Ming-Lee Yuan

Principal/ Owner at Olson Kundig

“On all projects, every member of the team brings something to the table and contributes their unique perspective. I enjoy the puzzle of architecture and figuring out how all the pieces fit together and the process of collaboration along the way.”

Ming-Lee Yuan joined Olson Kundig in 2005 and was named Principal in 2020. She has more than 25 years of experience on a wide variety of projects spanning multiple market sectors. Each of these projects is linked by a common philosophy that successful architecture positively impacts the broader community.

Ming-Lee is passionate about design that centers the human experience, from a family in a private home to the diverse users of a public building. She especially enjoys working with clients throughout the early programming and planning phases as the identity and character of a project begins to emerge. On each project, Ming-Lee works to understand the client’s vision and the unique site context, to deliver built architecture that responds to a range of considerations, from the needs of the users to the impact of daylight and shadow on interior spaces to the site and landscape.

A champion for service both internally and externally, Ming-Lee believes architects have a responsibility to positively contribute to the future of built and natural environments by prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, incorporating sustainable practices and materials, and continually pushing for better building performance and long-term resiliency. Outside of her project work, Ming-Lee is a dedicated mentor and leads the firm’s Social Equity Community. She has also been a member of the Seattle chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)’s Committee on Homelessness and a design mentor for Sawhorse Revolution, a non-profit carpentry program for local youth that creates inspiring community projects.