Talent Spotlight: Wendy Li
International Women's Day 2026
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women of CHIL Interior Design throughout March, highlighting the perspectives that shape how we design with empathy, intention, and care.
We sat down with Wendy Li, Intermediate Interior Designer, to talk about guest experience, growth, and what Give to Gain means in practice.
The theme for IWD 2026 is ‘Give to Gain.’ If you could go back in time and ‘give’ one piece of advice to your younger self on her first day in the industry, what would it be, and what do you think she would ‘gain’ from knowing it sooner?
If I could go back and give one piece of advice to my younger self on her first day in the industry, it would be this: be intentional about your growth, trust your voice sooner, and don’t be afraid to take up space.
Early in my career, I focused heavily on learning, observing, and supporting others, thinking I needed experience first, believing results would naturally speak for themselves, which is still true. What I know now is that while strong work matters, advocacy matters just as much. Growth comes from participation, not perfection.
By giving herself permission to speak up, seeking feedback, and taking ownership of her work earlier, expressing interest in new responsibilities. She would gain confidence and clarity in her design identity and professional direction, accelerate her development and stronger relationships with collaborators and teams. She would also learn sooner that contribution isn’t just about delivering drawings — it’s about offering perspective, curiosity, and empathy.
“Give to Gain” means giving your energy to learning, your voice to collaboration, and your initiative to opportunity. In return, you gain confidence, recognition, and a more intentional career path — something I wish I had understood sooner.
What’s your favorite part of working at CHIL?
My favorite part of working at CHIL Interior Design is truly the people. It’s such a supportive group — not just professionally, but emotionally as well — and I genuinely love working with my colleagues. I think it comes from designers’ natural sensitivities and everyone’s strong ability to perceive both people and space. From a project perspective, each team member brings different strengths, and that collaboration makes our process incredibly effective and meaningful.
Hospitality is about authenticity and empathy. How do you think your perspective as a woman shapes the way you approach the design of a guest experience?
Hospitality, to me, starts with understanding how people feel in a space. As a woman and a resort guest myself, I aspire to approach design through lived experience — placing myself in the guest’s position and imagining how they move through a space emotionally as well as physically.
I’m drawn to creating holistic journeys where every touchpoint matters: the arrival experience, lighting transitions, material tactility that balances safety and warmth, acoustics, and the way furniture supports both connection and privacy. I see these moments as opportunities to shape atmosphere and memory, and I aim to design spaces that feel intuitive, calming, and welcoming.
Authentic design creates emotional resonance. It comes from designing with intention and is guided by listening to both clients, users and the context of the place. I’m especially interested in creating inclusive environments that welcome people of different ages, cultures, and abilities. Ultimately, my goal is to craft guest experiences in which thoughtful design quietly supports well-being, allowing each journey to unfold naturally from arrival to departure.
When you’re not in the studio, what’s something that you’re passionate about?
When I’m not in the studio, my passions tend to evolve, but what stays constant is spending meaningful time with friends. I really value shared experiences and moments that help me recharge outside of work. Last summer I was introduced to tennis and pickleball, and I’ve been trying to stick with both whenever the weather allows. I also enjoy staying active and exploring new activities — snowboarding, golf, and paddleboarding are all on my list to try next.
If you could check into any hotel in the world tonight (one you didn’t design!), where would it be, and what would be the most exciting to experience?
I don’t have one specific hotel in mind — instead, I’m drawn to properties that feel deeply connected to their cultural and natural context, like Aman Tokyo or Six Senses Bhutan. When budget isn’t a concern, I look for places that tell a story of their region and blend seamlessly into their surroundings — becoming part of the mountain, forest, or landscape rather than standing apart from it.
What excites me most is experiencing how tranquillity is designed into space through light, materials, views, and quiet moments that support relaxation and wellbeing. When I stay in a hotel, I naturally seek comfort, but also something elevated from everyday life: an atmosphere that feels calm, intentional, and emotionally grounding.