ECHO ZHAO
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Architectural designer experienced in residential, public and community projects, designing spatial systems, developing environmental strategies, and producing clear diagrammatic communication. Skilled in translating concepts into drawings, models and documentation, with growing capability in detailing and technical coordination. Communicates in collaborative environments and adapts quickly to new workflows.
SKILLS
Technical: Rhino · Revit · Adobe Ps/Ai/Id · V-Ray · Physical Model Making · Project Documentation
Design: Concept Design · Spatial Sequencing · Program Organisation · Visual Communication · Material & Construction Study · Passive & Environmental Design
EXPERIENCE
Planning Intern Jun, 2023 - Jul, 2023
Anshan Urban Planning Institute, Anshan, Liaoning
• Prepared mapping, zoning and site-analysis material for 2 planning projects, strengthening ability to facilitate urbanscale research for project teams
• Delivered a comprehensive project presentation with a 3–4 person team, distilling project into clear, engaging insights for stakeholders
Architectural Intern May, 2023 - Jun, 2023
Anshan Design Institute, Anshan, Liaoning
• Updated diagrams and streamlined documentation tasks for 2 projects, supporting accurate and coordinated documentation while improving team efficiency
• Reviewed feasibility and schematic documentation of 1 project with senior architects, building capability in interpreting design intent and regulatory constraints
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture Jan, 2024 - Dec, 2025
The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Design (Architecture) Jan, 2021 - Dec, 2023
University of Melbourne
SELESTED ACADEMIC PROJECTS
Boort Community Ground - Indigenous Cultural Centre, Victoria, Australia Jul, 2025 - Nov, 2025
• Drove concept development and contextual study, translating cultural research and site conditions into one clear design direction
• Developed material and lightweight structural strategies, demonstrating cost and construction-efficient design thinking
• Produced three physical models and material tests to support stakeholder communication
• Collaborated with Indigenous community representatives, gaining experience in culturally sensitive consultation and inclusive design
Barbican Sculpture + Post Office - Public / Mixed Use, London, England Feb, 2025 - Jun, 2025
• Developed spatial and circulation strategies across dual geometries, displaying conceptual reasoning and clarity in organising complex program
• Built two individual and one team physical models, strengthening iterative design testing and communication of form, structure, and spatial intent
• Crafted sectional storytelling using material contrast, applying narrative driven design and diagramming to enhance user experience
Three Florist's Houses - Three-site Residential System, Victoria, Australia Jul, 2024 - Nov, 2024
• Designed small scale residential units across three sites, displaying ability to organise compact programs and adapt to varied site conditions
• Produced one CNC models collaboratively with team, managing coordinated design development, reinforcing collective decision-making
• Applied plant-based spatial strategies and timber structures, integrating natural growth patterns into residential planning
• Integrated passive design and landscape, showing strong capability in environmental performance and natural light & thermal strategies
Community Cloud - Artist Housing & Public Facilities, Victoria, Australia Jul, 2023 - Nov, 2023
• Planned unit typologies, zoned community and artist districts, demonstrating ability to organise mixed-use residential programs
• Led shared infrastructures and devised affordable housings, showing practical approach to resource efficiency, operational planning, and socially responsive design
• Explored double façade design and precast construction, exhibiting awareness of constructability and modular design
AWARDS/EXHIBITIONS/COMPETITIONS
Highly Commended - The Glitch, Student Category, Australian Wood Review, 2025
MSDx - Selected Works & Studio Installation, 2024 / 2025
UIA-HYP Cup International Student Competition - Team work, Participant, 2023
LANGUAGES
English (Professional) · Mandarin (Native)
INTERESTS
• Architectural model making (physical & conceptual)
• Furniture prototyping & small-scale timber construction
• Field observation & site studies
• Visual storytelling & architectural diagramming