Cultural roots inform hm-LI Studio's modern and dimensional furniture range

"The Weaving chair was inspired by a simple moment—folding a receipt—and this idea of transforming flatness into volume became the core of the piece," informs Chinese-born American designer Haoming Li of the New York-based practice hm-LI Studio. The new furniture design collections comprise chair designs, table designs, bench designs and cabinets, in a variety of finishes and materials. Utilising weaving techniques and geometric patterns, the designer creates lightweight, oriental-inspired furniture pieces and product designs with a focus on materiality and user experience.

Haoming Li founded the hm-LI Studio in 2023 to explore the possibilities arising from the intersection of design and architecture. "My designs stem from a fascination with the interplay between structure and fluidity, deeply influenced by the forms and philosophies of traditional Chinese art," says Li on her design philosophy. She views design beyond aesthetics and forms, striving to create pieces that showcase her individuality. "I draw a lot of inspiration from my upbringing and my experiences working in both large-scale architecture and intimate furniture design," she adds. According to the project's press release, the studio is set to offer bespoke furniture and interior design services and collaborate with multidisciplinary artists and designers.

The Weaving series comprises dining chairs, benches and stool designs for adults and children, showcasing flat surfaces that are interwoven to add layers and complexity to the pieces. Inspired by the traditional furniture element 枨 (cheng) in Chinese design, the collection features minimal design pieces which come in a variety of materials, including natural wood finishes and colourful textiles and lacquers. The Weaving chair, featuring bent wood construction with mortise and tenon joinery, makes it easy to disassemble and transport.

Made from solid wood, the Le Sourire series is informed by the product designer's background in architecture and historical Chinese art and calligraphy. Form and structure are essential to this collection's design, as it attempts to capture the movements of static objects. The subtle curves and bends of the Le Sourire collection are inspired by calligraphy brushstrokes, adding fluidity and elegance to the visually bold and heavy pieces. The chair's seating seemingly floats over the backrest due to solid wood carving using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology. Available in finishes such as natural oils and standard Chinese lacquer and variations such as high back, low back and no back, the wooden furniture can be used as chairs, benches or side tables, respectively.

The curved surfaces of the Curl series of cabinets are interwoven and arranged in a grid pattern. The cabinet prioritises flexibility, featuring doors that are operable from multiple directions, enhancing access and storage options, simultaneously made with a combination of wood and metal elements. The collection is available in finishes such as traditional wood veneer and bold Chinese lacquer.

"The studio's unique approach uses weaving techniques and geometric forms to explore the balance between two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, producing visually compelling and lightweight furniture," the project's description states.

Graceful and balanced the Weaving, Le Sourire and Curl collections translate the furniture designer's cultural roots with a contemporary design outlook. The Weaving chair has also garnered acclaimed, winning the 2024 Red Dot Award under the Home and Seating Furniture category for its creative design concept. Prioritising 'longevity, functionality and a sense of calm', and featuring timeless and minimalist design forms, these design collections by hm-LI Studio bring out the natural textures of the materials and finishes.