About
Vanessa Liu (AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, CSI CDT) is an award-winning, U.S.-licensed architect registered in CA, CO, MO, and TX, with 12+ years of experience leading sustainably driven projects across the United States and abroad—from luxury residences to sports stadiums. Recognized by AIA, ASLA, and USGBC for design excellence and environmental innovation, she blends modern art, minimalism, and nature-inspired aesthetics to create functional, beautiful spaces rooted in sustainability.
A Master of Architecture graduate from Kansas State University, Vanessa has further refined her expertise through studies at New York Film Academy, Harvard Business School Online, and Italy’s Santa Chiara Art Center. Before joining Enspace, she led projects at Gaia Homes, Kerman Morris Architects, HOK, and BNIM, contributing to transformative endeavors such as the John F. Kennedy Center Expansion (“The Reach”), Princeton University Lewis Arts Complex, Miami Hard Rock Stadium, and Cairo International FIFA Stadium.
Drawing on a diverse background, Vanessa has also worked as a fashion model—a role that deepened her appreciation for visual storytelling and aesthetics, enriching her creative approach to architecture. Outside of her professional work, she is an avid painter, hiker, and traveler who continually seeks new challenges—currently pursuing skydiving.
Experience
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT & DESIGN DIRECTOR | Enspace
San Francisco, CA (Mar 2018—Present)
Manage $500M+ in residential, commercial, and institutional projects, consistently achieving a client satisfaction rate exceeding 95%, while ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
Implement a sustainability-focused strategy that reduces project energy consumption by 20% while maintaining aesthetics.
Oversee business operations, including finance, marketing, and branding.
Lead design and documentation for projects to ensure high-quality outcomes.
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF DESIGN | Gaia Homes
San Francisco, CA (Mar 2019—Jan 2022)
Designed and delivered sustainable, net-zero modular homes, reducing energy consumption by 30% and lowering costs by 25%.
Partnered with key stakeholders to develop customizable designs, boosting client satisfaction.
Reduced design costs by using optimized materials and modular construction techniques.
Delivered innovative, visually compelling design solutions to complex challenges.
PROJECT ARCHITECT & MANAGER | Kerman Morris Architects
San Francisco, CA (Feb 2016—Mar 2018)
Optimized permitting for residential and commercial projects, cutting approval times by 20% through proactive coordination with city officials and consultants.
Directed a multidisciplinary team in developing construction documentation and schedules, ensuring timely, budget-conscious, and high-quality project delivery.
Enhanced operational efficiency by implementing streamlined workflows and mentoring junior staff, resulting in improved team collaboration and productivity.
Served as a key liaison between clients and the Principal-in-Charge, effectively resolving design challenges and strengthening client relationships to drive repeat business.
PROJECT ARCHITECT | HOK
Kansas City, MO (May 2015—Feb 2016)
Led design from concept to construction on $1B+ in U.S. and international sports projects.
Managed teams across multiple disciplines, ensuring high-quality design and client satisfaction.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER| BNIM
Kansas City, MO (May 2012—May 2015)
Developed detailed technical construction drawings and coordinated multidisciplinary teams on award-winning projects in collaboration with Steven Holl Architects in New York. (AIA NY Design Award, Best of Design Award, 2017 Best of Design Award for Building of the Year, etc.)
Contributed to the design of over $600M in educational, federal, and institutional projects.
Skills
Leadership & Business Acumen: Project Management, Client Relations, Business Development
Design: Architectural Design, Sustainability, Urban Planning, Interior Design, 3D Presentations
Programs: Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu
Languages: English (Fluent), Mandarin Chinese (Proficient), Tagalog (Proficient)
Education
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE | Kansas State University | 2012
Studied at Santa Chiara Art Center, Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy
Graduated with a 3.8 GPA
CERTIFICATE IN GLOBAL BUSINESS | Harvard Business School Online|2020
Business Analytics, Economics for Manager, and Financial Accounting
Passed with honors
FILMMAKING | New York Film Academy | 2024
Studied filmmaking to enhance visual storytelling and communication in architectural projects
Architect Licenses
Missouri Board Professional Registration Architectural License | 2015
California Architects Board Architectural License | 2018
Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations Architectural License | 2023
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners Architectural License | 2024
Awards & Certifications
Water Efficiency Certification, U.S. Green Building Council | 2025
First Place, International Architectural Design Competition (China) | 2020
NCARB Certification, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards | 2015
LEED AP BD+C (Building Design + Construction), U.S. Green Building Council | 2015
LEED AP O+M (Operations + Maintenance), U.S. Green Building Council | 2015
LEED AP ID+C (Interior Design + Construction), U.S. Green Building Council | 2015
LEED AP ND (Neighborhood Development), U.S. Green Building Council | 2015
LEED AP Homes, U.S. Green Building Council | 2015
Construction Documents Technologist Certification, Construction Specifications Institute | 2015
EMERGING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR, American Institute of Architects | 2014
PROFESSIONAL HONOR AWARD, American Society of Landscape Architects | 2014
DESIGN EXCELLENCE HONOR AWARD, American Institute of Architects National Chapter | 2013
Kremer Prize, American Institute of Architects | 2013
Design Citation Award, American Institute of Architects | 2012
High Achiever Award, Phi Kappa Phi | 2012
Excellence in Design, National Organization for Minority Architects | 2010
Second Place in Rendering Competition, Kansas State University | 2009
Honorable Mention, U.S. Bayer Stone Design Competition | 2008
