Hanna Li spent her formative years in China, developing a deep reverence for nature during a period of rapid evolution and technological advancement. Descended from a lineage of woodworkers, Hanna naturally gravitated toward studying furniture design at the Rhode Island School of Design while simultaneously pursuing a degree in environmental science at Brown University. This dual focus underscored the interconnectedness between our built environment, material usage, and ecological impact, and motivated her to pursue interior design as a means to advocate for sustainability while making the spaces we live in more beautiful.
To Hanna, design is a potent vehicle for reimagining living spaces and addressing contemporary challenges, whether interpersonal or environmental. It embodies both the opportunity for personal and societal evolution, and to prioritize longevity and sustainability in a rapidly changing world. In addition to operating a thriving interior design firm based in Los Angeles, Hanna is currently pursuing a master’s in sustainability at Harvard University. She aims to further contribute to this paradigm shift, fostering a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world through innovative design solutions. See the designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Hanna Li: Over a decade ago, the mother of one of my closest friends, an interior designer, approached me to commission a portrait. Little did I know that this encounter would lead me to fall in love with her and her work, ultimately shaping the career path I would take. Along this journey, I’ve questioned my values and pondered the impact I aim to create. It was very different from my values as a painter and woodworker. I’ve come to realize that inspiration evolves over time, sometimes even daily. Initially, it was about satisfying clients and witnessing their joy in the spaces we crafted — an affirmation that fueled my creativity. However, what inspires me now is the meaningful connections I’ve cultivated within this community, the reciprocity shared with those I work with, and the invaluable lessons gleaned from my design team.
AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
HL: The most impactful advice I’ve received as a designer is to “know your self-worth.” It resonates deeply with me because there are moments when I doubt my design sensibility, and this advice strikes a chord. It’s an emotional journey of self-reflection and revelation, often requiring vulnerability as I invest a piece of myself into my work. At times, my self-worth may feel tied to the project’s outcome or the client’s response. However, understanding my self-worth reminds me that regardless of external validation, my work is my journey and it is deserving.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
HL: I stay creative by working with my hands. This brings a sense of freshness and evolution to my design process. Using materials like ceramics, wood, and glass offers a different perspective on their resilience and fragility. It’s a hands-on experience that makes me feel connected to the creative process in a unique way. It reminds me that anything is possible when we dream in the intangible, knowing the manifestation of this vision is meeting works of incredible artists along the way.
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
HL: I have come to realize that excessive immersion in social media and online publications can be detrimental, as they often predetermine our preferences and limit our creative scope. Conversely, venturing to remote, untouched locales, steeped in their authentic, original styles, presents an enriching opportunity to rediscover and reinterpret design through the wisdom of generations past. Similarly, embarking on medicine walks allows me to find inspiration as the answers to the decisions I am seeking always lie in nature.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
HL: As a designer, I wholeheartedly embrace Dieter Rams’ timeless principle: form follows function. This ethos not only defines his work but also informs my approach to design. With every piece selected for our projects, I consider its role within the space — the way it harmonizes with the flow, its proportion, comfort, and alignment with our firm’s values. I hold a deep appreciation for pieces that evoke gratitude for Mother Nature, as she generously provides the lumber we mill into furniture, the prints adorning our tapestries, and the harmonious ratios that define balanced spaces. From this foundation, selecting the aesthetic and forms becomes not only effortless but also inherently natural.
AJ: How do you stay organized while working on multiple project?
HL: We find immense value in leveraging apps like Slack and Asana, along with the Gantt Chart provided by Asana, to provide a clear timeline for our projects. This enables seamless communication with our clients, ensuring alignment with their expectations for project deliverables. Without these tools, I would feel so ungrounded in my day-to-day as a creative!
AJ: What is your favorite type of space to design?
HL: In my creative endeavors, I am drawn to projects entrenched in architectural legacies, particularly those stemming from the 19th to early 20th centuries. Within these venerable structures, I discover a reservoir of charm waiting to be interwoven into the design narrative. The delicate interplay between honoring the home’s inherent spirit and resonating with the values of its inhabitants is paramount to me.
AJ: What is your favorite type of furniture to design?
HL: Designing lighting fixtures is a passion of mine because they serve as potent reflections of the materials and resources available during their respective historical epochs. Whether originating from the pre-colonial era of Africa or the post-industrial landscape of Germany, each fixture resonates deeply with the spirit of its time. I am enamored by their ability to remind us of the ephemeral nature of our existence, while simultaneously highlighting the enduring evolution of design across generations.
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
HL: In my view, art transcends conventional boundaries, manifesting as tangible experiences. It’s not just the canvas or sculpture but a chair, a pedestal, a chandelier, and a paperweight resting delicately upon a stack of weathered newspapers. I envision spaces that emulate a harmonious symphony, where every element — regardless of its origin or medium — participates in artistic expression into a cohesive and immersive narrative.
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