about me
Hey! I'm Joyce Chiang.
I’m an architect, a calligrapher and an aspiring product designer.
Here is my story:
When I was working as an architect in a corporate firm in Hong Kong, I felt unfulfilled. I was waking up everyday with a heavy heart, wondering why I was feeling so stuck, and generally, quite unhappy with myself.
In retrospect, I did not like who I was becoming. In the short three years out of grad school, I was sitting in my cubicle, working 10-12 hour days, trying really hard to believe that this was my path - to become an established architect, like the amazing colleagues and mentors that I had surrounding me. However, I found myself not always fully present at work, not believing in the work I was producing.
I felt unsettled. I believe that my life is and should be in my own hands, and I wanted to channel all that negative energy I was feeling to evoke a positive change. Calligraphy was a hobby in which I found a lot of comfort in. Every night, regardless of the time, I would pick up my pen and write my heart away.
I am a do-er, and I believe hard work pays off and will bring you to places that you want to go. I was adamant in pursuing an architecture license because I knew that I would want to revisit it in the future, in whatever capacity. I took 7 professional accreditation exams in 1 year, with a full-time job, and still found time for calligraphy because I truly, really needed it.
What I loved about calligraphy was that it allowed me to become the master of my own creative process, and I poured my heart and soul into every project I worked on. That is what the essence of design should be. Today, running my own design studio, I feel I am the best version of myself, sharing my designs and visions with you.
If you want to know a little bit more ...
I am a westernized girl anchored in traditional Chinese values. I grew up in Hong Kong, and went to UCLA for my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, then pursued a Master of Architecture degree at University of Pennsylvania. I am now back in Hong Kong, running a design studio in this bustling metropolis.
As a calligrapher, I’ve been featured by industry publications such as Wedding Sparrow, Hochzeitsguide and Bride and Breakfast HK. I have also collaborated with international brands such as Dior, Giorgio Armani, Montblanc, Pandora etc.