WantedDesign Member
Discover the unique stories and creative journeys of our WantedDesign members as they share their inspirations, design philosophies, and standout work.
Hayeon Kim
Hayeon Kim
Designer
I am a designer with a background in architecture and industrial design, passionate about creating sensory experiences with spatial storytelling. My work explores the boundaries between furniture and architecture.
Design Approach and Inspiration
My design approach is rooted in the idea of dissolving boundaries between architecture and furniture, public and private, function and emotion. I explore how users intuitively interact with their environments, often drawing inspiration from overlooked spatial elements like stairs, handrails, and thresholds. Material storytelling, scale shifts, and cultural narratives guide my process, allowing me to create objects that invite reinterpretation and playful engagement. I love especially Nendo.
Get to know them better...
What’s the one item in your home that you can’t live without, and why?
HK: The one item I can’t live without is a low wooden stool I brought from Korea—it’s where I sit, think, and sketch. It reminds me of floor-based living and helps me stay grounded, both literally and creatively.
What’s your go-to playlist or song when you need a creative boost?
HK: Dancing with My Phone” by HYBS is my go-to song when I need a lift. It’s impossible not to smile (or sway a little) when it’s playing.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
HK: If I weren’t a designer, I’d probably be a doctor—chasing money and honor instead of materials and metaphors.
My dream
HK: My biggest professional dream is to create public installations and spatial experiences that blend functionality and emotion. Whether through poetic materials or unexpected forms, I want to build spaces that help people pause, reconnect, and feel more deeply present in their environments
