Meet Muxuan Zhao | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Muxuan Zhao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Muxuan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Interior Space is important for every single of us because a good Interior environment brings people a sense of belonging and comfort. Meanwhile, I have a natural inclination towards design when I grow up. I enjoy combining colors, textures, and styles to create harmonious environments to achieve aesthetics and functionality. When I was a child, I watched a Chinese TV show called “Exchange Space”, in which the designers try 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. This also stimulated me to become a professional interior designer to improve people’s life qualities. After studying study architecture in London for one year, I came to SCAD to go further in the field of Interior design and started my interior design career at HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates), which focuses in global hospitality design such as Hilton, Ritz Carlton, Four point etc…The field of interior design is dynamic, with constantly evolving trends, technologies, and materials. These changes motivate interior designers to develop lifelong learning and growth, keeping their work fresh and creative to optimize user experiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I mentioned before, my passion for interior design began at age, inspired by a Chinese TV show. Since then, I started my career as a professional interior designer to improve people’s user experiences and strengthen their sense of well-being. Meanwhile, I tried to incorporate technological innovation and sustainability design into interior space, which set me apart from others. Nowadays, I am excited to become a professional interior designer at Hirsch Bedner Associates, which is a hospitality design company aiming to create immersive and unforgettable experiences for guests in hotels such as Hilton and Ritz-Carlton, restaurants, resorts, and high-end residences. I specialize in crafting spaces that not only reflect the brand identity and vision of my clients but also resonate deeply with the expectations of their target clients. One project that I am particularly proud of is the renovation of the Ritz-Calton Lobby in Aruba with team collaboration. The big challenge in this project was to incorporate the culture of Aruba with its brand identity and balance a limited time budget, but the end result was a harmonious blend of cultural charm and modern sophistication that our team achieved.

The path to Interior Design, definitely, is not smooth but is paved with triumphs and challenges. The most significant struggle is to manage client expectations. Design faces to people. Each client has their unique vision and desires. Therefore, setting effective communication and putting yourself in the customer’s shoes is crucial for a successful design. Meanwhile, project management, such as budget and timeline, is another area where challenges often arise. I am still on the way to learning how to develop flexibility, adaptability, and excellent organizational skills and deliver successful outcomes.

In conclusion, my journey in interior design has been filled with challenges, growth, and fulfillment. My mission is to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to clients’ inspiration and delight.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Exploring Design and Culture:

As the beginning of exploring Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a good place for my friend to visit. The architectural style and interior design of MoMA are as inspiring as the art it houses. It may be a good visit for any design enthusiast. Then I may bring my friend to have dinner at Nobu Downtown, which is renowned for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine and sleek, combined with modern interiors. Furthermore, the Whitney Museum, located in the Meatpacking District, can give my friend more ideas about contemporary collections and striking designs. At dinner, we can visit Grammercy Tavern together, which is an upscale American restaurant with a warm, inviting interior and a focus on seasonal ingredients. On the last day, we can explore and have a good relaxation at New York Botanical Garden. The elegant landscaping design and classical architectural style will refresh our minds and leave a good impression on our journey.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The path to pursue interior design as a career is not always smooth. Interior Design programs include a lot of phases such as conception, schematic design, documentation, and visualization rendering, which often require a significant amount of time, effort, and creativity. When I started my thesis in SCAD, I did not have any ideas about the topic. My professor, Thea Scott-Fundling, helped me deepen my research methodology, developed insightful critiques, and finalized thesis outlines step by step, which cultivated the success of my thesis in being recognized and published by Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC). The thesis project, “Improving the Longevity of China’s Senior Population by Reducing Socialization and Loneliness in the Life-long Learning Environment” won the bronze in 2022 The International Design Awards (IDA). Professor Scot-Fundling plays a pivotal role in nurturing my passion for Interior Design.
Furthermore, my idol, Kelly Wearstler, as a renowned interior designer, brings more design inspiration through her fearless approach to color and texture. Her ability to blend boldness with elegance, and eclecticism with cohesion, aesthetics, and functionality, set her apart as a true visionary in the field of interior design and gave people the power to pursue a career in interior design.

Website: https://www.muxuanzhao.com/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ muxuan-zhao-193771221