Interview
Li Ming
1 Congratulations on winning the MUSE Design Awards! Can you introduce yourself and share about what inspired you to pursue design as a career?
I am Li Ming, a spatial designer focused on “quiet luxury” and material storytelling. As a child, I was captivated by sunlight filtering through lattice windows in old houses—this silent yet powerful atmosphere made me realize that space is not merely a container, but a vessel for emotion. My goal is to create sanctuaries of stillness and resonance within a noisy world.
2 What does being recognized in the MUSE Design Awards mean to you?
Winning a Silver in the MUSE Design Awards validates my philosophy of “simplicity through materiality.” As seen in the images, I avoid ornate decoration, instead using wood grain, stone texture, and micro-cement to define spatial order. The jury recognized this “less is more” ethos, as well as my technical approach to concealed storage, ambient lighting, and seamless material transitions.
3 How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?
This accolade has elevated my global visibility; clients now actively seek my “understated luxury + functional precision” aesthetic. It has also strengthened my practice, attracting young designers eager to explore the fusion of Eastern Zen and modern minimalism, and contributing to the growing presence of Chinese design on the global stage.
4 What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?
Experimentation is central to how I challenge conventions. For instance, in the living–dining area, I achieved a zero-transition junction between micro-cement flooring and the marble island. Traditionally, metal strips would be used, but I developed a flexible interface agent and a layered pouring technique that allow the materials to fuse seamlessly—visually reinforcing the theme of “flowing order.”
5 What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?
I drew inspiration from “the creases and ink bleed of rice paper.” Observing how ink diffuses naturally across its surface, I translated these organic boundaries into wall lines and furniture silhouettes. The thin black frames behind the bed and the transparent glass legs of the desk echo the interplay of void and form found in ink wash painting, giving the space an Eastern poetic rhythm.
6 What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the design process?
Design isn’t “drawing”; it’s problem-solving. Every seemingly simple element—like the floating TV console, hidden AC vents, or adjustable blinds—results from rigorous ergonomic testing, structural calculations, and construction simulations. True elegance stems from meticulous control of every detail.
7 How do you navigate the balance between meeting client expectations and staying true to your ideas?
I use “scenario-based demonstrations” rather than persuasion. When clients worry that a design may feel “too plain,” I create physical mock-ups that allow them to touch wood grains, experience layers of light, and test the comfort of the sofa. Once they understand that minimal does not mean boring, their trust in my expertise deepens. Consensus is built through tangible experience.
8 What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was achieving “visual invisibility” in functional integration. The TV wall needed to accommodate speakers, outlets, and storage without disrupting the overall aesthetic. I addressed this by developing custom modular panels, magnetic covers, and recessed LED strips—concealing all technical elements seamlessly. During construction, I repeatedly refined tolerances to ensure precise alignment across every panel.
9 How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?
I visit art galleries or forests, observing the dialogue between natural textures and architectural structures. The cracks in tree bark inspire aged metal handles, while mountain contours inform curved ceiling designs. At times, a cup of tea or a guqin melody helps me recalibrate—reminding me that design serves people, not the display of skill.
10 What personal values or experiences do you infuse into your designs?
I believe in “long-termism” and “restrained beauty.” Influenced by Japanese wabi-sabi and Song Dynasty aesthetics, I pursue “perfection within imperfection”—expressed through hand-polished stone edges and visible wood knots. These so-called “flaws” imbue spaces with warmth and narrative, allowing residents to feel the passage of time and the traces of life.
11 What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?
Don’t rush toward recognition; focus on mastering your craft first. Observe, touch, and build—engage with materials firsthand, spend time on construction sites, and learn from real user feedback. True design strength comes from insight into life, not just technical proficiency. Stay humble and keep learning—time rewards those who work with quiet dedication.
12 If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would choose Tadao Ando. His poetic use of concrete and masterful manipulation of light and shadow align closely with my “quiet luxury” vision. He excels at shaping spiritual spaces through minimal geometry. Collaborating with him, I believe I could create work that blends Eastern philosophy with a sense of modern tension.
13 What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?
I wish people would ask, “What do you most want people to forget in this space?” My answer would be “time and pressure.” Through soft lighting, tactile materials, and fluid circulation, I aim to help people shed their social masks and return to a sense of authenticity—where one simply exists, rather than performs.
