Name: Pei Li
Company: Ori Home
Position within company: Founder & Designer
Website: https://www.orihome.co.uk
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I am the founder of and designer for Ori Home. I graduated from OCAD University (Toronto, Canada), with a degree in Graphic Design before moving to London. I was working inbetween high-end luxury retail and the luxury residential interior industry, until becoming an independent designer and establishing my own brand in 2018. My vision has been to preserve and revive traditional oriental hand embroidery techniques — specifically the once-lost Su embroidery method.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I like to convey meanings and narratives, and instil joy through my designs, which are inspired by nature and my ethnic background. Discovering a new hidden message from an ancient script or proverb, then visualising it with a modern design interpretation is at the heart of my design philosophy. “Less is more” is what I have always tried to achieve, and I believe a successful design embodies human touch and emotions, while serving a functional purpose.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I like to explore different cultural aspects, from ancient to modern. Many of those intriguing details from ancient folklores and mythologies are my source of inspiration. I also love to observe the natural decay process of plants; it is beautiful to see them transforming from one state to another, and what is left in the end is the pure form of the structure itself. I often use such structures in my designs to create overlapping photomontage effects.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel that design in general is heading towards a more crafts-focussed direction. Discovering, preserving and repurposing fine craftsmanship is definitely on the top of the list.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
- Fine craftsmanship
- New technology
- East meets West
- Functional objects
- New materials
How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
They are important because they promote the innovative and inspirational aspects of the design industry on a global scale. I believe talented individuals should be recognised and rewarded, and The International Yacht & Aviation Awards offers the opportunity and platform for them to exchange their unique ideas and expose their creativity.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on an interior design project in London. The project will be key to opening up other possibilities and creating opportunities, as we are planning to expand our service to interior design turn-key projects. The style of our project will reflect contemporary elegance and elevate it with a touch of oriental twist by using the specialised handmade silk embroidery.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My aim is to open our very first showroom in London, where we can showcase and develop the concept of “East meets West” to its full potential. Also, I would like to create two more unique hand embroidered lights with new technology for our 2020 collection.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My sketch book and laptop.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Greece, Iceland and China.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Victorian Bath House, Anabels.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Film: Little Shop of Horror.
Book: Dream of the Red Chamber.
Song: too many to list.
Your favourite food and drink?
I like all kinds of different cuisines but my favourites are Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Mediterranean.
Drink: Beluga Vodka.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
My favourite way to spend an afternoon is to get together with one or two good friends, and perform the Chinese tea ceremony while burning a pie
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A cellist.