Meet Xiesiyuan Shu | Creative Designer

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

Hi Xiesiyuan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since childhood, my passion for art, nature, and aesthetics has been nurtured through painting sessions with my grandfather, a photographer whose influence shaped my artistic journey. Painting became more than a hobby; it became a sanctuary where I found inner peace amidst the interplay of hues and colors. This passion led me to pursue both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in design during college. Today, I channel my expertise as a member of a prestigious design firm, focusing on crafting inclusive designs that serve the needs of public. I really enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a cool project!

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’m a creative designer proficient not only in physical spaces but also in digital products. During college, I immersed myself in both realms, acquiring a diverse skill set that seamlessly transitions between spatial and digital design. Whether it is, both fields follow a similar trajectory: identifying issues, generating concepts, and refining solutions based on user and client feedback. Morevoer, I collaborate with two friends as a user experience designer, actively engaging in design competitions to further hone my abilities. I pretty much enjoy tackling challenges and exploring new possibilities, and our efforts have garnered us ten international prizes, such as the International Design Award and the Muse Design Award. During the process, I learned that the key to success is a relentless pursuit of learning and adaptation. Embrace change, be receptive to new ideas, and always design with empathy and purpose. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, capturing precious moments and memories in our lives. With a solid seven-year background in design, my passion for the field continues to drive me forward as I expand my expertise in both domains.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For an awesome time in LA, I suggest checking out the artsy side and hitting the beaches! Start your day at the Getty Center, where you can see cool art and amazing buildings. Then, grab lunch at Otium, the rooftop restaurant at The Broad Museum, where you can chow down on tasty American food while taking in the view. After that, head over to the Arts District to see some awesome street art and explore cool galleries. At night, you can catch a live show at either the Walt Disney Concert Hall or the Hollywood Bowl. And if you’re up for some sun and sand, spend a day at Manhattan Beach—rent bikes or paddleboards for some fun by the coast!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I’d like to highlight a book that’s been incredibly influential in my journey: “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs. In this book, Jacobs champions a human-centered perspective on urban design. She critiques the conventional modernist approach to city planning and advocates for vibrant, diverse, and walkable neighborhoods that foster social connections and community engagement. This philosophy has profoundly shaped my design ethos and aspirations—I strive to create inclusive designs that cater to everyone, extending beyond physical spaces to embrace digital technologies as well.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sybil-shu

Image Credits
Image credits: Xiesiyuan Shu