Dr. Jimmy Cheng

Instructor

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Biography

Jimmy Wei-Chun Cheng is a designer, researcher, and educator currently serving as Special Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to this role, he instructed studios, workshops, and seminars at institutions such as Boston Architectural College, Rhode Island School of Design, and the Architectural Association Visiting School. From 2019 to 2021, he practiced as a project designer at Junya Ishigami Associates and Sou Fujimoto Architects in Tokyo. Cheng's research investigates how techniques and technology transform the architectural design process, with a particular emphasis on digital representation in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). His work analyzes the impacts of AI on meaning, language, and imagery, exploring frameworks of semiotics and media theory. Cheng holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, a Master of Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design, and two Master of Science degrees in Architectural Technologies and Design Theory and Pedagogy from Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). He received the Hsinming Fung + Craig Hodgetts Postgraduate Thesis Prize.

Research Interests

Experience

Special Faculty

2025-03-25 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Teaching courses focusing on architectural design and generative AI.

Project Designer

2019-01-01 — 2021-12-31

Junya Ishigami Associates, Sou Fujimoto Architects • Tokyo

Worked on architectural projects as a designer.

Instructor

— Present

Boston Architectural College, Rhode Island School of Design • Boston, MA

Conducted studios, workshops, and seminars.

Courses

Architectural Intelligence: Theories and Frameworks of Generative AI Design Architectural Intelligence: Workshop on Experimenting with Generative AI Design Scripting Parametric Design Taxonavigating Digital Space Serious Game: Generative Systems and Worldbuilding

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.