Kim Yao

Kim Yao, FAIA, is Principal of Architecture Research Office (ARO), a New York City firm united by their collaborative process, commitment to accountable action, and social and environmental responsibility. ARO’s diverse body of work has earned the firm over a hundred design awards, including the 2020 National AIA Architecture Firm Award. Kim was elected to the National Academy of Design, and her contributions to the profession have been recognized with the AIA New York (AIANY) Medal of Honor and the Beverly Willis Foundation Mentorship Award. She was President of AIANY in 2020 and serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Center for Architecture. She holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from Columbia College, Columbia University, and a Master of Architecture from Princeton University.