By Harper Miller
Renowned for her exceptional talent, Muxuan Zhao has gradually carved a unique niche in the industry with her extraordinary creativity, precise design vision, and profound design expertise. Her work seamlessly integrates art, functionality, and innovation, while infusing each space with emotional depth and aesthetic beauty. By transcending traditional design boundaries, she creates exceptional and soulful spatial experiences. As she embarks on a new chapter in her career, Muxuan Zhao is poised to further drive innovation and excellence through multiple upcoming projects, solidifying her impact in the world of interior design.
Photo Courtesy: Muxuan Zhao
On the journey of her flourishing career, Muxuan Zhao will be involved in a series of highly anticipated projects that spotlight her exceptional design talent. These include collaborating with Mercatto in Toronto to design an Italian restaurant that blends traditional charm with modern elegance; leading the interior design for the boutique Pendry Hotel, which balances timeless sophistication with contemporary flair; and redesigning the Equinox fitness club to achieve a harmonious fusion of functionality and aesthetics. Additionally, Muxuan Zhao will bring her creativity to the Ultra Toronto club and restaurant, crafting a vibrant and unique social space. The success of these projects will further strengthen her influence in the interior design industry.
In these exciting projects, Muxuan Zhao will take a key leadership role, guiding the design team while fostering strong partnerships with clients, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure seamless execution. Her design philosophy extends beyond aesthetics, as she meticulously curates materials and details to elevate the ambiance and create unforgettable experiences in every space.
Since graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Muxuan Zhao has built a remarkable career, honing her design expertise through key roles at Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) and Studio Munge. Leading numerous high-profile projects, she has been the driving force behind design innovation, consistently pushing creative boundaries. Meanwhile, Muxuan’s career is defined by her ability to blend unique concepts with flawless execution. Her leadership and project management skills have ensured smooth coordination among clients, suppliers, and teams. From luxury hotels to restaurants and multi-family residences, her diverse portfolio showcases her unique style and forward-thinking approach, earning her widespread acclaim from both the industry and clients.
Muxuan Zhao’s design accomplishments extend far beyond future plans. With a strong foundation of innovative thinking and exceptional leadership, her past works have already earned international acclaim and notable success. Her designs have garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the MUSE Design Award, Good Design Award, and the London Design Award — testaments to her professional capabilities, innovative spirit, and visionary approach.
Photo Courtesy: Muxuan Zhao
Among her most representative projects, the Kevlin PlayZone stands out. This project creatively integrates cutting-edge technology with spatial design, creating a groundbreaking interactive experience for retail spaces. It has earned the MUSE Design Award and the Good Design Award Gold, both of which are among the most prestigious accolades in the global design industry. The MUSE Design Award, granted annually to the most unique and innovative works, recognized Muxuan Zhao for her groundbreaking ideas and distinct design philosophy on the competitive global design stage. The Good Design Award, one of the most authoritative design awards in the United States, celebrated the project for its excellence in innovation, practicality, and aesthetics. The recognition of Kevlin PlayZone underscores Muxuan Zhao’s exceptional talent in retail space design and highlights her ability to seamlessly blend technology and art.
Photo Courtesy: Muxuan Zhao
In the Strata Nexus project, Muxuan Zhao further demonstrated her extraordinary skills in spatial design and innovation. By blending historical cultural heritage with modern urban demands, she created a dynamic, multifunctional urban space that earned her the prestigious London Design Award. This prestigious award, presented by the world-renowned Design Museum in London, honors projects that make significant breakthroughs in design, innovation, sustainability, and more. Muxuan Zhao’s commitment to sustainability was evident in the Strata Nexus project, where she incorporated low-radiation glass and recycled materials. The design strikes a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, setting new standards in urban retail design.
Photo Courtesy: Muxuan Zhao
Photo Courtesy: Muxuan Zhao
In the JingRealm (Harmony Garden Workspace) and NestWorks (Warehouse Renovation – Super Innovative Enterprise Park) projects, Muxuan Zhao showcased her mastery in architectural planning and eco-conscious development. In the JingRealm project, she skillfully integrated traditional Chinese garden design with modern office needs, creating a culturally enriched workspace that enhances employee creativity and well-being. The NestWorks project utilized innovative modular layouts and vertical space optimization to provide a vibrant and flexible working environment for the creative industry, while incorporating eco-friendly materials and green technologies to promote sustainability. Both projects received dual honors from the MUSE Design Award and the Good Design Award, further cementing Muxuan Zhao’s leadership in the fields of innovation and sustainable design.
Through these projects, Muxuan Zhao displayed creativity and passion, fully showcasing her far-reaching expertise and boundless potential in the field of interior design. She has consistently excelled in both aesthetics and functionality, earning recognition through esteemed international design awards. Moreover, she has positively influenced the global industry with her sustainable and innovative design philosophy.
Looking ahead, Muxuan Zhao will continue to lead more challenging and innovative projects, fueling the ongoing growth and advancement of the interior design industry with her design expertise and leadership. Her designs go beyond simply transforming spaces—they embody a deep understanding of lifestyle and a keen eye for future trends, ensuring they consistently make a lasting impact on the global design landscape.
This article, written By Harper Miller, was published by Sadie Watkins.