Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Muxuan Zhao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Muxuan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

After I graduated from SCAD, I started my journey as an Interior Designer at Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), which is a hospitality design company aiming to create immersive and unforgettable experiences for guests in hotels such as Hilton and Ritz-Calton, restaurants, resorts, and high-end residences.

As a professional interior designer at HBA, I can say that the road to success in this field is paved with both triumphs and challenges. The most meaningful project that I achieved was the renovation of the Ritz-Calton Lobby in Aruba. The big challenge in this project was to incorporate the characteristics of Aruba with its brand identity from the process of conceptual design to schematic design. To deal with this challenge, our team incorporates the historical features of Aruba such as stone and sea into an interior art installation and materiality. Meanwhile, limited project management including budget and timeline, is another area where challenges often arise. Coordinating various contractors and vendors to ensure every material selection keeps both aesthetic and functionality is significant to deliver important outcomes. Finally, the result was a harmonious blend of cultural charm and modern sophistication with effective team collaboration.

In conclusion, I sincerely appreciate this valuable experience because it contributes to a designer’s evolution and amplifies the diversity of the design process, ultimately leading to more dynamic and impactful outcomes.

Muxuan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Interior Space is important for every single of us because a good interior environment brings people a sense of belonging and comfort. What amplifies the significance of interior design is the swelling need for aesthetics and functionality in the modern world. When I was a child, I watched a Chinese TV show called “Exchange Space,” in which the designers tried to maximize the user experience and improve people’s quality of life at a minimal cost. Since then, I have realized the significance of interior design because it has the power to transform four walls into a dynamic space that brims with a life of its own and gives the conception of the building. After studying architecture in London for one year, I came to SCAD to go further in Interior Design and started my interior design career in Hospitality Design Company.

Hospitality design is a specialized industry of interior design focused on creating aesthetically functional and helpful environments for hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other entertainment venues. It aims to improve user experience through thoughtful design and integrate elements of comfort, luxury, and practicality. In the journey of hospitality design, it is incredibly rewarding to see a project come to life and witness the delight it brings to clients. The most significant struggle is to manage client expectations. Design faces to people. Each client has their own unique vision and desires. Therefore, setting effective communication and maximizing user experience is crucial for a successful design.

During the design process, what sets me apart in the realm of hospitality design is my unwavering commitment to storytelling and creating atmospheres that evoke emotion and leave a lasting impression. In addition, I integrate sustainable design solutions to ensure eco-friendly design and adopt local culture to create a sense of place. By building solid trust between an interior designer and various clients, I aim to create hospitality environments that leave lasting impressions, foster loyalty, and set new standards in design excellence.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As an interior designer, I think the creative process of risk-taking develops my resilience. Specifically, it is about setting up boundaries, exploring new ideas, and stepping outside of comfort zones to achieve innovative and impactful design solutions. However, risk-taking sometimes can lead to exciting opportunities for the growth of design. Throughout my career, one notable example was when I proposed a bold color palette for a restaurant renovation. I was afraid that this might not appeal to the target audience because this idea deviates from the conventional neutral palette. However, this idea was recognized by customers because the vibrant hues inject energy and personality into the space. In my opinion, risk-taking in design is about seeking a balance between creativity and practicality, innovation and feasibility. It is about embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for discovery and growth rather than shying away from it. While not every risk may pay off, each experience contributes to a designer’s evolution and enriches the design process, ultimately leading to more dynamic and impactful outcomes.

The risk-taking facilitates my flexibility, adaptability, and excellent organizational skills, which are important to my resilience in my career path.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As far as I am concerned, my creative journey is guided by a clear mission to craft transformative, immersive, and sustainable interior spaces that not only improve guest experiences but also embody the essence of hospitality design to create a sense of comfort and luxury. To be specific, my design philosophy is to develop people’s personalized needs (customer journey) into space design and incorporate sustainability considerations as a significant part of strengthening the client’s sense of well-being. Furthermore, the mission of achieving a balance between aesthetics and functionality stimulates me to fulfill clients’ aspirations and contribute positive environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.muxuanzhao.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muxuan-zhao-193771221/