Ma Yansong

About

Ma Yansong is the founder of MAD and one of the most influential architects working today. His practice moves beyond the conventions of modernism and commercial development, emphazing emotion, spiritual experience, and.human connection. In his vision, architecture is not merely physical space, but a link between people, cities and nature.

Under his creative leadership, MAD has gained international recognition for its fluid, organic architectural language. His work also extends into exhibitions, publishing, product design and the arts, crossing disciplines and expanding the boundaries of architectural thinking.

In 2010, Ma received the RIBA International Fellowship. In 2025, he was named to the TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people. That same year, he served as curator of the China Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, further cementing his role as a cultural voice on the international stage. In 2026, he became guest editor-in-chief of Domus and was elected an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (Hon. FAIA).

Ma a bachelor's degree from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and a master's degree in architecture from Yale University.He has taught at University of Southern California, Tsinghua University, and Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture.