CMU 2nd-year Architecture major and former HKIS Physics TA with 1510 SAT and perfect 5s in AP Calculus BC and Physics C. Studio-style tutor who builds design rigor through theory, critique, and portfolio narrative.
Subjects
- Architecture
About me
Damian is a sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University studying architecture, drawing from his Hong Kong upbringing and fascination with how spaces are designed and how people interact with their built environment. He is passionate about guiding students until they truly grasp concepts on their own, helping them build the confidence to independently apply knowledge in creative design and critical thinking. Beyond academics, he practices ceramics—having exhibited at Tai Kwun's "Bloom"—and uses photography to study light, shadow, and visual storytelling, both of which deeply inform his architectural practice.
Qualifications
Damian earned perfect 5s on AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics C (both Mechanics and E&M), along with a 1510 SAT score. He currently studies Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University.
Experience
Damian has served as a Teaching Assistant for Honors Physics at HKIS, working with students from grades 10-12 on STEM subjects including Chemistry, Physics, and Math.
Teaching approach
Damian begins every session with a focused, brief presentation that breaks down core architectural theories, spatial concepts, and historical/contemporary precedents, giving students a clear framework before diving into design. Mirroring the one-on-one dynamic of a university design studio, he engages students in deep conversation about their projects to ensure they understand their work at a core conceptual level rather than just a formal one. He then transitions theory into practice by applying these insights directly to the student's personal project or portfolio, asking targeted questions that challenge students to test their ideas, refine their design logic, and push their work to a higher level of rigor. Throughout this process, he guides students in framing their narrative so that their portfolio communicates a clear, compelling design intent.