About
Vanessa Liu is an award-winning architect and design leader with experience spanning luxury residential, mixed-use, commercial, educational, healthcare, institutional, and master planning projects in the United States and internationally.
As Principal Architect at PLACE Designers and previously founder of Enspace, Vanessa has led multidisciplinary teams, guided complex architectural projects, and developed lasting relationships with clients and industry partners. At Enspace, she oversaw a diverse portfolio representing more than $500 million in aggregate project value. Her earlier experience with internationally recognized firms, including HOK and BNIM, provided opportunities to contribute to major sports, cultural, and institutional developments.
Her approach to architecture is grounded in the belief that meaningful design begins with understanding people, place, and purpose. Combining creative exploration with technical expertise and business considerations, she seeks to create thoughtful, enduring environments that balance beauty, functionality, sustainability, and long-term value.
Having lived and worked across different cultures, Vanessa brings an international perspective to design and leadership. Her interests extend beyond architecture into art, filmmaking, travel, and the natural world—disciplines that continue to influence her creative thinking and appreciation for the human experience.
Vanessa holds a Master of Architecture from Kansas State University and has pursued additional studies in business, chemistry, and the arts. She is a licensed architect in multiple U.S. states and holds NCARB and LEED credentials.
đź“„ DOWNLOAD RESUME
Professional Experience
Principal Architect | PLACE Designers
Austin, TX (Jul 2025—Present)
Lead architectural design and project delivery across a diverse portfolio of mixed-use, multifamily, retail, commercial, healthcare, and master planning projects. Oversee multidisciplinary teams, consultant coordination, and practice operations, balancing design excellence with technical requirements and project objectives. Contribute to business growth through client relationship development, strategic partnerships, and proposal leadership, including leading the winning proposal for a $2M+ architectural services contract.
Principal & Design Director | Enspace
San Francisco, CA (Mar 2018—Jun 2025)
Founded and directed an architectural design practice, leading more than 80 projects across the United States, China, and the Philippines, representing over $500 million in aggregate project value. Oversaw architectural design, project delivery, client relationships, and business operations across luxury residential, commercial, and master planning developments. Cultivated long-term client partnerships while integrating sustainable design principles, technical expertise, and commercial considerations into the practice.
Co-Founder & Director of Design | Gaia Homes
San Francisco, CA (Mar 2019—Jan 2022)
Co-founded a sustainable housing venture focused on customizable, net-zero energy modular homes. Led architectural design and product development, exploring innovative materials, prefabrication strategies, and energy-efficient building solutions. Advised homeowners on sustainable design and modular construction approaches to improve building performance and construction efficiency.
Project Architect & Manager | Kerman Morris Architects
San Francisco, CA (Feb 2016—Mar 2018)
Managed luxury residential and commercial projects, overseeing architectural design, construction documentation, permitting, and multidisciplinary coordination. Led the firm's transition from ArchiCAD to Revit, establishing BIM workflows and training staff to improve design coordination and project delivery. Collaborated closely with clients, consultants, and city officials to resolve technical challenges and navigate complex approval processes.
Project Architect | HOK
Kansas City, MO (May 2015—Feb 2016)
Contributed to major sports and entertainment developments in the United States and internationally, including Miami's Hard Rock Stadium and stadium projects for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Led architectural design and technical coordination from concept through construction, with responsibilities spanning building code analysis, project documentation, and construction administration.
Architectural Designer | BNIM
Kansas City, MO (May 2013—May 2015)
Contributed to award-winning educational, federal, and institutional projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and internationally recognized design firms, including Steven Holl Architects. Developed architectural designs, technical construction documentation, and coordinated building systems, gaining experience in sustainable design and complex institutional architecture.
Education
Master of Architecture
Kansas State University | 2013
Master's Thesis Program in Urban Planning
Kansas City Design Center | 2013
Art and Architecture
Santa Chiara Art Center, Italy | 2011
BS Management of Applied Chemistry
Ateneo de Manila University | 2007
Certificate in Global Business
Harvard Business School Online | 2020
Filmmaking Certificate Course
New York Film Academy | 2024
Licenses and Credentials
ARCHITECT REGISTRATION
Licensed in four U.S. states:
Missouri | 2015
California | 2018
Colorado | 2023
Texas | 2024
NCARB CERTIFICATION
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards | 2015
LEED ACCREDITATION
U.S. Green Building Council | 2015
Accredited in all five LEED specialties:
Building Design + Construction (BD+C)
Operations + Maintenance (O+M)
Interior Design + Construction (ID+C)
Neighborhood Development (ND)
Homes
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS TECHNOLOGIST (CDT)
Construction Specifications Institute | 2015
WATER EFFICIENCY CERTIFICATION
U.S. Green Building Council | 2025
Awards & Recognition
First Place, Modular Home International Design Competition (Indonesia) | 2022
First Place, International Architectural and Landscape Design Competition (China) | 2020
Emerging Professional of the Year, American Institute of Architects (AIA) | 2014
Professional Honor Award, American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) | 2014
Design Excellence Honor Award, American Institute of Architects (AIA) | 2013
Kremer Prize, American Institute of Architects (AIA) | 2013
Design Citation Award, American Institute of Architects (AIA) | 2012
High Achiever Award, Phi Kappa Phi | 2012
Excellence in Design, National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA) | 2010
Second Place, Kansas State University Rendering Competition | 2009
Honorable Mention, U.S. Bayer Stone Design Competition | 2008