Qiyao Li.
Qiyao Li, 31
Associate Principal at Skidmore Owings & Merrill
After earning a master’s in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, Qiyao Li joined Skidmore Owings & Merrill. Eight years of architectural projects, competitions, mentoring and a series of promotions later, Li was recently named associate principal at the storied firm.
Not surprisingly for someone who is lead designer on the likes of the Walt Disney Company’s 1 million-square-foot New York headquarters in Hudson Square and the sustainable, multifaceted 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Village in Italy — a project SOM won over 26 other firms, thanks in part to Li’s leadership — her work life encompasses a broad range of demands, activities and reflection.
Generally, Li says, half of any given day is analytical and collaborative: solving a complex puzzle with a team of creative people, consultants and experts of different disciplines; finding a solution that’s simultaneously straightforward, precise and poetic.
And the other half, extending well beyond working hours, is when she steps back, or leans in, to absorb and enjoy other people’s work. That means traveling, reading, watching movies, and studying drawings and models. Each pursuit instigates a sort of brain reset that enables greater problem-solving at work — and home.
Finally, Li undertook a renovation of her own Manhattan apartment that she deems the most rewarding non-SOM project of the past year. “It is just a wonderful experience to get to design for the space you live in,” she said, “with personal touches tailored to your daily life.” —S.P.
