![Yang Zhou](/sites/default/files/styles/story_landscape/public/2022-01/Zhou_Yang.jpg?h=4642a61e&itok=LbF8RG8c)
Q: Where is your hometown and where are you located now?
A: My home town is Tianjin, China. I am living in Penticton, B.C. now.
Q: What did you take at OC? When did you graduate?
A: I took the SBT Diploma at the Penticton Campus and graduated in 2020.
Q: What is your current position?
A: Architectural designer.
Q: Why did you choose your program at OC? How does it relate to what you’re doing now?
A: I was an architectural designer before I came to Canada, but most of the buildings I designed were traditional architecture. I have great interest in sustainable architecture. So I came to OC to take this course. The company I am working for now pays much attention to sustainable design and what I have learned can be applied in my current job.
Q: What was one of your most meaningful memories during your time at OC?
A: The professor often organized us to study and exchange with other companies and some practitioners related to sustainable architecture that shared a lot of valuable experience and knowledge with us.
Q: What do you think has been the biggest turning point for your career success?
A: I think coming to Canada is an important turning point in my career. I chose a completely new environment with a different language and culture, which allowed me to try more ways of working and living.
Q: Are there any awards, achievements or activities that you would like to highlight?
A: After graduation, I took the Passive House course and successfully passed the Certified Passive House Designer exam.
Q: What advice would you pass on to current/future students?
A: I believe sustainable architecture is the way forward for the industry. If you choose this course, please plan your development direction and treat each class seriously. I'm sure it will help you a lot in the future.
Q: When you’re not working, what are you doing?
A: I like rock climbing and hiking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. Besides that, I like to spend time with my family.
Connect with Yang:
Sustainable Building Technology Diploma
Be an agent of change as the built environment shifts to a net-zero energy, water and carbon future. Understand building science, technology, systems thinking and project management to deliver healthy, high-performance buildings.