Not A Studio
China
Founded in 2016 by architect Gu Yi, **Not a Studio** has carried out architectural practices both domestically and overseas. As the principal architect, Gu Yi has **13 years of architectural experience in Africa**, where he led and participated in various projects including national-level constructions such as hospitals and schools, as well as a wide range of commercial spaces. His adventurous African experience, marked by in-depth integration with diverse cultures, has cultivated his strong perception and empathy toward environments, subjects, and phenomena. Since establishing Not a Studio, he has placed greater emphasis on creating human experiences that return to generosity, affinity, and warmth through restrained and minimalist architectural language. Access Not A Studio Newsroom
Featured Designs
Not A Studio
Restaurant
The project transforms a former industrial exhibition hall into a Michelin level dining space through a strategy of dialogue rather than coverage. Retaining the original double height, column free structure and iconic skylight grid, the design integrates refined insertions such as a circular glass wine cellar and sculptural copper stove to mediate scale and circulation. Natural and artificial light are orchestrated to shape an immersive atmosphere, allowing industrial rationality and culinary warmth to coexist within a cohesive spatial framework.
A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award - Platinum (2026) - Access Not A Studio Restaurant Press Kit