What led you to a career in architecture?
Barry: Visiting every Buddhist temple as a kid always gave me a sense of tranquility and calm. At the time, I couldn’t quite explain why—there was simply something about those spaces that made me feel calm and at peace. It wasn’t until I began studying architecture and human behavior that the relationship between the built environment and people became evident. It is called Person-Environment Fit (PE Fit), which explains that when the environment aligns well with people’s physical and psychological needs, it leads to greater satisfaction and well-being. Realizing this solidified my passion for architecture.
How has your work in architecture influenced the way you view the world around you—cities, people, or even nature?
Barry: I’ve become acutely aware of the relationship between people and their environments. It is fascinating to pay attention to the quality of spaces while at the same time watching human behaviors taking place in architectural and urban spaces.
“Architecture is an expression of values – the way we build is a reflection of the way we live. “
What do you think differentiates JLA from other firms when it comes to our approach to design?
Barry: JLA is committed to developing design solutions that are thoughtfully tailored to the specific needs of each client and the well-being of building occupants.
What are some of the challenges you are seeing in architecture right now?
Barry: One of the ongoing challenges is finding the right balance between maximum efficiency and spatial quality. While it’s critical to design efficient buildings and support clients’ business goals, we should also consider how these spaces impact the daily experiences of end users. For instance, is it worth sacrificing one unit to introduce natural light into a corridor and transform that alcove into a social space? This is the kind of trade-off that requires thoughtful design decisions.
What advice would you give young designers just starting out?
Barry: Maintain your passion for what you enjoy as a designer. It’s not about how good you are today, but about how good you want to be—how far you are willing to grow and push yourself. Work hard to make your career meaningful, rather than just making a living
What is a noteworthy project you have worked on at JLA? What are you currently working on?
Barry: River Place, a multifamily development in Madison, Wisconsin, is currently under construction and is noteworthy. It is a challenging project, but it will be a successful project. Currently, I am working on The Forge, an affordable housing project in Madison, and other housing projects in Wisconsin and Iowa.
Barry Yang, AIA, is a Senior Design Architect in JLA’s Milwaukee Office. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chung-Yuan University and a Master of Architecture from The State University of New York at Buffalo. He has been with JLA since 2023.
About Eye for Architecture
Welcome to Eye For Architecture, a blog series that brings you behind the scenes and into the personal journeys of professionals shaping the built environment. From early inspirations and academic challenges to pivotal projects and lessons learned on the job. Eye For Architecture offers a candid look at the journey, the passion that drives their work, and how each team member found their own eye for architecture.