Spotlight on…
Chi Hang Lo
Manager, AV/IT Solutions
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Connect with Chi Hang Lo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chihanglo
X (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/ChiLo_SC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChiHangLo.SC
Chi Hang Lo is an accomplished IT/AV professional and architectural designer renowned for his innovative approaches and collaborative mindset. Currently leading AV/IT innovation initiatives at UCLA, Chi Hang has significantly contributed to enterprise-scale projects during his tenure as an AV/IT Solutions Architect at USC. At USC, he spearheaded significant AV/IT infrastructure projects, such as the Washington DC campus AV implementation, Galen Center AV Refresh, Digital Creative Lab, and numerous initiatives under the One Campus Initiative. His leadership ensured the seamless integration of advanced AV technologies, greatly enhancing operations and learning environments in high-profile lecture halls and collaboration centers.
Chi Hang’s career also boasts impactful roles in architectural design and mixed-use development projects. At USG/Ceilings Plus, he led R&D efforts in acoustic construction materials for major airports, including LAX and the new World Trade Center. At RTKL, he thrived in designing mixed-use developments, including shopping malls, hotels, serviced apartments, and residential high-rises. His work in these roles has demonstrated his ability to bridge the gap between innovative design and practical implementation.
Chi Hang actively engages with work-study students and is dedicated to fostering the next generation of professionals. He has guided them in developing applications for configuration automation, PowerBI dashboards, and team-based AV projects, imparting valuable collaboration and practical skills for AV and IT settings. His commitment to mentorship and education highlights his passion for cultivating a collaborative ethos and equipping future leaders with the skills they need to succeed.
With extensive expertise in systems design, collaboration platforms, cloud services, digital signage, and data analytics, Chi Hang regularly shares his insights at prestigious industry conferences such as InfoComm, ETC, Educause, and DET/CHE. He is deeply invested in advancing technological innovation and education, often collaborating with researchers and volunteering with non-profits. His active participation in these forums underlines his dedication to continual learning and community engagement.
Chi Hang holds an M.S. in Project Management and an M.S. in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). His professional certifications include PMP, CTS, Dante, and Crestron Master Architect. These academic and professional credentials underscore his comprehensive expertise and commitment to excellence.
1. Thank you for joining us for this month’s edition of the “Tech Manager Spotlight.” Start by telling us a little about what you do and a little about your background.
Thank you for having me in this month’s edition of the “Tech Manager Spotlight.” I currently lead AV innovation initiatives at UCLA, where I manage and implement advanced AV/IT solutions. My background is quite diverse: I was an AV/IT Solutions Architect at USC, where I spearheaded major infrastructure projects like the Washington DC campus implementation and the Galen Center AV Refresh. My career also includes significant architectural design and mixed-use development roles at companies like USG/Ceilings Plus and RTKL.
I have been highly inspired by my boss, Joe Way, whose leadership and dedication to the AV/IT industry greatly influenced me. His work motivated me to strive for excellence and foster collaboration with AV/IT professionals. My passion for mentoring young talent has led me to guide work-study students in developing practical applications and team-based projects. I hold an M.S. in Project Management and Integrated Design from USC and a Bachelor of Architecture from SCI-Arc.
2. Have you always worked in AV? What did the path look like for you to get to where you are now?
I haven’t always worked in AV. My career path has been diverse. I started in architectural design and mixed-use development at companies like RTKL, where I worked on projects including shopping malls, hotels, and high-rise residential buildings. My pivot to AV/IT began at USG/Ceilings Plus, leading R&D for acoustic construction materials used in major airports like LAX and the new World Trade Center. During my search, I have always worked with AV professionals to articulate their requirements into interior design. This blend of architecture and technology fueled my passion for AV/IT solutions.
At USC, I transitioned fully into AV/IT, where I became an AV/IT Solutions Architect. I managed significant infrastructure projects, such as the Washington DC campus implementation, the Galen Center AV, and General-use classroom technology research over nine years. Continuous learning and inspiration from leaders like my boss, Joe Way, have shaped my journey. His dedication to innovation has motivated me to excel and collaborate across the AV/IT industry. Now, at UCLA, I continue to lead AV innovation initiatives.
3. What is your morning routine?
My morning routine begins at 6 AM. While commuting to UCLA, I check out various podcasts like HigherED AV, IdeaCast, (in)visible (de)signs, What IF, and Acquired to stay current with design and technology innovations.
At USC, I used to head to the office early to collaborate with student workers on projects such as space assessments, data analytics, and programming. The first two hours of my day were dedicated to these collaborations, planning daily activities, and mapping out AV projects.
Now, at UCLA, I am getting to know my team at UCLA, but I aim to bring a similar routine to this role. I believe that maintaining these practices will help establish a disciplined path to success. This structure not only aids in personal productivity but also fosters collaborative effort and innovation within the team.
4. What does an average weekday look like for you?
An average weekday for me starts quite early, around 7 AM. I begin my day with a cup of coffee and then plan my daily activities. At USC, my mornings were dedicated to collaborating with student workers on various projects, including space assessments, data analytics, and programming. I found these early hours particularly productive for teamwork and project planning. I aim to bring the same approach to my current role at UCLA, fostering a disciplined and collaborative work environment.
Once I’m in the office, my day involves highly collaborative work with my new leadership teams, which include digital spaces support, production services, operations, and product management teams. These collaborations have opened up numerous opportunities beyond traditional AV/IT development, allowing me to explore different ways to leverage technology effectively. Integrating advanced AV systems into high-profile spaces has become a key focus, ensuring these environments are both functional and innovative.
After work, I enjoy unwinding by spending time with my family, reading, or engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. These activities help me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. What does your busiest day look like? What are the challenges your role faces, and how do you overcome those?
On my busiest days, I start early, around 7 AM, to prepare. My morning kicks off with back-to-back meetings with the new senior leadership team, creating strategies for the UCLA campus. I then collaborate with various groups to address their current technology issues and ensure all hardware is running properly. Balancing high-level strategy with hands-on technical work, I simultaneously oversee multiple AV/IT projects. Afternoons are dedicated to visiting high-profile spaces to ensure flawless AV system integration. Overcoming challenges through a well-organized schedule and clear communication, I wrap up my day by spending quality time with my family. Here’s a snapshot from a recent project:
6. What do you enjoy doing on weekends? How do you spend your time outside of work?
On weekends, I cherish spending quality time with my family. I have a passion for retro games and love building my own mini arcades. I also enjoy playing around with Unreal Engine and other creative software, exploring new ways to blend technology and creativity. Additionally, I enjoy working on 3D printing projects, creating unique pieces for various purposes.
During the pandemic, I dedicated time to helping my church overcome technology issues, assisting them in performing live streaming during challenging times. I also love experimenting with new recipes or hosting family barbecues, allowing me to unwind and connect with loved ones. Volunteering for local non-profits, especially those focused on education and technology, is another fulfilling activity. This balance of family, hobbies, volunteering, and continuous learning helps me recharge and stay motivated for the week ahead.
7. What energizes you and inspires you?
Several things energize and inspire me in both my personal and professional life. First and foremost, collaboration with talented and diverse teams is incredibly stimulating. Working with digital spaces, production services, operations, and product management teams to solve complex problems and innovate new solutions always excites me. The exchange of ideas and learning from each other drive my passion for AV/IT.
Technology itself is a significant source of inspiration. Experimenting with new tools and platforms, whether advanced AV systems at work or Raspberry Pi and IoT projects on the weekends, keeps me engaged and curious. I get energized by technology’s possibilities for improving efficiency, enhancing user experiences, and transforming educational environments.
Community engagement also fuels my enthusiasm. Volunteering with start-ups and non-profit organizations allows me to apply my skills in meaningful ways and see the direct impact of technology on people’s lives. Meeting new people and exchanging knowledge further inspires me to remain innovative and open to new ideas.
Lastly, the support and encouragement from my friends and family play a crucial role. Their belief in my work motivates me to strive for excellence every day.
8. If another tech manager were to follow you around all day, what would they most be surprised by? What would they learn?
A tech manager shadowing me would be surprised by my collaboration and multitasking. I engage with teams in digital support, production, operations, and product management, which is vital for integrating AV systems and ensuring project success. My structured planning in the mornings helps organize activities and set priorities, keeping projects on track. They’d observe my adaptability and problem-solving as I manage technical issues or project changes calmly.
My hands-on work with technology, including AV systems and personal IoT projects, keeps me curious and innovative. They’d also see my commitment to work-life balance by prioritizing hobbies and time with family after work. Mentoring students and sharing insights at conferences enriches both my growth and that of others. Ultimately, they’d realize a tech manager’s role is multifaceted, blending collaboration, problem-solving, and development of technical expertise, strategic planning, and effective collaboration.
9. Tell us about the project(s) you are currently working on now?
I’m currently working on a couple of exciting projects at UCLA. First, I am assembling a team of student workers to use Power BI to display information collected from different learning spaces. This initiative aims to help me and my team better understand and evaluate the new environments at UCLA. By visualizing data in an accessible way, we can make informed decisions about optimizing these spaces to enhance the learning experience.
Additionally, I am working on an enterprise design proposal with my new team. This project involves discovering the potential of new AV technologies and leveraging them with our existing IT infrastructure and tools to meet the university’s diverse needs. Our goal is to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet current requirements and anticipate future demands, ensuring that our AV systems are robust and flexible.
These projects are an excellent opportunity to integrate innovative technologies and collaborative efforts, driving the AV capabilities at UCLA forward. Here’s a snapshot from one of our recent sessions:
10. Comparing your career path over time, what are some of the moments, accomplishments, or projects that you’re most proud of?
Reflecting on my career path, I realize that several moments, accomplishments, and projects stand out as things I’m particularly proud of. One of the key achievements was leading the integration of advanced AV systems into high-profile spaces at USC. Collaborating with construction and architecture teams, we successfully equipped lecture halls, administrative offices, and collaborative workspaces with state-of-the-art technologies, significantly enhancing the learning and working environments. This project set new standards for AV excellence at the university.
Another proud moment was implementing a comprehensive, unified communication system at USC. This project utilized Zoom and other video conferencing technologies to make remote collaboration seamless and efficient for students and faculty. The positive impact on university operations and the praise from stakeholders were incredibly rewarding.
At UCLA, I’m particularly proud of an initiative to leverage Power BI for data visualization with a team of student workers. This project enhances our understanding of various learning spaces by displaying collected information in an intuitive and accessible manner. Additionally, the enterprise design proposal we’re currently working on aims to revolutionize our approach by integrating new AV technologies with our IT infrastructure to meet the university’s evolving needs. These accomplishments reflect my dedication to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in the field of AV/IT.
High-Profile Space Integration Unified Communication System Power BI Data Visualization
11. You’re involved with our higher ed AV-industry orgs. Talk about why you get involved in the way you do and how that is impacting both you and our vertical?
My involvement with higher education AV-industry organizations is driven by my commitment to advancing the field and fostering a collaborative community. Participating in these organizations allows me to stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the AV industry. Additionally, it provides a platform for me to share my insights and experiences, contributing to the collective knowledge and growth of the community.
Engaging with industry organizations such as InfoComm, ETC, Educause, and DET/CHE has significantly impacted both my professional development and our vertical. These platforms offer opportunities to network with other professionals, learn from their experiences, and apply new knowledge to my work at UCLA. These interactions inspire innovative solutions and help me stay ahead of emerging trends, ultimately enhancing the quality of our AV systems and services.
Moreover, my involvement benefits the higher education AV community by introducing fresh perspectives and practical insights. By sharing my experiences with large-scale projects and collaborative efforts, I hope to inspire others to explore new possibilities and elevate the standards of AV technology in educational environments. This reciprocal exchange of ideas and expertise drives continuous improvement and innovation within our industry, benefiting everyone involved.
12. Where do you see your career trajectory going in the next five years? Where do you envision yourself?
In the next five years, I envision my career continuing to evolve within the realm of AV/IT innovation in higher education. I aim to take on larger leadership roles, potentially overseeing a broader range of technology initiatives that encompass not just AV but also the integration of emerging technologies like AI, VR/AR, and smart campus solutions. My goal is to lead comprehensive digital transformation projects that will further enhance the educational experience and operational efficiency at institutions like UCLA.
I see myself collaborating even more intensively with interdisciplinary teams, including educators, IT specialists, and external technology partners, to identify and implement cutting-edge solutions. This will not only help me stay at the forefront of technological advancements but also ensure that the institutions I work with are equipped to provide the best possible environments for learning and collaboration.
Moreover, I hope to continue my involvement with industry organizations such as InfoComm, ETC, Educause, and DET/CHE, contributing to the broader AV community while staying informed on the latest trends and innovations. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I aim to inspire and mentor the next generation of AV/IT professionals, ensuring the continued growth and evolution of our field.
13. What is your life motto and how do you apply it to your daily routine?
My life motto is “Continuous learning and improvement.” I believe that staying curious and committed to personal and professional growth is essential for success in any field. I apply this motto to my daily routine by seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences to enhance my expertise and broaden my perspectives.
In my professional life, this means staying updated with the latest AV/IT technologies and best practices. I regularly participate in industry conferences, webinars, and training sessions to ensure I am always at the forefront of technological advancements. This commitment to learning allows me to bring innovative solutions to my projects and lead my teams more effectively.
In my personal life, continuous learning involves various hobbies and interests, such as experimenting with Raspberry Pi projects, collecting retro handheld consoles, and engaging with different communities. These activities stimulate me intellectually and provide new ideas I can often apply in my professional work.
By integrating this life motto into my daily routine, I ensure that I am constantly growing and improving, which benefits me and the teams and organizations I collaborate with.