Q&A: Shaolin Low

We chat with Honolulu interior designer Shaolin Low after her first full year of Studio Shaolin. It’s been a busy year for Shaolin, Owner + Principal Designer of Studio Shaolin. We’ve seen a handful of new projects from full-scale design to vacation rentals. We discuss her challenges and wins from the past year, her favorite local vendors, social media, and tips for aspiring designers. Read the full transcript of our conversation below.

Ashley Fonseca: What are the biggest changes to your business you have made this past year?

Shaolin Low: GROWTH GROWTH GROWTH! I could have never dreamed of where we are right now a year ago and I’m so grateful for all the clients who want to bring us into their lives and homes. 

AF: You recently wrapped up a big transformational project, Aukai… and we are obsessed! What room was your favorite to design and what room was the most challenging?

SL: Yes! It was such an amazing project and experience getting to transform that home. It’s definitely a tie between the master bathroom, kitchen, and living room. They are all amazing spaces and have such a great, happy vibe to them. The most challenging was taking out the second-floor seating area, so many meetings, and workarounds to take out the space, but it was so worth it with how much it opened the house and made it feel grand. 

AF: We noticed you’ve been doing more vacation rentals recently. What is the turnaround time of those projects and how do you handle meeting those deadlines?

SL: Yes, those are my quick turn and burn. We love them because we go from concept to completion in one month and it’s so fun to see a project move that quickly. 

AF: Who are some of your favorite local vendors you’ve worked with this past year?

SL: The Splinter Concept for sure, CMC Painting, and my dad, our general contractor. It’s so nice to be able to lean on them and have them help carry a project when we need it done to perfection!

AF: Love the IG… How has social media played a part in your business?

SL: It’s definitely fun to share our work with everyone and we are making an effort to do more of it! I think we love a before and after moment and it definitely makes it fun to share it with the world. 

AF: Creative freedom or unlimited budget?

SL: Both? :) I think everyone has a budget so there’s really no such thing as an “unlimited budget,” but creative collaboration is the best, which a lot of our clients give us. We get to know each other and then it feels like it comes together so easily.

AF: Enlighten us with three tips for aspiring designers.

SL: Have fun! You are your own worst critic so be kind to yourself.

Listen to what your clients are saying, absorb it, and pay attention to the details.

Trust your team, hire well and be the example for the vibe you want your company to embody.

AF: What can we expect in the next year?

SL: I have no idea, but I’m sure it will be amazing, fun, challenging and all the great ups and downs that a good life has :) I’m excited!

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