Educational Background:
Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, Cambridge MA: 99 - 03 (M. Arch)
Duke University, Durham NC, 94 – 98
(BA in Economics & Studio Art / Cum laude, Dean‘s List )

Professional Experience:
MRT design, Shanghai, Founding Partner / Director; 05 – Present
MRKT products, Shanghai, Founding Partner / Design Director, 2008 – 2010
Kennedy and Violich Architecture, Boston, Architectural Designer; 2002 – 2003
Tsao and McKown Architects, New York, Intern; 2001
Iconomy.com, Boston, Designer; 1998 - 99

For more information: www.mrt-design.com

Academic Positions:
2012 - 2016 Fudan University School of Visual Arts, Professor + Thesis advisor
2010 - 2016 Hong Kong University（Shanghai Campus), Assistant Professor / Lecturer, Landscape Architecture
2003 - 2004 Tongji University Shanghai, Visiting Scholar, Urban Planning Department

成立于2006年，MRT设计是一个综合形的设计工作室。我们的作品涵盖从大型商业综合体到住宅室内。我们的服务范围从空间设计到战略和产品设计+研发。

现由10余位境内外背景设计师组成，团队以有趣体验为价值诉求；在设计执行中，集策略、研发、实验和跨界等环节步骤；强调空间与人的互动，与环境的相互作用。MRT 优势在于将创新设计与项目管理和施工监督相结合，为客户提供全面的解决方案。

作品广泛发表于《AD》、《ELLEDECO》、《ID China》、《id+c》和《Surface》等国内外专业媒体，深受业界好评。代表作品有：野兽派花店、申活馆、IMUSE咖啡理发店、wanawon珠宝、上海井福渔炎餐厅；万科徐汇中心、虹口商业中心、张江商业中心；南京绿地高铁办公总部；北京小老虎办公总部； 美国洛杉矶别墅、梦想改造家节目项目。

Gu Yi is the founder of Not a Studio Architect, an innovative architecture and design firm established in Shanghai in 2016. After spending over a decade in Africa, Gu Yi returned to China, bringing a unique global perspective to his work. His design philosophy is rooted in restraint and minimalism, emphasizing thoughtful spatial experiences across various typologies.

Not a Studio Architect’s diverse portfolio spans tea aesthetics, commercial spaces—including restaurants, retail environments, and boutique hotels—as well as public art spaces, residential projects, and offices. The firm has successfully delivered projects of varying scales, seamlessly blending cultural narratives with contemporary design.

Notable works include:

• The Container
• Duo Yun Bookstore (Shanghai, Chengdu, Suzhou)
• Shanghai Longhua Temple
• Pagoda Shadow Space
• Yongfu Temple Zen Museum of Art
• Suzhou Hanshan Temple
• Tea Space
• Atour Hotel 4.0 R&D
• Fotile Commercial Retail, and more.

Gu Yi’s commitment to timeless aesthetics, cultural sensitivity, and refined minimalism continues to shape distinctive architectural and interior spaces that inspire and engage.