)
Zhizhe Yu
Zhizhe Yu, co-founder of Planetworks, orchestrated the establishment and meteoric rise of the firm’s China practice. Her distinguished career spans Australia, the United States, and China, marked by her role as the youngest Chinese Director at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) during her tenure from 2007 to 2017 in New York. Zhizhe’s expertise extends across high-rise and mixed-use developments, where her leadership has been pivotal in realizing some of the world’s most iconic architectural projects.
Renowned for her comprehensive design, technical, and managerial skills, Zhizhe also brings remarkable resilience, consistently demonstrating hands-on leadership in every project she undertakes. Among her significant accomplishments, the 599-meter Ping An Financial Center in Shenzhen stands out. Serving as Project Director, she managed a diverse, international team over nine years, from inception to completion, contributing essential insights at every phase.
To date, Zhizhe has managed projects exceeding 2.5 million square meters in total area, encompassing both completed and ongoing developments. As a dedicated entrepreneur, she is deeply committed to creating spaces that positively impact urban environments and society.