Zongheng Sun
Automobitecture

Zongheng Sun

I am a designer, team player, and life-long innovator.

Hello! I’m Zongheng

For the past decade, I’ve been working at the intersection of design, technology, and manufacturing, exploring how computational systems, 3D printing, and product innovation can reshape the way we create. My work isn’t just about designing objects—it’s about building systems, processes, and experiences that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether it’s bringing products to market, refining emerging technologies, or speculating on the future of design, I see every project as part of a larger evolution in how we interact with materials and machines.

As Co-founder of PEAR & MULBERRY, I’ve helped shape an award-winning design company known for its humanity-centered approach to health and therapeutic products. Currently, I lead as Studio Director at OPT Industries, a pioneering 3D printing startup spun out of the MIT Media Lab, where my team explores parametric design and DLP technology at the edge of what’s manufacturable with 50 micron resolution. Beyond these roles, I contribute as a jury member and consultant, offering insights on computational design and system solutions.

 
“I see design as a process of both defining new frontiers and scaling ideas into reality.

Some projects begin with exploration—expanding possibilities through research and technology development. Others focus on execution—refining concepts, iterating, and scaling solutions through cross-team collaboration.

These modes aren’t linear; they shift, overlap, and evolve, shaping design management into a fluid, multidimensional practice.”

Manifest (Built for the World) – These are commercially launched projects developed for industry-leading clients, where design moves beyond the conceptual stage and into mass production. It's about merging creative vision with the realities of scaling, ensuring that every detail translates seamlessly into manufacturable, high-impact solutions.

Catalyst (Designed to Lead) – Some ideas take time to find their moment. This category focuses on award-winning concepts and MVPs that push industry norms while staying grounded in feasibility. It’s about navigating the space between bold innovation and real-world application, turning speculative ideas into something tangible.

Continuum (Shaping the Future) – Beyond immediate industry needs, this is where design shifts into research, generative systems, and speculative thinking. Here, I explore computational design, digital fabrication, and cultural narratives to redefine materials, processes, and interactions—expanding the possibilities of what design can be.

 

AWARD

 
 
 

PARTNER

 
 
 

PRESS

 
 
 

EXPERIENCE

 
 

  • Studio Director (Apr 2023 – Present)

    • Directed design & product development with top clients, managing a $5M budget for the world’s first 3D-printed mascara and lip gloss brushes with 50-micron fiber fidelity.

    • Pioneered a phase-gated development process, accelerating transitions from prototyping to mass production (12x faster).

    • Drove DOE strategies, optimizing resin formulation and machine performance, scaling production within 3 weeks.

    Creative Design Director (May 2022 – Apr 2023)

    • Defined product roadmaps and led client workshops, fostering cross-functional innovation.

    • Secured 3 utility patents and 9 design patents, enhancing company IP.

    • Designed 3D-printed sample collections (medical, cosmetics, textiles), contributing to $10M+ in contracts.

    Senior Computational Designer (Jun 2020 – May 2022)

    • Championed computational design of micro-lattice structures and spacer fabrics.

    • Developed the OPT Design Toolkit with advanced Grasshopper scripts.

    • Optimized RAMP printer systems, addressing material/process constraints.

  • Co-founder & Tech Principal

    • Co-founded and led a multidisciplinary team, winning 30+ international design awards with global social impact.

    • Championed MVPs featured in Yanko Design, Sohu News, and New York Weekly.

  • Researcher & Guest Critic

    • Specialized in AR/VR technologies, rapid prototyping, and 3D data management.

    • Mentored students and provided guest critiques at Harvard GSD and SEAS.

    • Led robotics projects with ABB IRB-140 and UR10 robots, exploring parametric coding and intelligent control methodologies.

  • Creative Product Designer

    • Led design projects within GM's global platform, taking on senior-level responsibilities.

    • Designed the K227 (Chevrolet PHEV), a major ride-sharing vehicle in China.

    • Contributed to JBUC (Chevrolet SUV) and JCSB (Buick Sedan) via XBOM analysis, cost optimization, and A-class surface release.

    • Developed a concept for the next-decade Cadillac design language.

 

CONTACT