Alex Yuen

Alex Yuen is a Lecturer in Urban Design at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD). He is a registered architect in California and co-founder/Director of Design at CO-, a San Francisco-based architecture, urban design, and real estate development firm. His work focuses on affordable housing, urban research, and the intersection of design with real-world implementation. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Rice University and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design (Distinction) from the GSD.

Yuen’s research explores how cities are perceived and transformed, emphasizing experiential outcomes of urbanism. His global publications and exhibitions reflect this focus. He has taught at the GSD, California College of Arts, and the University of Virginia, and has lectured internationally. Recent courses include Elements of Urban Design and The (New) Image of the City (Fall 2025).

• Awards: Odebrecht Award for Sustainable Development, William Ward Watkin Fellowship, GSD Urban Design Thesis Award.
• Professional Experience: Former roles at Diller Scofidio + Renfro and OMA.
• Labs/Teams: CO- (architecture/urban design/development firm).

His perspectives on urbanism have been featured in the Economist, NPR, and Fast Company. Yuen balances design innovation with pragmatic development strategies, advocating for quality affordable housing as a core focus.