Designer of the Day: Kwangho Lee

Kwangho Lee was motivated to make things by hand at an early age thanks to his grandfather, a farmer who constantly made daily household goods from natural materials found nearby. Shortly after the Seoul native studied metal art and design at Hongik University, he rose to prominence for the award-winning Obsession series of woven furniture using intricately knotted rope. After dipping his feet in furniture, installation, and interiors over the past decade, Lee now translates the thinking behind Obsession into a new collection for Swedish design brand Hem that includes a blocky lounge chair upholstered in coconut fibers and hieroglyph-inspired side tables.

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.

Age: 41

Occupation: Artist.

Instagram: @_kwangho_lee 

Hometown: Guri, a small city next to Seoul.

Studio location: Seoul.

Describe what you make: Everything we need, especially in space.

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Knitted lighting that I made for my graduation show.

Describe the problem your work solves: I never thought of solving my problems through my work. If there is any problem, it probably started with me whether it’s good or bad. The best way to solve a problem is to have a conversation about it or admit mistakes.

Describe the project you are working on now: Designing a new fashion flagship in Seoul. I’m designing the furniture and the little things that go into a space.

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: My new collection with Hem and my upcoming solo exhibition at Salon 94 Design in New York in March.  

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Knitted lighting that I made for my graduation show.

Describe the problem your work solves: I never thought of solving my problems through my work. If there is any problem, it probably started with me whether it’s good or bad. The best way to solve a problem is to have a conversation about it or admit mistakes.

Describe the project you are working on now: Designing a new fashion flagship in Seoul. I’m designing the furniture and the little things that go into a space.

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: My new collection with Hem and my upcoming solo exhibition at Salon 94 Design in New York in March.  

What you absolutely must have in your studio: Beer, music, and colleagues. 

What you do when you’re not working: Spend time with my family, listen to music, and watch movies. 

Sources of creative envy: People who do their best in their field and people who have done the best in their field.

The distraction you want to eliminate: New news pouring out every day. Actually, things around me are much more enjoyable and fun.

Concrete or marble? Marble.

High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.

Remember or forget? Remember.

Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.

Dark or light? Light.

(Photography by Jihoon Kang)

https://www.surfacemag.com/articles/kwangho-lee-designer-day/