About
Creek + Lake Associates (CLA) is a landscape architectural studio with an international vision. The team is well-experienced
with international and domestic projects, many of which have received international recognition.
We focus on public spaces and specialize in urban renewal and child-friendly projects. We use ecological and sustainable techniques and pay attention to artistic and creative expression.
We advocate a collaborative working approach, integrating the opinions and energy of our collaborators and future users into the entire design process in order to create a welcoming space that belongs to everyone.
Xiao Zhou
Founder and Chief Designer, LEED ®AP ND
Xiao holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Beijing Forestry University.
Before founding CLA, Xiao spent a decade working in the most prestigious design studios in China and the US, such as the Office of James Burnett, PLACE, FISH Design, and Z+T Studio.
Xiao’s design philosophy believes that design should flow like water, tackling project challenges with fluidity and agility and embracing client requests with an open mind. It should not seek form for form’s sake but rather strive for the intrinsic value of each work. It later became CLA’s slogan – “Design like Water”.
Xiao has won numerous awards in design competitions and has given many public lectures on public welfare. He has also imparted his professional knowledge through online teaching and participated in producing some influential professional books as an editor or translator.
Xiao is also a father whose design is always inspired by his son’s behavior and daily life.
Awards
CLA has received many industry accolades, including the prestigious World Landscape Architecture (WLA) Professional Award and Landezine International Landscape Award (LILA).
2024 Landezine International Landscape Award (LILA)
2024 World Landscape Architecture (WLA) Professional Award
2024 The 2nd Landscape Architecture (LA) Award
2023 8th Shanghai Society of Landscape Architecture (SSLA) Award
2023 Model Projects of Shanghai’s “15-minute Community Living Circle”
2019 Urban Community Renewal Competition of Pengpu Village in Jing’an District