Meet Hao Wu | Interior Designer

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

Hi Hao, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m an interior designer and always eager to explore the world. My inspiration comes from my daily life—perhaps people passing by, autumn leaves on the ground, or a light at a subway station. I can translate these moments into my language and present things from a different perspective.

I believe everything on Earth has its rightful place, and my work is about helping to find that. However, there’s something I particularly enjoy showcasing to others: culture. I believe the environment where people grow up, and the one they adapt to after moving to a different space can evoke a strong reaction. This interplay shapes a unique story.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began my career as an architect in China, but today I work as an interior designer at one of the top design firms in the United States. The transition happened because one day, I realized that my work, though often praised, felt uninspired and ordinary. My ideas were confined by codes, client expectations, and the environment I was in. It made me question: What is design?

Determined to break free from this mediocrity, I stepped out of my comfort zone and into the unknown. My first stop was New York—a city that taught me the value of freedom and individuality. Inspired by the unapologetic spirit of New Yorkers, I decided to embrace my true self and pursue what I truly wanted.

Starting over wasn’t easy. I faced the challenges of learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and battling homesickness. But I pushed forward, earning my master’s degree from NYSID, gaining my license, and even receiving awards during the two years of study. These achievements led to my first position in New York, and I eventually got a position at my current firm and moved to Boston.

Now, alongside my full-time role, I’ve started a small non-profit business to explore my passion for creation. I don’t only do professional interior design services and start to comb everything related to creative, design, drawing, and calligraphy all of them help me to create a unique work. I aim to share my love for design and creativity with others, by creating products and teaching in schools to share my skills and experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Both New York and Boston are amazing cities to explore. In New York, I recommend strolling through the East Village and walking up to 42nd Street. Most all the small stores are worth stopping and foods never make me down. In Boston, the downtown area and the bay are fantastic spaces to wander. Music, food, shopping and good views, you can get everything from this area.
One of my hobbies is doing hand sketching on-site. I spend most of my free time walking and drawing with others.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Eames couple were my heroes when I began my studies. They were exceptional designers who created many impactful products, such as the Eames Lounge Chair, the Eames House, and numerous other masterpieces. Yet, I believe their most significant contribution is not just their work but the model they shaped for an ideal designer’s life.

Should designers only focus on their specific fields? Should an architect only design buildings, an interior designer only work on interior spaces, or a graphic designer only create posters? The answer is no. There are no boundaries between design disciplines. The real question is: can we find happiness in the process of creating and contributing to the world as a whole?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haowu_design?igsh=MXU1OWNqZmF5YmI3aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haowu1987