Lea XU
Design Director (Partner)
French Registered Architect
Graduated in 1985 with a degree in Architecture from Tsinghua University, and then pursued further studies in France with a scholarship, obtaining a French national architect diploma (Master) and a DEAA degree in architecture.
From 1991 to 2011, worked at the firm of Pritzker Prize laureate Christian de Portzamparc, serving as project manager and design director.
Returned to China in 2011, and subsequently held positions as Design Director at the U.S. firm NBBJ and the U.K. firm Atkins in Shanghai.
Founded 9Grid Studio in 2017, taking on the role of Design Director and Project Partner responsible for the design and construction of several important projects in China for Christian de Portzamparc's firm.
Years of professional practice have allowed Lea to accumulate rich experience in urban planning and architectural design. She is dedicated to the design of open blocks and humanized cities, seeking the most suitable solutions for each site from the user's perspective. She has overseen projects such as the strategic development plan for "Greater Paris", the planning of the Left Bank of the Seine in Paris, the planning of a riverside district in New York, the construction of the headquarters of the Société Générale bank in Paris, the redevelopment of the Royal Theatre in Compiegne, the Higher Regional Court in Grasse, and the second phase and supporting facilities of the Beijing National Convention Center, among many other important projects.
Atkins
Design Director
Atelier de Christian de Portzamparc
Design Director
Atelier de Christian de Portzamparc
Design Director
J-P VIGUIER - S.A. d'Architecture
Design Director