Kayla Kim
Hi, I am Kayla
About Me
I was born in the United States and grew up across different countries, including Korea, New Zealand, and Singapore. Moving between cultures and schools from a young age shaped the way I see space, education, and community. I came to realize that the environments young people grow up in are never neutral—they can either support confidence, safety, and belonging, or create barriers to growth.
This understanding became the foundation of my interest in youth-centered work. I am especially passionate about designing spaces, programs, and projects that support adolescents’ emotional, physical, and social development. Whether through architecture, education, service, or community initiatives, I hope to create environments where young people feel protected, valued, and able to imagine their futures.
My projects often begin with a simple question: What kind of space does a young person need in order to grow? From rehabilitation and counseling centers to educational support projects and adaptive community spaces, my work explores how design can respond to real social needs and help build safer, healthier futures for youth.
Activities
The Activities That Inspired My Work
Habitat for Humanity
Volunteered in Vietnam every spring break to help build homes for families in need, learning how stable housing can support dignity, safety, and community.
Group Home Volunteering
@Club Eighteen
Supported residential care spaces for children who need protection due to family incarceration, abuse, or instability, focusing on safe living environments and emotional support.
Refugee Shelter Support
@LINK
Cleaned, organized, and fixed spaces that provide care and protection for North Korean refugees, especially the role of shelter in helping people rebuild their lives.
Hands for Classrooms
Founded a youth-led project to support under-resourced schools by providing essential classroom supplies, furniture, and learning materials, helping create safer and more supportive educational spaces for students.