Alumni Insights: Calvin Tsao and Zack McKown, “A Moving Target”

ChinaGSD will cohost with GSD Development and Alumni Relations Office an lecture by Calvin Tsao (MArch ’79) and Zack McKown  (MArch ’79), followed by discussion with Prof. Jorge Silvetti (Nelson Robinson Jr. Professor of Architecture at Harvard GSD), Guo Boya (MDes ’17) and Emerald Wu (MArch ’18).

Both graduates of the GSD, Calvin Tsao and Zack McKown are the principals of the New York based design firm Tsao & McKown. Calvin and Zack will share with us their over 30 years of professional experience after graduating from the GSD, and practice insights of working in historically/politically sensitive context in China, including the rebuilding of Jingfu Palace Museum in the heart of the Forbidden City, Beijing. 

Calvin Tsao and Zack McKown are recognized and leading voices in contemporary architecture whose work draws from a lively engagement with a variety of art forms. Their public and professional services include the Board of the American Academy in Rome, the Architectural Leagues of New York, Design Excellence of the AIA New York chapter, Design Trust for Public Space, Scenic Hudson and the Visiting Committee to Harvard GSD. In 2012, Calvin Tsao received a Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) Legacy Award, and in 2009 the cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Award for Interior Design, along with Zack McKown.  They have taught at the Harvard GSD, the Cooper Union, Syracuse University, and at Parsons The New School for Design. 

Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Public Programs Office at (617) 496-2414 or [email protected] in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for American Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance. Please note that the University will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.

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