Ning Zhang

Landscape Designer

Ning’s journey as a landscape designer at Groundworks Office is a fascinating blend of diverse experiences and a deep appreciation for the natural world. After transitioning from the Midwest to Northern California in 2019, she was captivated by the region's incredible plant diversity and the striking contrasts in its landscapes.

This move marked the beginning of her career in an area where she could truly explore and expand her understanding of varied environments within just a few hours' drive. Ning's unique cross-disciplinary background in urban planning and landscape architecture shapes her design philosophy.

She prioritizes the sensory and experiential aspects of her work, viewing landscapes as dynamic relationships between multiple human and natural ecologies rather than static narratives. Her approach reflects a profound sensitivity to the interplay of these elements, creating spaces that resonate with their surroundings.

Her early aspirations in the fashion industry have seamlessly intertwined with her landscape architecture career. The systems thinking and multi-dimensional technological fluency she developed in fashion now enhance her design process, allowing her to approach landscapes with a fresh, innovative perspective. This blend of enthusiasm and technical expertise makes her a standout in her field, bridging the gap between aesthetic appeal and functional design.

Years of Experience

8

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Master of Landscape Architecture

Fuzhou University - Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning & Environment Management

Professional Experience

Beyond Design - Shanghai, China

Cushman & Wakefield - Shanghai, China

Awards & Publications

2019 ILASLA Student Honor Award

2016 Cross-land Post-industrial Site Design Competition Nomination

Campus & Workplace

Bayer Master Plan, Berkeley, California

Hillview Campus, Palo Alto, CA

UCB Loop, Berkeley, CA

1555 PLY, Mountain View, CA

Tasman Campus, San Jose, CA

Parks & Public Realm

Albany Park Master Plan, Albany, Ca

Treasure Island Projects, San Francisco, CA

Tunnel Top, San Francisco, CA

Linda Beach Park, Piedmont, CA

Warm Water Cove, San Francisco, CA

Gardens

1900 Diamond, San Francisco, CA

300 Kansas, San Francisco, CA

Portola Gardens, San Francisco, CA

One Oak, San Francisco, CA