Zhang Lei started his architecture practice AZL architects in 2001 in Nanjing. He is now teaching as professor in School of Architecture and Urban Planning in Nanjing University.
AZL was selected as one of the ten architecture offices as “Design Vanguard” by Architectural Record in 2008. Concrete Slit House was entered for an honorable mention project by “the Architectural Review Emerging Architecture Awards” by Architectural Review in 2008. Zhang Lei’s projects have been published extensively and involved in major international exhibitions on contemporary Chinese Architecture in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy and the US.