Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Name: Alex Zheng and Nicole Gong.
Occupation: Designer/maker (Alex). Designer/educator (Nicole).
Instagram: @mohno.studio
Hometown: Northern China.
Studio location: Beijing and Shanghai.
Describe what you make: Mostly furniture and table objects. Some exist in the real world and some don’t. We embrace the convenience of the internet. We try to talk about complicated issues by using a simple and funky tone.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Every piece we’ve designed is a part of our identity as a studio. That being said, we do have favorites. By far the YUAN chair has been the most unique experience in that it was our first chair made using laminated wood. The structure was complicated to achieve but with countless trials we managed to make it work. Definitely a huge confidence boost!
Describe the problem your work solves: In most cases, most of us are okay with how things are and don’t think too much about how they could be different. Not necessarily a problem, but we hope our work improves that.
Describe the project you are working on now: We’re developing new products and furniture with local artisans. Stay tuned.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We launched a new collection including rugs, tables, and small objects at Design Shanghai.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Natural light, fresh air, and coffee. Definitely pets.
What you do when you’re not working: Spend time with friends, family, and pets.
Sources of creative envy: None.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Smartphones
Concrete or marble? Marble. It’s natural and much cleaner (Alex). Concrete for its unique texture (Nicole).
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember for sure.
Aliens or ghosts? Neither.
Dark or light? Both! One cannot exist without the other.
