Interview with Yen Nguyen, CEO and chief architect of GA+

In a demanding field long considered a male preserve, Yen Nguyen’s journey stands as a compelling testament to the ingenuity, resilience and perspective that women contribute to the built environment.

Yen Nguyen is the chief architect and founder of GA+, a practice specialising in architectural, interior and landscape design and construction. With more than 12 years of experience, she has made a name for herself through distinctive, contemporary design solutions delivered with professionalism, crafting high-end projects that blend originality with refinement.

Yen Nguyen, as a female leader in the architecture and construction industry, what challenges and opportunities do women face in this field, in your view?

The first challenge is simply being a woman in a profession traditionally dominated by men. This stems not only from societal bias but also from the physical demands of the job, especially in construction or project oversight. Yet it is precisely by navigating these challenges that women can offer a distinctive and daring design perspective.

I believe that the grace and perceptiveness women possess, when paired with tenacity and resolve, become powerful assets. These qualities shape not only the projects I undertake but also the way I live; a way only women can define in their own right.

Above Yen Nguyen, CEO & Chief Architect GA+

Yen Nguyen, CEO & Chief Architect GA+

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How do you strike a balance between commercial success and creative integrity in your work?

That’s a question I revisit every day. Before each decision, I ground myself with a single thought: what value will this bring to the end user, especially our clients. Whether private individuals or corporate investors, they come to us not just for beauty, but for enduring functionality and meaningful returns.

There is no set formula I rely on. Instead, I weigh up the needs of each project: should this lean towards artistry, or does it require a sharper focus on commercial viability? My approach is always tailored, but grounded in design principles I trust.

In architecture, function is often considered paramount. But if a building serves its purpose yet lacks aesthetic appeal, how should we assess its value?

Any architect, I believe, dreams of creating something beautiful. That said, in my role as CEO, I’ve come to view functionality as a form of beauty in itself. A structure that meets its intended use is already successful in a fundamental way.

Architectural beauty isn’t confined to appearances. It lies in a project’s ability to respond to its surroundings, geographically, economically and socially. To me, true beauty emerges from a convergence of considerations, far beyond the surface.

Besides sustainability, what design and architectural trends are currently shaping corporate strategy?

Alongside sustainability, two key forces are shaping the future: culture/art and science/technology.

Culturally, Vietnam’s 4,000-year legacy offers a rich trove of inspiration. Buildings that carry identity not only convey their own origins and language, but also speak to shared values. Design trends are increasingly interwoven with culture, lending depth and distinction to each project. In this context, ‘art real estate’, architecture that satisfies emotional as well as material needs, is set to flourish.

At the same time, innovation in materials and structural engineering is allowing for forms that break conventional boundaries. “Non-structural”, multi-dimensional buildings offer immersive, layered experiences for users.

As a rising talent in the field, Yen Nguyen, what do you see as the most vital mission for today’s young architects?

From the moment I chose this profession, I understood that it came with a mission. For me, creativity in architecture is always about delivering tangible value to society, however that may take shape. Architectural beauty, when done right, has the power to uplift, to heal and to spark imagination.

I think our generation of architects is marked by perseverance. We are committed to pursuing the ideals we believe in, even when the path is far from easy. These very challenges are what push us to evolve. What matters is nurturing our thinking, and knowing how to balance internal vision with external reality.

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Yen Nguyen, CEO GA+: “Women can create a different and bold perspective in design”