From early inspirations to career-defining projects, this interview delves into Yilei Xue’s journey as an interior designer—her influences, challenges, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
In honour of International Women’s Day, we're celebrating the journeys of female team members across different roles and career stages at Broadway Malyan.
Could you tell us about your background and how you became an interior designer?
I started learning to draw at the age of seven, and as a child, I naturally assumed I would grow up to be a painter. My mother, however, was quite practical and pointed out that a career in painting might not offer a stable income. She suggested I consider becoming a designer instead, and that’s when my interest in design really began. I became fascinated with what designers do and how I might fit into that world.
Looking back, my mother was a huge source of inspiration. She had this amazing ability to spot beauty in the smallest details. For example, when we were shopping, she would always draw attention to the intricate design of a sparkling, colourful dress. When it came time to choose a university major, I felt confident that spatial design was the right path for me, and I went on to pursue a career in that field.
After completing my studies, I began my career at an architecture firm specializing in commercial spaces, where I gained valuable insight into the project process. However, I wanted broader exposure to more complex challenges, which led me to join Broadway Malyan. The global scale of projects, along with the firm’s diverse and inclusive environment, has provided me with invaluable learning opportunities and professional growth alongside my colleagues.
Can you tell us about a project that stands out to you in your career, and why it was particularly meaningful or challenging?
The renovation of the Tianjin University School of Management and Economics is a project that stands out to me. It was my first project at BM, and I was involved from start to finish. The clients had a limited budget, and there were many factors to consider, such as fire safety regulations and other limitations.
My role was to enhance the spatial experience and reorganise the internal functions, all while working within the limitations of the existing ceilings and columns, as the structure and materials couldn’t be altered. To navigate these restrictions, I came up with innovative solutions, such as changing the colour of materials and using film to cover undesirable structural elements, improving the visual appeal of the space.
With such a limited scope for modifications, I also had to balance the characteristics of both traditional commercial office and university spaces. The project involved three interconnected buildings, so the design needed to be visually cohesive while maintaining distinctiveness for each. It was a challenging project, but it was incredibly rewarding to see my design come to life.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a young designer, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a designer was balancing clients' expectations with their budgets, as they often desire high-end results. With a limited budget, it was crucial to avoid using expensive materials or complex structures. I had to stay within the budget by opting for simple yet elegant materials and steering clear of overly complicated designs. This experience taught me to be adaptable and resourceful when working within constraints, ensuring that the final outcome still met the client's vision while being mindful of the budget.
Have you faced any specific challenges as a woman in this industry, and how did you overcome them?
Early in my career, clients questioned my abilities because I was a young female designer. To overcome this, I focused on demonstrating my expertise and showcasing successful projects. I’ve learned that women in this field must be confident in presenting ideas and asserting value. While the industry still has work to do, it’s crucial for women to be vocal about their contributions to change clients’ perspectives.
What advice would you give to young professionals who are just beginning their journey in interior design?
My advice to young professionals starting out in interior design would be to remain curious and keep learning about new technologies and trends. Engage in discussions with your colleagues and clients, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Gaining practical experience is essential, so participate in a range of projects to discover which areas of design you’re most passionate about and skilled in. Additionally, continue learning by studying completed projects online, and make use of tools like AI software, which can be particularly helpful in enhancing your skills.