Q&A: Shaolin Low

We chat with Honolulu interior designer Shaolin Low after another full year of Studio Shaolin and her newest endeavor, WOVEN by Shaolin. With the establishment of Studio Shaolin and the exciting addition of WOVEN by Shaolin, this past year has been a whirlwind of creativity and growth. The transition to a new brick + mortar location has provided a tangible space for her design vision to come to life, allowing clients to experience her concepts in a more immersive way. From overseeing full-scale design transformations to venturing into the realm of vacation rentals, Shaolin's expertise continues to diversify, making her a versatile force in the design industry. Keep reading for the complete transcript of our discussion:

Ashley Fonseca: And just like that, we’re back for our annual Q&A! It’s an understatement to say there’s been a lot of transformation within the past year. How does it feel to have an official office and studio? What was the biggest challenge you faced when opening the store?

Shaolin Low: Timeline! Once we got the keys, it was a race to the finish line. Trying to coordinate all the inventory arriving, the quick renovation the studio needed, and just making sure everything was ready to go. We just ran to the finish line and somehow opened the store.

AF: What’s your inspiration when choosing the product to stock the studio?

SL: Honestly, it’s just everything I love and am obsessed with. I wanted a space where we could pull from as a design team, but also where I could shop for gifts for friends, and clients and just a happy place that could become a go-to for cool new pieces.

AF: Mini Design! What makes this different from your full-service design?

SL: We are always getting calls from people with smaller projects and Mini Design lets us be a part of them. The full-service design is a long, detailed process whereas Mini Design is just a fun service with a quick turnaround. The process is quick and easy and our design team does all the heavy lifting for you. Upon finishing our design questionnaire, one of our skilled designers will arrange a one-hour home visit to assess your space(s) and comprehend your design requirements. Following this visit, approximately two weeks later, you will be provided with exclusive login credentials. Through this private login, you'll gain access to a comprehensive display of items from your personalized design deck, complete with various options tailored to your space(s), along with a coordinating floor plan. You have the freedom to purchase as much or as little as you desire, as our primary focus is on transforming your design aspirations into tangible reality.

AF: We know you’re all about being true to your personal style, can you tell us more about the pieces that can be custom designed?

SL: We are rolling out an entire upholstery line where you can come in, pick the fabric of your choosing (we have hundreds of options), pick the frame and get it delivered to you in 10-12 weeks. For someone who really wants to invest in the pieces in their home, this is a win/win as you can get exactly what you want.

AF: Any fun projects we can expect this year?

SL: As always, I’m so grateful for all the projects we have done and will be doing. I look forward to exploring commercial spaces and other unique residential projects as well. I’m sure it will be another year full of surprises, as every year so far has been.

AF: Where do you see your design style heading in the next year?

SL: I find myself getting bolder with our design, use of color and pattern. I think as I evolve, I am able to make bolder choices so I look forward to having every project truly feel unique from the rest, and just meeting the people who want to live in our spaces.

AF: Same as always to wrap up, what can we expect from you in the next year?

SL: I think this next year will be all about building on what we’ve already done. Growing our projects for Studio Shaolin, establishing WOVEN by Shaolin for the community, and becoming a staple for people when they think of functional, beautiful design.

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