Xiao Zheng

Biography: Xiao Zheng A Principal in SWA Group’s Laguna Beach studio, Xiao Zheng has more than 18 years of diverse urban design and landscape design experience, providing a sophisticated perspective on developing holistic planning and design solutions. Her work explores comprehensive land-based solutions that integrate resilient environmental systems with urban development. Xiao believes landscape architects play a vital role in shaping great contemporary cities, and she has great interest in urban landscape infrastructure, urban infill development, placemaking, and the harmonious integration of landscape and architecture. Her experience spans a variety of scales, including large-scale city planning, urban design and riverfront park systems to urban mixed-use development, residential and hospitality projects. This depth of experiences informs a comprehensive understanding from early planning phases through construction — from inception through realization. Xiao has a keen eye for details, knows what it takes to build a successful project, and brings robust knowledge of innovative materials and construction methodologies. Xiao and her teams have won multiple design competitions as well as national and international awards, including honors from ULI, ASLA, WAN, WFC and Rosa Barba Prize. Xiao received her Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and both her Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architecture from the South China University of Technology.