“design grounded IN PLACE, shaped by EXPERIENCE.”
architecture is both physical and emotional—shaping how people feel, move, AND interact through thoughtful design rooted in context.
ABOUT pdstudio
pdstudio is an office of architecture, interior, and urban design based in New York City, founded in 2018 by Gene Pyo, AIA, LEED AP. The studio works internationally across cultural and geographic contexts, designing contemporary environments that are grounded in place, experience, and long-term value.
Our work is driven by the belief that architecture is fundamentally about human experience—how spaces shape daily life, social interaction, and a sense of belonging over time. We approach design not as isolated objects, but as interconnected systems between people, buildings, landscapes, and cities.
We design across scales and disciplines, with architecture, interiors, and landscape integrated into a cohesive vision. Landscape is not treated as an afterthought or accessory; it is a core design element that shapes movement, atmosphere, and the way architecture is experienced. From urban projects to private residences, we seek a seamless relationship between built form and the natural environment.
GENE PYO AIA, Leed ap
FOUNDER
Gene, the founder of pdstudio, has gathered years of experience leading the design of high-profile international projects including master planning, mixed-use, retail, hi-rise and residential projects. His project portfolio includes designs in Korea, China, Europe, West Africa, the Middle East, and United States.
Gene brings over two decades of experience leading innovative design across architecture, interiors, and urban design. Before founding pdstudio, he held leadership roles at internationally recognized firms, serving as director at ODA and principal at 5+design. His work spans residential, commercial, hospitality, cultural, and mixed-use projects on five continents. He was also one of the core designers of One World Trade Center Tower while at SOM.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Design from Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) and Master in Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
KYE KANG
CREative DIRECTOR
As Creative Director at pdstudio, Kye leads the firm’s design direction with a distinctive fusion of architectural thinking and industrial design expertise. Her background includes working with global brands such as Lixil, Kohler, Nokia, iRiver, AT&T, and Samsung—experience that brings a richly multidisciplinary perspective to every project. She is dedicated to crafting user-centered experiences that deeply connect with people, spanning the spectrum from intimate product design to large-scale spatial environments.
With a Master of Science in Industrial Design from ArtCenter College of Design, Kye approaches design as both a narrative and a system—where form, function, and feeling intersect. Her work seamlessly bridges strategy and aesthetics, ensuring that every design is not only conceptually grounded and spatially clear but also profoundly responsive to the environment and the people who inhabit it.