Cunjia Xu

B.Arch, University of Southern California

Cunjia is a highly motivated and passionate architect with a strong background in architectural design and a commitment to sustainable and community-focus development. Graduating from University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in Architecture. 

Prior to joining MIT, she was employed as an architect for over 2 years, specializing in commercial mix-used projects. However, it was during this time that she realized the limitations and challenges architects face in maximizing their designs’ potential due to prioritizing developers’ profit. She witnessed how many innovative design and sustainable strategies were often rejected by clients, leading to missing opportunities for creating meaningful impact. 

Motivated to make a difference, Cunjia took a step and co-founded a design firm with a fellow university colleague. Their primary interest is community-focus and public ware-fare projects. Their primary goal was to integrate financial and environmental benefits into their projects while prioritizing the local community’s needs and sustainability. By challenging the traditional profit-driven approach, they aimed to create spaces that not only enhance the built environment but also served the greater social good. 

Post-graduation, Cunjia plans to continue her journey, utilizing her expertise and skills to create meaningful and impactful projects that align with core values. She and her business partner are determined to make a lasting difference by prioritizing the needs of communities, promoting environmental sustainability, and challenge conventional norms in the field of architecture and real estate.