After teaching design, studying abroad and researching architecture in the 1990s, Professor Zhang Lei founded an architectural studio at Nanjing University in 2000, gradually shifting his focus to architectural practice. After nearly a decade of continuous development, his architecture studio had not only grown into a pioneering design firm with international influence, but it also become an influential representative of contemporary Chinese architecture. AZL Architects was formally established in 2009 with offices in Nanjing and Hangzhou. The goal of Zhang Lei’s unremitting efforts include actively responding to the needs of sustainable human development; contributing a forward-thinking analysis of resources, culture, cities, residences, commerce and markets; showing the charm of design with wisdom and responsibility; and maximizing the improvement of environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits.