I am Zoe Lee and I have 15 years of experience working on high-end projects all over the globe: Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Toronto, New York. I have previously worked for some of the top interior design firms in Asia and Canada such as Kokaistudios, Eco- ID, Burdifilek, and Tongtong +.

Throughout my working career I have had the privilege to be part of successful and interesting design projects: Indigo bookstore, Mackage, The Plant Queen West in North America; Toni & guy salon, St Regis Hotel, Renaissance Hotel some high-end residential projects in Asia to name a few. Some of these projects also drew recognition in both local and international awards.

I love to draw since I was 10 and I knew I will be a designer one day. I was attracted to design and home decor as a child and this validates my early "eye" that has developed over time.

Being a designer gives me immense opportunities to influence the lives of people thru the spaces that I create. I see these spaces interact with them and in turn enhance their life thru their experiences with the built environment.

Dexign Matter is a Toronto based studio specializing in interior design, including residential, hospitality, commercial and retail environments.

Our focus has never been in any one specific market segment, but the goal is simply to deliver creative design solutions for clients and their spaces.

We pride ourselves in producing quality works with our enthusiasm, passion, skill and determination.

Design to me is all about the end result. How it can address a design problem on hand and creating a perfect solution that encompasses a client’s goals with functionality and aesthetics.

Complete renovation from the ground up. This kind of design projects allows me to think freely where I can have a fresh canvas to work with.

I believe great designs change the way how people live, dine, play, love and even change the world we live in.

I love exploring the juxtaposition of materials, colors, forms and patterns. A multi-layered, stimulating sensory experience is at the center of my design approach.

Provocative concepts and expressive narratives are typical signature in my extensive body of work. I believe that “every space should sing & dance”.

The first stage of any process is to clarify project parameters. This is the part where we dive deep into getting to know our client and the design problem. We ask important questions from which we form key words, ideas or topics that will define our design.

We then focus on creating a design narrative which I call the “spirit of the project’. Since every clientele and project is different each project always has its own unique story.

Once we have established a concept, we continue to collaborate with the client and consultants to further develop the ideas into a concrete solution.

Not very much, but it’s important to respect and safeguard all cultural heritage

Receiving this recognition from MUSE is an honor and is critical to the continued success of our business.

The Cube Nail Lab to me was an example of how a meticulously curated space can provide a perfect built environment for the end users.

With a tight interior space to begin with, it was imperative that the design was laid out in a way that would maximize every inch of the space and provide the utmost planning efficiency.

In this project. we also had the benefit of establishing from scratch the client’s brand and image. This presented us the unique opportunity to come up with our “grid” concept which is the very essence and spirit of this nail spa. It also showed how we can combine branding elements into a space.

The project had a limited budget and a very short timeline.

This award will enable me to establish and build a stronger foundation for my studio.

To be recognized for my work in the interior design industry is truly incredible! Muse Award is geared for today’s designers and being a part of this story is something that I’m can be proud of.

Turning ideas into reality

Making things look good

Improving the quality of life and business thru design

Canada is known for its diversity. This is evident and can be seen in the design industry as well thru the design influences coming from people of diverse backgrounds.

I think design is ever evolving. History will tell us that design styles goes thru cycles and certain look will be a fad from time to time.

However one thing constant is that tangible things always dictate how the design industry adapts thru the years.

Also with the pandemic that is going on right now, I do see that technology will be a big part of our industry in the next few years. Working and collaborating online can be the norm; this will in some ways make us work more efficient.

Be bold, be confident. Win or lose, they should be proud of their work.

Join a professional association in your field. In a group setting, you have the opportunity to converse with colleagues about your industry and to discover skills you may want to develop.

Furthermore, if you have an opportunity to find a mentor, someone that you can truly respect and trust, build relationships with them. The advice and experience you get from them is immeasurable.

I get lost easily. I mean… without a navigator, as I have a terrible sense of direction.

Kelly Wearstler

Kelly is a master at selecting colors and textures. Design narrative is constant and can be seen throughout her designs. She has and continues to inspire me to break boundaries and try something new, find our own voice and get out of a comfort zone.

Enjoy the journey. If you are doing something exciting and you really love, you don’t need to be pushed.

It is truly an honor to receive the MUSE Award for our project, The Cube Nail Lab. Thank you MUSE.