Olivia (Shenglin) Huang

Dalian / Beijing / China
Master of Architecture, Master of Urban Design, Washington University in St. Louis

With a vibrant career spanning over eight years as an architect and urban designer, Olivia has distinguished herself in mixed-use, hotel, residential, theatrical, civic, and cultural projects across the globe.

Before joining MIT, Olivia obtained her Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture inChina, followed by a Master of Architecture and a Master of Urban Design atWashington University in St. Louis. As a professional, she played pivotal roles at Pelli Clarke & Partners, leading and contributing to over 20 significant projects in North America, Japan, and China. She also worked at prestigious architectural firms such as KPF in London and UN Studio in Amsterdam. Her projects, ranging from the Azabudai Hills in Tokyo (currently the tallest building in Japan) to the Chengdu Museum of Natural History in China and from Salesforce Tower in San Francisco to Union Park in Toronto, showcase her ability to lead international teams and navigate complex financial and cultural dynamics to deliver projects that blend local culture with global standards of sustainability and design excellence. As an advocate for sustainability, Olivia’s projects have sought LEED Platinum and WELL certifications, demonstrating her commitment to environmentally responsible and community-centric approaches.

A current candidate for the Master of Science in Real Estate Development (MSRED) at MIT, Olivia is seamlessly bridging her extensive architecture experience with her passion for sustainable real estate development. Her academic pursuit includes the Sloan Sustainability Certificate, underscoring her commitment to integrating sustainability into the fabric of real estate innovation. Her academic excellence is matched by her leadership roles within the MIT community, including President of MIT Women in Real Estate and Vice President of the MIT Sloan Real Estate Club.She also serves as a GAAP mentor and volunteer at the Greater Boston Food Bank.

With a vision that integrates architectural excellence with sustainable principles, Olivia aims to develop aesthetically, functionally, and environmentally exemplary spaces. Fluent in Chinese, English, and Japanese and conversational in French, her global perspective and collaborative engagement are at the forefront of driving innovation in real estate.