What is SO–IL?
SO–IL is a dynamic architecture studio with offices in New York and Amsterdam, founded back in 2008 by Florian Idenburg and Jing Liu. This practice has built a diverse portfolio that’s earned international awards, exhibitions, and plenty of publications. Their projects cover a wide spectrum—from cultural and civic buildings to residential, commercial, and educational spaces. Whether it’s new construction or adaptive reuse, temporary installations or long-term urban strategies, SO–IL’s work is all about rethinking how spaces can support more open, collective, and sustainable ways of living.
The Main Benefit: Crafting Stronger Civic Spaces
At the heart of SO–IL’s approach is a commitment to shaping a stronger civic realm. Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes them stand out:
- Founded in 2008 by Florian Idenburg and Jing Liu
- Offices located in New York and Amsterdam
- Projects span cultural, civic, residential, commercial, and educational sectors
- Recognized with awards like ArchDaily’s Building of the Year (2024) and Fast Company’s Innovation By Design Award (2023)
- Leadership team is at least 50% female and BIPOC
- 12.5% of project teams include Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) partners
- 5% of employee time dedicated to pro-bono work
- 2% of revenue donated to charitable causes
- BCorp score of 107.3, reflecting strong social and environmental impact
Recognition and Awards
SO–IL’s work doesn’t just turn heads—it’s widely recognized across the architecture world. From the MoMA PS1 Young Architects Prize in 2010 to the recent ArchDaily’s Building of the Year in 2024, the firm has consistently earned accolades that highlight their innovation and design excellence. Their projects have been shortlisted for prestigious awards like the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize and have won honors such as the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Architecture. This recognition underscores their ability to blend craft, conceptual clarity, and civic purpose in every project.
Diversity and Inclusion at the Core
Diversity and equality aren’t just buzzwords at SO–IL—they’re fundamental to how the studio operates. The leadership team is intentionally diverse, with at least half being female and BIPOC. The firm actively works to include Minority-Owned Business Enterprise partners in over 12% of project teams. Plus, they dedicate a significant portion of employee time to pro-bono work and contribute a slice of their revenue to charitable causes. This commitment reflects a broader understanding of the systemic challenges in architecture and a genuine effort to foster cultural, economic, racial, and gender diversity.
Environmental Commitment and Sustainability
SO–IL is serious about minimizing environmental impact. They focus on sustainable design by reducing waste and pollution, improving energy efficiency, and seeking alternatives to harmful materials. What’s exciting is their plan to measure embodied and operational carbon in their projects within the next two years—talk about transparency and accountability! Their approach is climate-forward, aiming to create architecture that breathes space and light while maintaining a light carbon footprint. It’s a thoughtful balance of organic materials and innovative design strategies that push the envelope on sustainability.
Project Impact: Linking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 4: Quality Education (through teaching and research engagement)
Bridging Practice and Academia
One of the unique aspects of SO–IL is how closely the principals, Florian and Jing, stay involved in every project. Both are actively engaged in teaching and research, which creates a vibrant exchange between the studio’s practice and the academic world. This blend keeps their work curious, critical, and forward-looking—always pushing boundaries while staying grounded in craft and detail-oriented construction. It’s this balance that helps SO–IL build environments that truly resonate with people and communities, making architecture not just about buildings, but about meaningful experiences.
