The Lo-down: Ten Questions for Lo Eli
Have you always known to pursue design and how did you get into it?
We moved every other year or so when I was growing up, so putting my mark on new spaces was a survival tool for me, no matter how temporary. It’s something I watched my mother do very gracefully. I never considered the skill as a career path, although I eventually got there in a round about way.
I actually had a fantasy in college that I would be an underwater archaeologist. The closest I could get to that in my curriculum was History of Art and Architecture, which turned out to be captivating and gave way to work in art and installation management - where I started practising shaping space. Eventually I took time out to study design and interiors.
Who and what spaces inspired you the most throughout your design journey?
From a young age I travelled with my family through Asia. I have a cache of vivid memories owing to culture shock, natural beauty, and architectural awe. Those experiences gave depth and texture to my sensorial library.
I’ve had many inspiring teachers. Namely, within my family - there are not a small number of skilled creatives. I worked under a large-scale installation artist in China, where I was inundated with strong composition and mixed materials, and was given a big dose of the business of creativity. Plus a few very special characters I’ve encountered who made absolute magic through storytelling and craft.
In three words, what do you hope to inspire in others through your work?
Connection, sanctuary and delight.
What makes S.Lo unique?
The S.Lo ethos is timeless, but in Hong Kong, we endeavour to steer design in a new direction. I’ve seen how the big firms here work and they have an effective method, but their process is often forced into detachment. S.Lo takes the structure of well-run design firms and pulls it into a personal, hands-on, even therapeutic process. Even for teams - we connect them to their goals through the journey.
Importantly, S.Lo puts heavy emphasis on concept. We take the concept deep and far. When everyone involved has a narrative that really sticks and inspires, there is synergy on how the details pull together.
How do you go about sourcing the materials you use in your projects?
Sourcing is something I take a lot of pride in. My personal philosophy is that there is always a way and I will not give up until we achieve what we want.
Sometimes, the priority is that the materials are sourced locally; other times, it’s about quality; and others, it’s about access to what’s NOT available locally. As a senior in the FF&E department at my old firm, one of my roles was seeking out new techniques, artists, and ideas. I’ve also curated a collection of over 1000 artisans for a design platform in China. I have a huge database. I continually seek out materials and makers now focusing on sustainable practices.
I am supported by established distributors, but I also work artisan and factory direct. It requires more patience and coordination, but it means we have a transparent view of the process from manufacture to delivery, and again, it’s connected and personal.
Is there a particular project you’ve worked on that you hold closest to your heart? if so, why?
Whatever I’m currently working on is always the closest to my heart. I don’t say that to please clients, it’s just my truth. I only take on projects I can dedicate heart-space to.
At the moment there is a project in its infancy that is significant to me, a derelict property that I spotted five years ago and dreamt of restoring. Coincidentally, the owner of the property recently sought us out to support its renovation. It feels like fate.
How do you manage entrepreneurship and motherhood?
They are intertwined. My kids are my motivation. Having Ezra (my oldest) was my wake-up call.
I’ve very deliberately built my practice around our lives. I am firmly supported by both my husband and his family here, and I’ve entrusted our helper with the task of nourishing us (food is close to a full-time job in my book). I’ve cut out commute time. The kids’ school, our studio and our home are all a few minutes walk from each other, so they often see us in working mode. My son is always asking if he can help, its very endearing.
I believe my kids will only benefit from being a part of our everyday and seeing the passion in the work. I won’t pretend it has been easy, but we stay true to ourselves and close to each other.
We hear you have a pretty big collection of crystals, what’s the story behind that?
There were about three weeks between the time I started my own collection, obtained hundreds more and became a crystal dealer. It was a deep dive - one could say obsession - but I had the guidance of an expert. I had been looking at minerals for a long time before that as I found them fascinating, both in terms of aesthetics and formation. Now, I have stones and clients from around the world…and part of the collection is in our range at www.worldofmyoth.com.
It wasn’t long before the minerals’ energetic properties became apparent. I had been researching space clearing techniques, and things started to merge. I got certified in reiki in order to cleanse the stones, myself, and spaces.
Does ‘energy’ play a part in your design?
I firmly believe that spaces with aligned flow positively affect the user, whether it is a business or a family. Reiki, as a modality, has helped me fine tune my intuitive perception, and I also pay attention to Feng Shui principles, as well as consider psychological associations. I think it is quite natural to find these ideas in the toolbox of an interior designer as the stagnant or misaligned energy of a space in relation to the user is what drives them to adjust it. It just might not be explicit or even conscious.
What is a motto you live by?
“When you believe, your mind will find a way to do”