We had the good fortune of connecting with Haiqi Liao, a promising talent in the world of interior design and creative exploration. In our conversation, which we’re eager to share below, we touched upon the sources of her inspiration, the challenges and rewards of her career in interior design, and the impact she hopes to make on both spaces and their inhabitants. Haiqi brings a fresh perspective to design, influenced by her varied experiences and a passion for reimagining spaces that not only serve functional needs but also evoke emotion and connection. This discussion offers a glimpse into the mind of a designer who sees her work as a means to enrich lives and create lasting memories.
In addition to her creative achievements, Haiqi made strides in sustainable design by earning her LEED GA (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate) certification early in 2023. This certification marks a significant milestone in her career. Moreover, her project “Working Space_RETI Center” was recognized for its innovative approach to sustainability, winning a Bronze award at the IDA Design Awards 2022. This recognition at a prestigious international design competition underscores Liao’s ability to blend creativity with environmental responsibility, affirming her role as a forward-thinking designer in the modern landscape.

Hi Haiqi, why did you pursue a creative career?
By nature, I am hypersensitive to my surrounding environment. Lighting, material, texture, sound, color, and other elements of a space affect the way I feel and think. This led to my fascination with observing how spaces are designed. It fuels a desire to innovate within existing structures, and to create spaces that evoke unique emotions.

This made me choose a career as an Interior Designer. The allure lies in transforming spaces. Growing up in a modern metropolis and amid its evolution, I witnessed design’s power. Studying in Savannah emphasized its ability to harmonize past and present. Now, in New York, I continue this journey, creating spaces that can transcend functionality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my current role, I specialize in Staging/Interior Design at a real estate company in New York. My responsibilities included overseeing the staging of various properties, including workplaces and amenities, from conceptualization to execution.

My journey to where I am today professionally began with my education. I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in Interior Design and a minor in Furniture Design in 2021. During my time at college, I discovered a deep passion for hospitality and commercial design, which led me to pursue further studies at Pratt Institute in New York. I was then able to choose my thesis topic, decide what project I wanted to do, and have full control in designing under my professor’s guidance.

As an early professional, I am also committed to building my design competence through diverse experiences. During graduate school, I completed 3 internships specializing in Interior Design and Architectural Lighting design, where I was able to develop both my technical skills and soft skills. Outside of professional experience, I am LEED Green Associate accredited, which has given me the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable design strategies in my work as an Interior Designer, and I am always looking for ways to integrate sustainable practices into my projects. When I graduate in May 2023, I feel like I am prepared to kick into the real industry of Interior Design.

However, the process of trying to not only be professional but also competitive wasn’t easy, especially as an international student, the pressure also came from my status and the limited time I could work in the States. I approached each obstacle with strategic planning and determination, focusing on becoming a well-rounded professional, building confidence from achieving small tasks and reaching significant milestones along the way. In the field of Interior Design, everything is fast-paced. The key is to act, to fail, and to learn. You have to take enough action to make progress.

I still don’t always call myself an Interior Designer, I like to tell people that I am doing Interior Design and I like doing it. Beyond the title of Interior Designer, I am a storyteller, using spaces as my medium to evoke emotions, inspire connections, and create memorable experiences. I believe in the transformative power of design to enrich lives and shape environments that reflect and elevate the human experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was competing between talking about Savannah or New York, as Savannah is such a warm and cute city which is also the first place I have ever visited in the States and New York is the city I am currently living in where so many fun things going on every day. I decided to talk a little bit about New York just because I haven’t been back to Savannah in years and there may be things that change completely.
If I were showing you around New York, the first day we would start by exploring the bustling streets of Manhattan, indulging in my favorite brunch spots like Buvette Gastrotheque in West Village and Ruby’s Cafe. Afterward, we’d take a stroll through SoHo and grab a coffee or dessert from the cafe nearby.

In the evenings, we can enjoy dinner at trendy eateries. After that, we’d venture into the dynamic neighborhoods of the Lower East Side, sampling some cocktails at bars like Nurse Bettie or Terra Blues. We can enjoy the jazz music and savor the eclectic culinary scene.

For the next few days, we will take a bicycle through Central Park, marveling at the green oasis amidst the urban jungle. We will also make time to visit iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Times Square, soaking in the electrifying energy of the city that never sleeps.

As someone who’s into arts and is doing arts, I will definitely take us to cultural institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, and Broadway shows, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of art and entertainment that defines New York City.

During the weekend, I will take you for a walk around Astoria, which is where I live and I think it’s the most underrated hidden gem in New York. We will go to my favorite seafood restaurant Hamido Seafood and pick our main course from a variety of freshly caught fish at the counter. After lunch, we can go to one of my favorite bakeries, Martha’s Country Bakery, which is just a few blocks from the restaurant. We will pick up a fruit tart, walk to the Astoria Park riverside, have some small talk, and enjoy the beautiful weather.

By having a completely different vibe than the vibrant and crowded streets in Manhattan, we will let this intimate and calm memory close up the trip to New York.

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?
First and foremost, I want to shout out to my parents. Despite being thousands of miles away and having 12 hours of time difference, their unwavering love and support have been the cornerstone of my journey. I can only start my journey studying in the States with their unconditional love and support. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to fly across the continent, explore my passions, and grow as an individual.

I also want to thank all of my professors, tutors, and mentors in the field of Interior Design. This journey could not have been possible without their continuous guidance and support. Their enthusiasm for creative work and their immense knowledge and experiences have made me feel inspired every time after talk to them. They are the ones who have made my journey exciting and productive, and I feel fortunate to have had them work together throughout the past 7 years and will forever have a deep appreciation for it.

Last but not least, a big thanks to my peers and my loved friends. They have given me thoughtful and critical feedback that helped me improve my work. They are the anchor of my daily life, I cannot express how grateful I am to have them going through the years along with me while giving me the encouragement to keep going.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highkey.designs/

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

Image Credits
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc

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