After graduating from university in Thanh Hoa, Cuong moved to Hanoi for work, starting at a model-making company. Two years later, he decided to strike out on his own. The idea came one afternoon while wandering through the Old Quarter. Sitting at a sidewalk tea stall, watching the worn walls, old lightbulbs, sprawling trees, and street sounds, he was inspired to recreate these familiar scenes.

Armed with photos and his memories, Cuong began crafting his first model, sparking the birth of his “Hanoi Sidewalks” series. Without formal art or sculpture training, he relied on patience and dedication to replicate even the smallest details.

Each model takes him 5–15 days, from 3D sketching and selecting materials to cutting, assembling, and painting. He uses clay, plastic, plaster, cardboard, tiny metal rods, copper wires, and miniature bulbs. The results are so lifelike that viewers are often stunned, with some moved to tears by the nostalgia they evoke.

Cuong refuses to mass-produce his works, seeing each as a one-of-a-kind slice of memory. One of his most meaningful creations is a detailed replica of his parents’ old house in Thanh Hoa. It took two months to complete as a gift to preserve the family’s memories before the house might be torn down.

Encouraged by his parents’ pride and public appreciation, Cuong now aims to preserve urban culture through three collections: Hanoi Sidewalks, Hanoi Old Quarter, and Banh Mi. He hopes future generations will remember the city’s everyday charm.

Working quietly in his small room filled with tools and materials, Cuong continues to recreate each corner, rooftop, and weathered utility pole - not just as artistic expression, but as an act of gratitude and love for Hanoi.