From Da Lat to Harvard: The Inspiring Journey of Architect Vu Phuoc Dang Khoa

A Prominent Young Architect in North America

Born in 1989 in Da Lat, Vu Phuoc Dang Khoa spent many formative years studying in the city where he grew up. He attended Doan Thi Diem Primary School, Quang Trung Secondary School, and later enrolled in the Physics-specialized class at Thang Long High School for the Gifted. In Grade 11, he won a National Excellent Student Award in Physics, which qualified him for direct admission to the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City upon graduating from high school.

Explaining his decision to pursue architecture, Dang Khoa said that Da Lat itself served as a living classroom. Renowned as one of Vietnam’s most distinctive architectural landmarks, the city is home to elegant buildings set amid misty landscapes, flower gardens, pine forests, waterfalls, and villas nestled harmoniously in nature. “All of these elements became part of my foundation when I chose architecture as my path,” he shared.

After completing his third year at the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City, Dang Khoa moved to the United States with his family. There, he continued his architectural studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Graduating with outstanding academic results, he successfully competed against numerous candidates to gain admission to the Master of Architecture program at Harvard University—an institution he had dreamed of attending since his school years.

“Stepping into Harvard was a moment of joy, but it also made me fully aware that I would have to work much harder,” Dang Khoa recalled.

At Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), he completed his master’s degree with a thesis titled Grayscale, which received high academic recognition. Upon graduating with distinction, he was invited to remain at the university as a lecturer in the Master of Architecture program at Harvard GSD.

Alongside his academic work, Dang Khoa founded Studio KHOA VU, an independent architecture practice based in New York, and is also a co-founder of KATAA Lab. With professional experience spanning multiple countries, he has earned a series of prestigious international awards, including the Lexus Design Award, Venice Biennale, and Architecture MasterPrize. Most recently, he was honored with the World Architecture Festival’s “40 Under 40 North America” award, recognizing 40 outstanding young architects across the region.

Staying Connected to His Roots

Despite living and working in the United States and engaging in projects worldwide, Dang Khoa remains deeply connected to Vietnam and holds a special affection for his hometown of Da Lat.

“I always miss Da Lat—the place where I was born and raised,” he said. “Whenever possible, I return to Vietnam and to Da Lat. I constantly hope to contribute something meaningful so that the city can continue to develop while preserving its unique character.”

In mid-January 2026, Vu Phuoc Dang Khoa returned to Vietnam to host an exhibition of his architectural works and to launch the Vietnamese edition of his book Grayscale in Ho Chi Minh City. The exhibition featured more than 50 drawings and sketches, along with over 20 architectural models presented in his signature “Grayscale – Mist Architecture” style. These works reflect his academic journey at Harvard GSD as well as years of professional practice.

Among the highlights was his project titled Cultural and Agricultural Research Center at Da Lat Railway Station, a design intended to honor one of Da Lat’s most significant architectural heritages.

During this visit, Dang Khoa also held talks and exchanges with lecturers and students at the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City—his alma mater. He shared insights into studying, living, and working in the United States, particularly at Harvard University, where he is currently teaching.

“To succeed abroad as a Vietnamese professional, one must remain persistent with their goals, stay humble in learning, and continuously strive forward,” he emphasized. “Above all, genuine passion for what you do is essential.”