We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ruihan Sun. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ruihan below.

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

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the Pu Side Table, a furniture piece inspired by my cat, Pudding. As a designer, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of functionality and aesthetics, but this project was deeply personal. It stemmed from observing Pudding’s playful nature—his movements, curiosity, and love for enclosed spaces. I wanted to create something that not only catered to pet-owning families but also reflected the organic, dynamic forms found in nature.

Through iterative prototyping and constant refinement—often with Pudding as my unofficial “product tester”—I shaped the design to ensure both comfort and practicality. The result is a versatile oak side table featuring three looping structures that double as tunnels for pets and functional storage for owners. By employing innovative wood-bending techniques, I was able to achieve a seamless blend of form and function, making the piece not only visually striking but also highly practical.

This project holds special meaning because it was the first time I designed and fabricated a furniture piece specifically for Pudding. Seeing how much he enjoyed interacting with it reinforced my belief that good design should enhance the lives of both humans and animals. The Pu Side Table received overwhelmingly positive feedback and even won the PETS/Other Pet Products Design category in the European Product Design Award 2024, which was an incredibly rewarding moment.

This experience strengthened my passion for designing thoughtful, multifunctional furniture that enhances everyday living—proving that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, even from a beloved pet.

https://www.productdesignaward.eu/winners/epda/2024/12148/

Ruihan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I create and brainstorm, my goal is always to design something that encourages people to stay present, live in the moment, and truly engage with their surroundings. In a world that moves so fast, I want my work to help people slow down and appreciate the simple joys in life.

What sets me apart is my ability to take complex ideas and translate them into simple, meaningful forms. I believe that happiness is a serious thing—something we can cultivate through the objects we surround ourselves with. My work is designed to bring warmth, comfort, and connection to people’s daily lives, allowing them to feel a sense of presence and joy.

Many of my projects are inspired by everyday experiences—food that nourishes us, nature that grounds us, and the living beings we love. I strive to create objects that serve as gentle reminders to embrace the present moment. Ultimately, my work is about fostering moments of connection—whether it’s between people and their surroundings, their pets, or even within themselves. I want my designs to spark joy, invite interaction, and remind people to find beauty in the everyday.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

A core mission driving my creative journey is to bring joy, warmth, and a sense of connection to people’s everyday lives. I want my work to inspire mindfulness, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the little things that make life special. Whether through furniture design or smaller handcrafted objects, I strive to create pieces that spark happiness and positive energy.

As part of this mission, I’ve joined local artist markets to share my work directly with the community. Seeing people walk by, pause, and feel inspired by my designs is incredibly rewarding. One of my most popular creations is a crocheted vegetable and food fridge magnet collection. The idea behind it is both playful and practical—before heading to the grocery store, looking at the magnets can remind you what to buy, and they can even serve as a fun “shopping companion” at the supermarket. Additionally, if you’re unsure of what to eat, simply glancing at them might spark meal inspiration.

Through my work, I aim to merge function with emotional connection, encouraging people to slow down, embrace creativity, and find joy in the objects that surround them. Many of my project is inspired by the food we eat, the nature we explore, and the alive animal and human being we love.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within my market has been a combination of strong storytelling, high-quality craftsmanship, and creating a genuine connection with my audience. A good story helps convey the meaning behind a design—it transforms an object from something functional into something that resonates emotionally. I always strive to communicate the thought and inspiration behind my work. Equally important is the quality of craftsmanship. I put great care into ensuring my designs are not only visually appealing but also well-made, durable, and functional. People appreciate objects that feel intentional and thoughtfully crafted, and I believe this attention to detail has helped build trust in my work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ruihan.sun_

Image Credits

photo credits to He Li