Maya’s journey as an artist-architect began as a child. Growing up with an artist father and poet mother, Maya loved to observe nature, create tiny buildings out of paper, and play chess with her brother. Inspired by buildings both at her college and overseas, Maya imagined that she herself would one day become an architect. When 21-year-old Chinese American Maya’s design for a Vietnam War memorial was chosen as the winner of a highly competitive contest, the judges and nation alike were “shocked.” Maya bravely stood up to their criticism and opposition and saw her Vietnam Veterans Memorial through to completion. The rest, of course, is living history. But Maya’s career has continued. This work showcases the thoughtfulness and brilliance with which Maya approached not only the memorial, but all of her works, which invite people to “Look. Touch. Read. Walk around. Sit by. Think about.” (Ages 4-9)