Based in New York City, CANVAS is a multi-disciplinary design studio co-led by Gene Lee Han and Gustavo Lopez Mendoza.

Our studio specializes in a wide array of creative projects channeling our collective experience in art, architecture, structures, product design, furniture design, fabrication, and graphics.

At the heart of our practice is an iterative design approach focused on developing coherent conceptual narratives. We harness our technical expertise to steer projects towards clear, impactful outcomes. Through our work, we strive to deepen the understanding of context, enhance community engagement, and celebrate exceptional craftsmanship.

Gustavo Lopez Mendoza
(he/him) is a designer working across scales with a background in structural engineering.

Currently, he works as a structural engineer at Arup where he has been focused on concept level structural design involving existing structures. Gustavo also teaches as an adjunct professor at the Hilier College of Architecture and Design at NJIT.

During the last year, he has led the community engagement project titled GRooP in collaboration with Gotham Park and Urban Assembly Maker students, imagining the future of the Brooklyn Banks.

Gus holds a Masters in Architecture from Columbia GSAPP (2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a Minor in Art from San Diego State University (2017).

Gene Lee Han

(he/him) is a design leader with a multi-disciplinary background rooted in image and making.

Gene has contributed to studios ranging from art, architecture, and product design - expanding his breadth and design language. As a Creative Director at Nik Bentel Studio, Gene develops and executes narrative products alongside a team of creators.

Recently, Gene was credited as a main collaborator of the Venice Biennale Curator’s Special Project by Mabel O. Wilson ,J. Meejin Yoon, and Eric Höweler titled “unknown, unknown,”.

Gene holds a Masters in Architecture from Columbia GSAPP (2022) and a Bachelors of Science in Architecture with a Minor in Studio Arts from University of Pittsburgh (2019).