Xu Zhang
Licensed Architect in California & Nevada/Designer/Drafter



Xu is originally from China. Having begun her career in automobile engineering, she later moved to the United States to pursue studies and opportunities in architecture. She earned a Master of Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University on the East Coast and subsequently worked in Washington, D.C., for two years.

During a vacation to the West Coast, she visited Lake Tahoe and was drawn to its scenic landscapes, ski resorts, and mountain architecture. With a long-standing interest in the relationship between nature, people, and the environment, she decided to make the Tahoe area her home. She strives to make a meaningful and positive contribution to the local community through her work.


All Staff

MWA and specifically Kristi Thompson took an eye sore of a house, tore it down, and redesigned a beautiful mountain home on the same foot print. Most importantly, she designed the house "we " wanted. WE wanted an open floor plan that maximized our view of the Martis Valley, accommodated our grown children's families, and utilized low maintenance materials ( like tile and stone floors, pavers on the patio and driveway).
BUT the best part of all is all the little things Kristi did that are just part of their "normal" design. Like- extra wide counters, exposed beams in all the rooms, great roof line design, no exposed beams under the roof overhang, fantastic window placement and size, outdoor entries that make access easy in the winter and summer. and the functionallity of the floor plan.
Each time we use the house, whether it's my wife and I, or our whole family , we love it. It's cozy for two or twelve.
They always say you get what you pay for. So if you want a low ball price use another firm. But if you are willing to pay a little more---you will get the house of your dreams.
Frank and Dianne Hodges


-- fdhodges
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