Meet Jiaying Qu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jiaying Qu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jiaying, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is influenced by a blend of architectural thinking and design exploration. Studying mid-century modern (MCM) furniture has been a significant source of inspiration. The era was marked by rapid advancements in materials and technology, which shaped not only furniture but also the broader design landscape. Many of the well-known MCM designers had architectural backgrounds, and their approach to design—considering scale, space, and material details—has deeply resonated with me. For instance, Verner Panton and Joe Colombo’s works have particularly shaped my understanding of how furniture design can integrate with architectural space, creating a harmonious relationship between human scale and the environment. This perspective continues to influence my approach to both architecture and furniture design, driving my dedication to thoughtful, well-rounded design.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At the moment, I’m primarily focused on single-family residential projects and interior architecture. My goal is to blend functionality with artistic expression, drawing a lot of inspiration from mid-century and vintage furniture to create spaces that feel distinctive and deeply meaningful.

In addition to architecture, I have a strong passion for furniture design and exploring design installations. Whether it’s crafting custom furniture pieces or creating spatial narratives through installations, I’m always looking for ways to merge art, craftsmanship, and emotional depth. Recently, one of my furniture designs won the Platinum Award at the 2024 MUSE Design Awards and a Gold Award at the 2024 NY Product Design Awards. This recognition has been a huge encouragement for my design career, and I’m incredibly proud of these achievements. My approach is centered on designing timeless works that foster connection and elevate the way we experience everyday spaces.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey in architecture, I’d say the most important things have been persistence, flexibility, and communication. Architecture isn’t something you can do alone—it’s about bringing together different ideas and constantly finding new inspiration. These qualities have been really important in my growth as a designer. For those just starting out, I’d say don’t give up when things get tough, and stay open to new ideas. The field is always changing, so being flexible and willing to adapt will keep you on your toes. And don’t forget about communication—being able to clearly share your ideas is key to working with others and moving forward in your career.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

The challenge I’m currently facing is how to find a balance in design between architecture, interiors, and furniture, and to seamlessly integrate these three elements from an architect’s perspective, considering the bigger picture. I’ve always believed that furniture, as a part of a space, should harmonize with the architectural environment itself. Rather than simply designing independent products, the key issue is how to bridge the boundaries between categories and integrate them together effectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jiayingqu.com/