Yi-han Cao

Yi-han is a seasoned designer with experience working in Australia, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom. He has designed a broad variety of projects, ranging from city-making projects to small functional objects. He finds great satisfaction in applying his skills across different scales and typologies. Before joining Tzannes in 2017, Yi-han worked on multiple high-profile projects such as Barneys New York Downtown Flagship in New York City, Pasona Headquarters and Urban Farm in Tokyo, and Westpac Banking Corp Headquarters in Sydney.

Recently, Yi-han delivered 6 Hassall Street, a hybrid education and commercial tower, for Western Sydney University. As the project architect in a joint venture, Yi-han led a team of architects to navigate a complex and fast-tracked delivery process at the height of the pandemic. The team he led successfully achieved practical completion in record time.

Before his role as Associate Director, Yi-han also led Tzannes' Communication Strategic Group, reinforcing the practice’s core values within the studio and externally across multiple analogue and digital platforms. His leadership ensured that our values and capabilities evolved and that we remained a leader in the field.

Currently, Yi-han oversees the rejuvenation of the historic Carlton and United Brewery building in Central Park. This adaptive reuse project integrates a vibrant modern mixed-used development with the heritage building. In another joint venture role, Yi-han is also the commercial manager for Circular Quay Renewal, a large-scale waterfront redevelopment at one of Sydney’s busiest transport interchanges. He manages complex contract negotiations, ensures long-term project viability and contributes towards efficient project delivery. Throughout every project, Yi-han works collaboratively with the team; he values input from everyone and appreciates opportunities to work differently.