Jonathan and Jialin met at Cornell University as Design + Environmental Analysis majors in 2016. Jonathan had just transferred into the major as a junior while Jialin was a freshman. 

They took their first studio class together, DEA 1101 Visual Literacy, in which they had to interpret a series of vague prompts in a creative manner. 

The first assignment was to use 3 “mark makers” and ink to draw on a white board. Another assignment was create a bridge that could withstand the weight of a brick. 



Jialin was impressed by Jonathan’s creativity. She thought: That’s a cool guy - we should work together so we can get better grades! They started to work together on projects for school and became teammates for design competitions outside of school.

Jialin told her friends and family that Jonathan was just a friend, but over time their relationship blossomed into something greater. They survived 3 years of long distance, 1 year of the pandemic together, and now have been living together for 1.5 years. 



Jonathan first noticed Jialin during late night 3D rendering sessions in the Cornell computer lab, acting as IT support when requested. Under the blue glow of the computer screen, Jonathan’s eyes met Jialin’s. Although not quite love at first sight, as they began to work together on more projects, Jonathan came to respect her drive and determination.

Jonathan had also told his family that Jialin was just a friend, despite spending his fall break to visit her in NYC to ostensibly work together on a design competition. Shifting from partners for school to partners for life, Jonathan now appreciates the feeling that he can be completely himself around such a loving and supportive other half.

After 5 years, Jonathan proposed last September at the Chichu Art Museum in Naoshima, under James Turrell’s Open Sky (2004) 
Jialin said yes! Jonathan has become a cat dad to Totoro and the greatest partner she could ask for.

Below is a highlight from their collection of work.

Tectonics - DEA 1101
Create a bridge that could withstand the weight of a brick. Jonathan used the weight of the brick to the bridge’s advantage. Jialin made a scissor truss.

Pulse
Pulse is an interactive exhibit designed by Jon & Jialin. 
Visitors can wear a pulse sensor and interact with a music controller that produces nature sounds, which were collected from various disappearing sources. 

Music by Jon

Live Soulo
Together with 3 friends, Jonathan and Jialin designed and patented a long handled nail filer, designed for adults who can’t reach their feet.