About
Grounded in sincerity.
Creating spaces and communicating their value from Shanghai and Tokyo.
A name. A way of working.
The name SZ carries the idea of shí zài: sincere, grounded and unpretentious. This outlook guides architecture rooted in each place and its people.
We look beyond a building’s outward form to what happens within it. History, environment, materials and daily life guide a response specific to each place.
We photograph the spaces we design as part of completing each project and communicating its intention and value.
Awards
Dezeen Awards 2026: Shortlisted, Hotel and short-stay interior (Lost Villa Huanglong Island Lighthouse Hotel interior design).
Dezeen Awards China 2025: Winner, Hotel and short-stay interior (Lost Villa Huanglong Island Lighthouse Hotel interior design).
AURA Asia Urban Renewal Awards: Shortlisted in urban renewal architectural design and spatial renovation (Nanjing Daxinggong micro-renovation).
Dezeen Awards China 2023: Shortlisted, Hotel and short-stay (Moganshan MUZI Boutique Hotel).
IAF Ideal Architecture Festival: Winner, Unbuilt Public Architecture.
Selected for AD100 YOUNG.
Selected for Archiposition’s list of young Chinese architectural practices.
Honourable Mention, 57th Central Glass International Architectural Design Competition (Japan).
Second Prize, “Quyuan · Weizhu” architectural design competition at Nanjing Green Expo Garden.
Founder / Architect
Zhikun Zhang
Japanese pronunciation: Chō Shikon
Born in 1988.
Founded Shizai Architectural Design Studio (SZ-Architects) in 2019. As an innovative design practice focused on architecture, interiors and urban renewal, the studio maintains close attention to changes in the times, the current environment and social conditions, with extensive experience in designing and delivering projects at a wide range of scales. The purpose behind establishing the studio is to attend to each project’s historical context, building process and construction techniques, continually exploring the essential relationship between space and people through diverse, open perspectives, and seeking authenticity, distinctiveness and a sense of place through the most unpretentious and sincere design approaches.
Partner / Architect
Yue Liu
Born in 1991. Graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in the United States with a master’s degree. After working at several international architectural practices, co-founded SZ-Architects with Zhikun Zhang in 2019.