In a world where design constantly evolves to meet emerging global challenges, RAC STUDIO stands at the forefront of spatial and interactive design education. Founded in 2015 by a group of internationally trained designers, including Hongfei Ji, a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and Lifeng Lin, RAC STUDIO has grown into China’s largest spatial design education institution.

With alumni and collaborators from elite institutions like GSD, UPenn, MIT, UCL, and the Architectural Association, RAC STUDIO has built a reputation for excellence. From humble beginnings—conducting weekend workshops—RAC quickly recognized a gap between academic learning and real-world design practices. What began as grassroots experimentation has evolved into a dynamic educational ecosystem catering to tens of thousands of design students globally.

Elevating Design Education with Global Reach

RAC STUDIO’s core mission is to cultivate globally-minded, industry-ready designers. The studio offers consulting, online courses, and workshops that support students in gaining admission to top international design schools and firms. Over the years, RAC has helped thousands secure placements at institutions like Harvard GSD, MIT, and UCL, and employment with leading architectural and design practices worldwide.

By combining education, industry collaboration, and academic research, RAC has reshaped how spatial and interactive design is taught in China and beyond. The studio’s integrated approach connects students and educators with real-world challenges, ensuring relevance and hands-on learning at every stage of development.

Bridging Gaps: From the Classroom to the Field

One of RAC STUDIO’s most defining features is its cross-disciplinary educational model, seamlessly weaving theory with practice. Through close collaboration with governments, businesses, and nonprofits, RAC enables design students to tackle complex, real-world issues. Its work has addressed urban micro-renewal, rural revitalization, ecological sustainability, and cultural heritage conservation.

In recent years, RAC-led field research and design interventions have made tangible impacts. Projects like the "World Natural Heritage" Yellow Sea Migratory Bird Habitat and Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town revitalization give students firsthand experience in community-led design and environmental conservation. This full-circle approach—research to realization—not only empowers learners but benefits local communities and ecosystems.

Impact That Resonates Globally

RAC STUDIO’s projects have received global recognition and prestigious awards, showcasing the studio’s ability to produce cutting-edge, socially relevant work. Their installations and architectural solutions have been featured in international exhibitions such as “Shanghai Design 100+” and nominated for accolades like the Architizer A+ Awards and Dezeen Design Awards.

In 2022, RAC collaborated with government departments and local businesses in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to build six environmentally-conscious installations. These low-cost, community-focused interventions addressed rural sustainability and poverty alleviation, demonstrating RAC’s commitment to social design and ecological responsibility.

The Powerhouse Behind the Scenes

What makes RAC STUDIO’s work possible is its diverse, talented team. The studio boasts a blend of full-time and part-time designers—many of whom hold graduate degrees from leading global institutions. This international foundation strengthens RAC’s research output and educational programs, while fostering long-term relationships with universities and think tanks across continents.

Over the past few years, RAC has undergone a full digital transformation, enabling remote collaboration and real-time project tracking via custom dashboards. This tech-forward infrastructure ensures that students, educators, and clients remain in sync—no matter where they are in the world.

A Future Focused on Integration

Looking ahead, RAC STUDIO is deepening its commitment to the industry-academia-research model, expanding its applications within government agencies and private enterprises. By doing so, RAC continues to challenge the traditional boundaries of design education, proving that innovation thrives at the intersection of knowledge and application.

As Hongfei Ji aptly puts it, “We believe RAC’s growth model offers a pioneering approach for today’s world, where sustainable development is not just desirable but necessary.”

An Open Invitation to Collaborate

With its solid foundation and forward-looking ethos, RAC STUDIO is more than a training center—it is a global platform for collaborative design. The studio invites governments, institutions, and organizations worldwide to engage with its programs and help shape the next generation of socially conscious, globally competent designers.

In an era demanding fresh solutions and creative leadership, RAC STUDIO continues to educate, inspire, and build a better-designed world.

Hongfei Ji, Founder of RAC Studio

“We offer consulting and training services to thousands of design students each year, as well as online courses and short-term workshops for tens of thousands of users, assisting them in getting into the best design schools and firms in the world.”