Yi Liao brings an uncommon combination to architectural practice: graduate training in structural engineering paired with a Master of Architecture, built over eleven years across commercial, civic, and institutional projects. That dual foundation shapes his design approach, grounded in how buildings stand up and come together rather than just how they look on paper.
Yi returned to CSHQA in April 2026. As a Senior Architect III, he moves daily among concept sketching, detailed Revit documentation, and construction administration. His technical depth is most evident when projects become complex. When Yi inherited a project mid-construction, following a team transition with permits and construction documents incomplete, he carefully resolved the gaps, addressed RFIs, and issued ASIs, keeping the work moving and delivering a successful completion for the client.
Colleagues describe Yi as collaborative and persistent, someone who stays organized and communicates clearly throughout every phase, including the difficult ones. His interests extend beyond the drawing set: Yi actively follows emerging technologies in architectural design, including computer-aided workflows that enhance precision and efficiency.
Outside the office, Yi can be found skiing, mountain biking, or hiking with his family in the mountains around Boise.
Education
MArch, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
MS, Structures and Materials, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
Licensing and Certification
Licensed Architect: ID, WA