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Arlington, TX – [December 3, 2024] – We are excited to announce the promotion of Yan Zheng, AIA, NCARB, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C, to Principal with SBL Architecture, reinforcing our commitment to the continued evolution of leadership within our firm. Yan’s promotion reflects our dedication to fostering talent from within our highly collaborative team of architects and designers. At SBL Architecture, our Principals lead in marketing, management, architectural design and planning, ensuring a cohesive approach to all facets of our practice.

Yan joined SBL Architecture in 2005 as a part-time intern, bringing with her the unique experience of 3D rendering specialist at one of the largest rendering companies in Asia. At SBL, she quickly expanded her skills, embracing all phases of architectural design and discovering her passion for medical planning. Reflecting on her early days, Yan describes herself as a “blank slate” and credits SBL for nurturing her development and guiding her toward her specialty in programming and planning.

Throughout her tenure, Yan has spearheaded planning efforts for our firm’s largest academic behavioral health project at UT Southwestern Medical Center, along with planning and design integration on The Hospitals of Providence East Campus, the JPS Medical Home Southwest Tarrant, Peterson Health’s Hospice and Home Care Building, Carter BloodCare Expansion, Terrell State Hospital projects, and various ASC and oncology centers, emergency department expansions, renovations, and code compliance planning initiatives.

As an Architect with Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification, Yan’s expertise in healthcare design, codes, and departmental knowledge provides our firm with cutting-edge hospital planning capabilities. Her exceptional ability to navigate complex healthcare regulations, coupled with her talent for space planning and code expertise, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Her mathematical mindset and innovative thinking drive her passion for creating functional and efficient designs. Yan describes planning as solving a puzzle where ‘there may be many solutions, but only one is the best,’ and she thrives on finding that optimal solution.”

As a Principal, Yan will continue in her role as Senior Planner and Director of Planning & Design Integration, with a vested interest and greater say in the firm’s future, contributing to corporate strategy and operational matters.

“Becoming a Principal holds great meaning for me,” Yan shared. “I want others to see how growth is possible here, just like it was for me.” This promotion provides her with a platform to inspire others, align employee needs with firm decisions, and strengthen SBL’s culture.

Yan earned her Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2005. She was the recipient of the AIA Henry Adams Fund Certificate of Merit for Excellence in the study of Architecture. She encourages emerging professionals to think from their client’s perspective and collaborate with teammates to simplify decision-making, fostering trust and delivering tailored solutions.

When asked about her inspirations, Yan highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration in client relationships. ‘Through every project, perspectives evolve, and trust grows,’ she reflected. Outside of work, Yan balances her professional responsibilities with being a mother to two young daughters, ages five and two. Her favorite building, the Guggenheim Museum, symbolizes her appreciation for unconventional and innovative design.

For more information about SBL Architecture and its projects, please visit www.SBLinc.com.

 

About SBL Architecture

SBL Architecture, Inc. was established in 1994 by James S. Little, Jr., AIA, NCARB, LEED AP and Michael K. Barnett, AIA, NCARB with a foundational focus on healthcare design—a commitment that remains at the core of the firm’s identity. Over time, our clients have driven our growth into complementary markets, including commercial and institutional design.

Now celebrating 30 years and over a thousand completed projects, SBL Architecture continues to shape the future of healthcare facilities across Texas and beyond, delivering innovative, client-centered solutions that meet the evolving needs of communities.

Media Contact:

Jaime Pacilio

Senior Associate, SBL Architecture

(817) 792-2100 | jpacilio@sblinc.com