialising in historic urban environments. These academic experiences deeply influenced me, shaping my passion for working across scales. They also ignited my fascination with heritage, urban intervention and cross-disciplinary thinking.

In 2018, I joined Benoy as an urban designer. During my first two years, as part of the masterplanning team, I worked on large-scale projects like the New City of Tashkent and NEOM extra. Over time, I realised my passion lay more in seeing ideas become built reality, in being involved from concept to completion, so I transitioned to the architecture team.

Now, as an Associate Director, I specialise in mixed-use and commercial developments, across medium-to-large scale, with a particular focus on the Middle East. I work in close collaboration with our global studios in Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore and the US, and I’ve led on a number of key projects. These include the OSUS Green Office Tower, which is currently under construction in Riyadh and was winner of the 2024 Middle East Design Award. Other projects include the Marina Bay Masterplan in Khobar and the Al Jawhara Mixed-Use Project in Jeddah.

I grew up in western China, in a region known for its fascinating cultural complexity. There, I was exposed to the richness of local vernacular art, diverse religious backgrounds, layered social contexts, and a dynamic urban fabric shaped by distinctive architecture and landscapes. This environment sparked my interest in culture-oriented, creatively inspired design. It struck me that to be an architect means having the ability to create meaningful places that resonate with the people who live in them — spaces that reflect their stories, values, and everyday lives.

Today, I’m inspired by finding connections between vernacular culture and contemporary architecture; by looking at how cultural heritage and identity can be preserved and enhanced through modern design solutions. I also find inspiration in urban history, fine art, fashion and graphic design. These references continue to feed into my design instinct and help to bring depth and uniqueness to each project.

What I enjoy most is the chance to engage directly with clients and stakeholders from the early stages of a project. As a front-end designer, communication is everything. Building long-term relationships with clients and aligning with their vision is key to creating meaningful architecture. I especially value site visits and business trips; these experiences allow me to absorb the local context, understand the client’s vision firsthand, and gain insights into their market. The opportunity to meet in person, to workshop ideas and develop those ideas collaboratively, is a real motivational driver for me. Facing new challenges on-site and seeing how a concept evolves into a built structure is also incredibly rewarding.

My core strength lies in conceptual thinking and storytelling, and translating abstract ideas into strong spatial narratives. I also follow a clear design process. I often begin with hand sketches, which help me quickly visualise a concept and set the tone of the design. Sketching allows me to explore forms, test spatial hierarchies, and communicate ideas clearly and emotionally, especially in the early stages when dialogue with clients is crucial.

From my initial sketches, I’m able to progress to 3D modelling, which enables me and my team to test a structure’s massing, façade, architectural language and overall look and feel. This process also enhances our client presentations, where clear communication and storytelling are critical. By presenting a compelling case to the client, and demonstrating our ability to deliver their vision, we can achieve their buy-in and backing. And this in turn helps to engage investors and other key stakeholders. 

At all times, I place strong emphasis on design language, crafting a cohesive and impactful visual identity for every project. I would say I have a keen eye for aesthetics and detail, which helps to ensure that our visuals – both in presentation and architectural expression – are elevated, refined and relevant. My goal is always to create spaces that are conceptually rich, visually engaging and contextually meaningful.

I think it’s really important to be able to utilise and leverage what you’ve studied. Theory and concept alone don’t get things built. You have to be able to translate theory into practice, to shift from concept to completed project, or else progress becomes intangible and very hard to measure. 

My academic background in urban regeneration and heritage building studies continues to shape my approach to design. One example is the Yu Garden Competition, which Benoy took part in back in 2022. Our concept was rooted in my master’s thesis on typology and cultural narrative. It was very satisfying to see those ideas take shape within a finished design proposition. 

The process of bridging academia and practice also depends on strong networks and ecosystems; on spaces where people can share ideas and approaches. It was with this in mind that I helped to set up Urbanogram, a digital journal that connects alumni from The Bartlett. Bringing together architectural theorists and architects from all over the world, Urbanogram provides a platform for young professionals to publish articles and share new ideas on urban design and architecture globally. I believe these discussions, which help to blend academic theory with practical experience, add depth to our work and provide a more holistic perspective on the profession.

For me, design is a continuous journey of learning, adaptation and curiosity. Staying open to change – whether in design trends, technologies, or cultural shifts – is essential to remaining relevant and innovative in practice. And we have to keep our minds open to new ideas, or else we simply stand still. 

My journey has been shaped by academic exploration, cross-disciplinary thinking, international collaboration and front-end design. And throughout this journey, I’ve developed a design philosophy grounded in strategic creativity, visual clarity and cultural sensitivity. I believe in the power of hand sketches to spark ideas, in strong visuals to tell compelling stories, and in building lasting relationships with clients through open, thoughtful communication.

What truly motivates me is seeing an idea grow, from a conversation or sketch to a shared vision with the client, to a space that becomes part of the real world. It is in this process of engagement, storytelling and transformation where I find meaning as a designer.