He received a Master of Architecture and a Master of Construction Administration from the University of Oklahoma, with a focus on the design/build project delivery process. After graduation, Hieu moved to Austin to work for Tom Hurt on several multi-family and single-family residences. His time in Austin established his interest in the architecture of the region. Shortly after, Hieu moved back to Vietnam to work as a project manager for a real estate developer on several new urban projects. Adding to his architecture skill set, Hieu enjoys painting, sculpture, and shooting photography.