Ma Yan is the Chief Executive Officer at Everest Group, overseeing the company's strategic planning and finances, and making key decisions. With 30 years of extensive experience in finance and real estate, she has a proven track record in acquiring and managing high-value properties, driving financial growth, and leading strategic initiatives. Her expertise encompasses financial planning, real estate investment, and portfolio management, making her a seasoned professional in both industries. Under her leadership, Everest Group has achieved significant milestones, reflecting her commitment to excellence and innovation. Ma Yan's solid experience and strategic vision continue to shape the company's success, fostering growth and resilience in a competitive market.
Frank Li is an award-winning architectural designer from Beijing, China. He graduated from the Master of Architecture program at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was later invited to serve as a lecturer.
Frank has achieved international recognition through numerous prestigious awards and competitions. He is a recipient of the American Architecture Award 2024, which honors the best new buildings, landscapes, and planning projects by leading American architects. His other accolades include the Architizer A+Awards Jury Winner—celebrating the World’s Best Architecture and Spaces—the International Design Award, and the Platinum Prize in the French Design Awards. He has also received the 1st Award of the Rethinking the Future Award, the 1st Prize of the 2023 Sunlight in Architecture International Competition, the Platinum Winner of the London Design Awards, the 2nd Prize of the International Shopping Plaza Concept Competition 2019 by Wanda Group, the Zijin Award Architecture Design Competition, and two honorable nominations for the AIM Architecture Design Competition.
In addition to his design achievements, Frank serves on the jury panel of Archiol Competitions, where he contributes his expertise to evaluating and celebrating emerging architectural talent worldwide.
Professionally, Frank has practiced at some of the world’s most prestigious firms, including Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). His portfolio spans a diverse range of scales and project types—from supertall skyscrapers, aviation facilities, mixed-use master plans, commercial developments, and hospitality projects to large-scale residential communities, custom luxury homes, and high-end retail stores.
Frank’s design philosophy emphasizes creating unexpected spatial experiences and exploring the symbiosis between human and nature, while continuously investigating the future of architectural innovation.
Xiaoyi Peng is an accomplished architect who graduated from The University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design. He is a licensed architect in the State of California with years of experience in high-end luxury residential projects. Xiaoyi has practiced at some of the most recognizable firms in the world, including the largest architecture firm, Gensler. He also worked for Junya Ishigami+Associates in Japan. His portfolio showcases a blend of innovative design and meticulous attention to detail, reflecting his commitment to excellence in architecture. Xiaoyi's global experience and award-winning designs have positioned him as a leading figure in the field of luxury residential architecture.
Arturo Mears is our BIM specialist with over ten years of international experience in residential, mixed-use, commercial, and interior design. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from ITESM (2011-2016) and a Master’s Degree in Multi-Family Design from CENTRO (2019-2021). Currently, Arturo works as BIM manager at Everest Group. He also served as a Senior BIM Architect at SAIO (Mendrisio, Switzerland) in 2022. His previous roles include ArchiCAD Drafter at TGFA (New Orleans, USA) from March 2021 to June 2022, Project Architect at MAPS Design (Mexico City) from July 2018 to August 2021, and Project Architect at Legorreta & Alonso (Mexico City) from June 2015 to June 2018. Arturo is a determined, fast learner, and adaptable professional with a strong sense of commitment and responsibility, possessing skills in residential design, 3D modeling, visualization, and 2D drafting.
Ethan Caldwell is a designer with a background in architecture, holding a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. His design philosophy is deeply shaped by his travels through Spain, Italy, and France, where he immersed himself in the timeless beauty of Mediterranean architecture. From sun-drenched coastal towns to historic urban centers, Ethan draws inspiration from the region’s balance of tradition, craftsmanship, and modern living.
With extensive experience in commercial projects, Ethan is recognized for his attention to detail and ability to translate cultural influences into refined, contemporary design solutions. His work bridges global perspective with precise execution, creating spaces that feel both enduring and innovative.
Lina is an accomplished designer who graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, one of the most prestigious art and design schools in China. With a strong foundation in both architecture and fine arts, she is particularly recognized for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to refine complex concepts into elegant, buildable solutions.
Her professional experience spans a wide range of projects, from commercial and hospitality developments to custom residential design, where she brings precision, creativity, and cultural sensitivity to every stage of the process. Li Na’s design philosophy emphasizes craftsmanship, human experience, and material authenticity, ensuring that each project achieves both functional clarity and timeless beauty.
Mr. Li is honored to be the recipient of the American Architecture Award 2024 in Chicago.
