Meet Hyeun Jason Lee | Experiential Designer & Concept Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hyeun Jason Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hyeun Jason Lee, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

There’s an aphorism that’s been attributed to everyone from Mark Twain to Confucius: “Find a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” When I took the leap into self-employment, I intentionally carved out a job that resonates with my passions and interests, so the issue of “work-life balance” became easy to negotiate. There are moments when the demands of work never stops, yet the beauty of it lies in the fact that work is a source of pleasure, so it complements my life. I consider myself incredibly fortunate in this regard.

What’s fascinating is that work benefits from the integration of “life” into the equation. However, some tasks need time to settle and sort themselves out. 

Let’s just say that I haven’t figured the whole thing out, but I can confidently state that embarking on this journey of self-employment has enabled me to build upon my strengths and continually evolve.  The ultimate goal is to foster a harmonious coexistence that amplifies the quality of both work and life.

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.

As an experiential designer and concept architect, I’ve discovered a way of taking the aspirations and intentions of my clients and turning them into visions that are both practical and inspired. I do this by thinking of my work as a blend of two perspectives: that of an architect with the heart of an artist, and an artist with the precision of an architect. This simply means I leverage my architectural foundation as a launching pad for creating designs that are not only functional, but also resonate with a sense of wonder, infusing art with a touch of spirit and soul.

I’m now where I’ve always wanted to be: involved in every step of a project, beginning with the front-end, ideating and refining the vision. I absolutely adore the collaborative process. It’s nothing short of exhilarating to present innovative concepts to clients and then join forces with them to make these ideas even more remarkable. 

It’s a genuine labor of love, to the point where it hardly feels like work at all. What truly fuels my passion is the objective of inspiring others, and that’s what makes every day a joyful adventure.

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?

Day 1: Begin your adventure with a family outing to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. After a leisurely lunch, immerse yourselves in the stunning gardens. Take your time exploring, and consider reserving a spot at the tearoom for an extra treat amidst the beautiful landscape.

Day 2: Dive into a day of exploration at the California Science Center in downtown Los Angeles. Don’t miss the aquatic life exhibition, a family favorite. A short two-minute walk away, you’ll find the USC campus, perfect for a pleasant stroll and campus views. Later, make your way to the vibrant Grand Central Market for a taste of local cuisine, surrounded by lively people and delicious food, making it the ideal place to conclude your day.

Day 3: Escape to the beach; an essential LA experience. Instead of the more popular Venice or Santa Monica beaches, venture north to Leo Carrillo State Beach. Discover the tide pool and observe California’s coastal critters. Be sure to check the tide charts in advance to time your visit at low tide. If camping is your thing, you can reserve a campsite on their website. Malibu Pier is also just a stone’s throw away, offering a variety of delectable dining options.

Day 4: Return to Downtown LA and set out to explore the Arts District, a must-see destination. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the intriguing mixed and re-purposed architecture that defines the district. Consider making a stop at Sci-Arc campus to witness cutting-edge architecture and design showcased through the impressive student work on display. If you’re a fan of German sausages, be sure to dine at Wurstküche. After savoring a satisfying meal, make your way to EightyTwo, an arcade bar that will transport you back to the era of retro arcade nostalgia. The Arts District is constantly bustling with intriguing exhibitions and artistic endeavors, so take some time to wander and soak in the area’s creative energy.

Day 5: If your visit falls on a Sunday, make it a memorable one by heading to ROW DTLA and experiencing the vibrant Smorgasburg. This lively event features music, an array of delectable food options, and a chance to explore unique local goods, perfect for picking up souvenirs. ROW DTLA itself is a dynamic and exciting location, offering a range of experiences. This delightful outing is an excellent way to conclude your LA journey with unforgettable memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Where I find myself in life today is a testament to the incredible love, support, mentorship, and encouragement I’ve received from others, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

I will never forget that pivotal moment when a dear friend from Walt Disney Imagineering opened the door to my first non-Disney project. It marked the beginning of a journey that led me into uncharted realms of design, where I eagerly absorbed new knowledge, forged connections with remarkable people, and honed my skills in various disciplines.

Through this initial opportunity, I had the privilege of meeting a diverse group of talented individuals, each of whom introduced me to more like-minded people, creating a ripple effect of growth and exploration. During this transformative period, I found inspiration in the pages of a book titled “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. 

This book not only rekindled my confidence in my work, but also breathed new life into my daily routine, setting me on a productive path. I still revisit its pages from time to time, drawing strength and renewed focus.

I am humbled to admit that there are too many people to thank for the path my life and work have taken. Their unwavering support continues to be a guiding force in my journey, and I value it more than words can express. 

The truth is, I remain indebted to the kindness and wisdom of those around me. It’s an ongoing relationship, as their TLC remains a vital part of my life. What I want to emphasize is that without the generous assistance of the incredible people who have touched my life, I cannot fathom where I’d be today. My family and I owe our current circumstances solely to the wonderful individuals and support that have accompanied us throughout the years. 

All I’ve essentially done is ask, make friends, and follow their invaluable guidance.

Website: https://hyeunjasonlee.work/

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