Mao has been practicing landscape architecture professionally in San Diego after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, with a focus in Multi-family, Mix-Use, K-12 Education, Life Science projects and more. Mao believes in good designs that cultivate inclusivity, functionality, identity and culture. Having grown up in the metropolitan cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore, Mao’s urban upbringing informs her interests for design challenges that exist in the ever-changing landscapes, and she decided on pursuing a path in the AEC industry here in the United States. She continues to be inspired by her peers and mentors in her career and hopes to become a leader who can shape her local community. Outside of work, you can find her exploring with her analogue camera, volunteering for the community, or unwinding with friends.