Let’s Have A Chat with Liming: The Chameleon Behind Inspiring Spaces
May 29, 2025
In the world of interior design, where creativity meets functionality, Liming stands out as a true innovator—a design chameleon whose work transcends boundaries and sparks inspiration. We sat down with him to uncover the story behind his passion, his evolving style, and his bold visions for the future. Get ready to be inspired by his journey, philosophy, and dreams.
From Childhood Experiments to Design Mastery
Liming’s story begins in his childhood, where his father’s tinkering spirit planted the seed of creation. His father, a passionate experimenter who preferred building over buying, turned everyday objects into something extraordinary.
He recalls a memorable moment: instead of purchasing a punching bag for martial arts practice, they crafted one together from heavy-duty canvas and a hanger rod from his old baby crib. It wasn’t about perfection but about the joy of making something out of nothing. That early lesson—seeing beauty in resourcefulness—became the cornerstone of his approach to design.
The Art of Adaptability: A Design Chameleon
Liming describes himself as a “Design Chameleon.” His portfolio is a testament to his versatility: transforming spaces into vibrant community hubs, cozy cafes that feel like Starbucks, or expansive bank lobbies that resemble grand bookshops.
His core philosophy is simple yet powerful: Spaces should inspire action and shape interactions. For him, good design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating environments where brand, purpose, and people coexist harmoniously, much like a well-crafted film set where every element supports the story.
Transforming Ordinary into Extraordinary: The PwC Workspace
One project that truly resonates with Liming is the PwC workspace refresh. Tasked with reimagining the traditional office reception, he drew inspiration from airport lounges and casual cafés, turning a usually sterile space into a welcoming, productive environment.
The new design transformed “waiting” into an experience—an opportunity for connection and comfort. Clients, staff, and visitors now engage more meaningfully, proving that thoughtful design can bridge functionality with emotional resonance. For Liming, this project reinforced his belief: Design can elevate both function and feeling.
Perseverance in Practice: Overcoming Design Challenges
Every designer faces hurdles, and Liming’s journey is no exception. He recalls a complex project involving an artisanal feature wall with layered treatments—a delicate, photo-op-worthy installation that proved difficult to realize.
Instead of abandoning his vision, he and the IDI team dissected every detail, from paint viscosity to artisan technique. Through patience, experimentation, and collaboration, they cracked the code. The result was a stunning wall—and a lesson in perseverance. For Liming, great design often emerges from resilience, reminding us that obstacles are just opportunities in disguise.
Dreaming Big: A Museum of Work Capsules
If limitless possibilities existed, Liming would craft a museum of work capsules—a sprawling landscape of modular spaces, each representing a different era, industry, or ethos.
Imagine walking through a 1970s factory cubicle that suddenly transitions into a sleek AI lab from 2050, or a 1990s ‘Severance’-style office blending into a futuristic sustainability hub. Each “pod” would be an immersive narrative of human ingenuity, innovation, and identity—a living, breathing showcase of creativity in its many forms.
This visionary space would challenge conventions and celebrate the diversity of work and human expression. It’s a testament to Liming’s belief that design should not only serve function but also ignite imagination.
Final Thoughts
Liming’s journey—from childhood experiments to designing revolutionary spaces—reminds us that passion, adaptability, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality. His work demonstrates that thoughtful design has the power to transform environments, inspire interactions, and reflect the multifaceted nature of human creativity.
“Stay inspired. Keep creating. And remember—every space is an opportunity waiting to be reimagined.”