Xiang Yu - Senior environmental designer

Designing immersive experiences that connect people, brands, and stories.
With a background of over 8 years in experiential design, architecture, and fabrication, I create spaces that inspire connection. My work spans immersive entertainment venues, life-sciences campuses, and community-centered projects, bridging storytelling with design excellence.

Apeiro Design – Immersive Experiences with Global Brands

At Apeiro Design, I spearheaded immersive environments for some of the world’s most renowned entertainment brands. From concept adjacency studies to technical system drawings, my role combined design strategy with hands-on production knowledge, ensuring memorable experiences optimized for both audience impact and operational efficiency.

Franco Dragone Productions – Wuxi Taihu Show Theatre

Collaborated across theatrical systems and building disciplines, producing technical drawings and study sketches to achieve a balance between spectacle and functionality.

Inside The Yue Show Theatre

Created Rhino model to illustrate the special equipment.

Harrington Center for the Arts

Experiential design and concept studies with a focus on engagement.

Cirque du Soleil – Immersive Venue Design

Coordinated and assisted during construction administration, ensuring seamless integration of theatrical systems to elevate storytelling and audience immersion.

Moving Staircase System

Developed a dynamic staircase mechanism combining lifts and tracks, and produced a simulation video using Rhino and Grasshopper.

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Village Church Surrey

Show Environment: Visualization and sightline studies, projection and
sound system studies

Training Facility Module

Designed modular training rooms for local fire department, integrating electrical systems such as switches and plug-ins to support program needs.

CAC Architects – Designing for Excellence in Life Sciences & Tech

At CAC Architects, I led design and project management for 20+ large-scale projects with industry leaders including Nvidia, Pfizer, and Healthpeak Properties. My role centered on cross-functional collaboration, guiding multidisciplinary teams while ensuring creative quality and technical precision.

Biotech research

Biotech Tenant Improvments

Coordinated cross-disciplinary teams to deliver lab environments optimized for seamless collaboration.

Workspaces environments

Workplace Refresh

Designed high-performance workspaces balancing functionality and branded experience.

Campus amenities

Healthpeak – Life Sciences Campus

Created dynamic spaces that balance function and budget, supporting productivity and well-being for forward-thinking teams.

Community-Centered Design

[interface] image of software interface (for a edtech)

Design that creates meaningful impact in the community

SF Pride Parade Float

As design lead for the Chinese Rainbow Network’s first-ever float at the San Francisco Pride Parade, I guided the entire process from concept sketches to fabrication and day-of assembly. The project celebrated visibility and unity, earning the Best Marching Group award.

This wasn't just about design; it was about representation, celebration, and giving voice to a community that doesn't always get the spotlight. Working with CRN members, we created something that honored our cultural heritage while celebrating our identities. Seeing our float roll down Market Street, carrying the hopes and pride of so many people, was deeply fulfilling.

image of community involvement (for a furniture store) 3

‘Best Marching Group’ Parade Award, one of five such awards given out of over 200 participating groups.

This experience reinforced something I already knew but sometimes forget in the day-to-day hustle: design at its best isn't just about solving problems. It's about building bridges, creating belonging, and making space for everyone at the table.

image of architectural design review

Ensuring the audio connection was secure before the parade.

image of a futuristic clean energy facility

Exploration: Adopting the refreshed CRN brand identity to differentiate

Inspirations

Initial design blending cultural symbolism.

image of a skyscraper project

image of awards and certifications (for a distillery)

Rolling Stage Iterations: platform with stairs at the end.

image of an office collaboration scene (for a mobility and transportation)

Concept Sketch: A tribute to the classic cinematic masterpiece Farewell My Concubine

Go behind the scenes.

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A time-lapse of the float coming together

image of artist's previous work for an art gallery

Precisely cutting the wallpaper before applying glue

Assembly Day

Coordinated with the volunteer team, materials, and hands-on construction to bring the float to life.

image of travel tech demonstration at a fair

Supporting legs for the background boards

[background image] image of an innovation lab for an ai developer tools

Celebrating Community with Everyone

CRN 2024 SF Pride Parade Prize

Recognition

Awarded Best Marching Group at SF Pride 2024, honoring the collective effort of design, craft, and community spirit.
‍
Not bad for a first-timer float builder!

chic art gallery event

Marching down Market St. It was a sunny day.

Parade Day

Led the build team during installation and parade operations, ensuring both safety and visual impact.

image of a wellness event at the pharmacy

Moments filled with joys.

Got questions?
I’d love to chat with you.