Growing up in Hong Kong before moving to Chicago to earn his Bachelor of Architecture at the
Illinois Institute of Technology, Kurt developed a foundational appreciation for diverse urban and
architectural landscapes. He further refined his conceptual approach in New York City,
completing a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design at Columbia University
GSAPP. He is currently an architectural designer based in New York City, where he balances
rigorous professional practice with speculative design explorations.
A deep reverence for tactile craftsmanship and the art of making sits at the core of Cheang's
design philosophy. His work explores the rich intersection of the physical and the digital,
deliberately hybridizing traditional handmade techniques with contemporary fabrication. This
methodology is evident across his practice, such as his exploration of traditional woodworking
techniques—like hand-planing and joinery—enhanced by modern laser technology. By
synthesizing rigorous physical craftsmanship with advanced digital workflows, his designs
maintain a distinctly human touch while continually pushing the boundaries of material and
spatial expression.