Interior designer
Cupertino, California

Liling
Bao

Residential interiors.
Independent commissions.
Selected studio work.

Explore the portfolio
Garden-facing gallery in the completed House W interior
House W / Gifu, Japan / Completed interior

Selected work

Eight projects,
distinct responsibilities

Each project identifies my contribution, the work of collaborating teams, and the design stage represented by the images.

01 / Residence and studio

House W

Gifu, Japan2018

A home within a larger volume

A compact inner volume gathers the stair and private functions. Open spaces around it connect living, working, and shared activities. Offset floor levels and openings bring daylight and garden views into the interior.

My contribution

I developed the project model and renderings and joined the Chinese design team in reviewing the detailed drawings prepared by the Japanese team.

The Chinese team leader established the concept. The Japanese team prepared the construction documents. Completed photographs document the built project, not my visualization work.

02 / Independent commission

Zhimeihui

Hangzhou, ChinaDesign proposals / 2024

Spaces for work, hospitality, and everyday use

The commission includes the ground-floor entrance, eighth-floor workplace and reception spaces, and staff dining. The selected studies focus on the tea room, lounge, and dining interiors, where built-in furniture and material transitions give each setting its own scale.

My contribution

I independently undertook this commission and completed the concept, spatial planning, design development, modeling, and renderings.

A separate documentation team produced the construction drawings. Designers based in China handled subsequent design coordination. I had relocated to the United States before construction and did not provide on-site delivery. The completed project differs from the proposals shown.

03 / Early education

123+ Education Center

Shanghai, China2017.07–2017.10 / 424 sqm

Shared spaces between the classrooms

The center occupies both sides of a public mall corridor. Curved openings and layered thresholds connect focused rooms with shared spaces for movement, play, and learning.

My contribution

After the Studio Principal established the concept, I led interior design development, 3D modeling, construction drawing review, and detail coordination. I followed the work on site and supported later-stage client and contractor communication through completion.

Project by OfficeOffCourse. Overall concept and design direction by the Studio Principal. Client communication was primarily in Chinese.

Recognition2019 Architizer A+Awards, Popular Choice Winner: Kindergartens and Architecture +Learning. Project recognition for OfficeOffCourse. Official record

04 / Showroom interiors

Jiujike 6F

Hangzhou, China

A gallery of distinct display settings

A continuous route links product rooms with different proportions and atmospheres. Curved thresholds frame partial views, while lighting and display furniture distinguish each setting.

My contribution

My work focused on interior design development, construction drawing review, detail coordination, and site follow-up within the studio’s overall design direction.

Project by OfficeOffCourse. This chapter covers the sixth-floor showroom. The fifteenth-floor furniture project appears separately below.

05 / Movable display furniture

Jiujike 15F

Hangzhou, China

Flexible furniture within a retained interior

The client retained most of the existing fit-out. Work to the interior focused on lighting adjustments, selected partition removal, and floor repairs. Movable cabinets and partitions support changing displays for elder-care and pet products.

My contribution

I contributed to furniture design development, construction drawing review, and coordination for implementation.

Project by OfficeOffCourse. The scope centers on movable furniture and display arrangements, rather than a complete interior rebuild.

06 / Medical aesthetics and wellness

BR Xintiandi Center

Shanghai, China2023

Material continuity from reception to treatment

Warm neutral finishes and rounded transitions connect the public and private areas. Design studies and site records document the waiting area, illuminated reception counter, wayfinding, and furniture placement.

My contribution

I developed the 3D model, selected materials with the project lead, and reviewed construction drawings. Weekly site visits supported issue resolution and design adjustments.

Design direction and material decisions involved the project lead. Renderings and site photographs are identified separately.

07 / Visitor reception and display

Dayao Visitor Center

Longquan, China

Interior details within an established design

Timber seating and display elements occupy a sheltered visitor space framed by rammed-earth walls and landscape views.

My contribution

My contribution was limited to interior detailing, display design, and later-stage site follow-up.

The studio completed the main design before I joined. Project by OfficeOffCourse. The overall architecture and concept are not my design authorship.

RecognitionOfficeOffCourse was shortlisted for the 2019 AR Emerging Architecture awards. The visitor center appeared in the shortlist coverage. This is practice recognition, not an individual award. Official record

08 / Exhibition interiors

Dayao Exhibition Center

Longquan, China

Display furniture above the kiln remains

The glass enclosure brings light into the exhibition rooms. Display cases and transparent floor areas place the exhibits in direct visual relation to the archaeological remains below.

My contribution

My contribution was limited to interior detailing, display design, and later-stage site follow-up.

The studio completed the main design before I joined. Project by OfficeOffCourse. The main architectural design and concept are not my authorship.

Recognition2019 Architizer A+Awards, Popular Choice Winner: Gallery and Architecture +Glass. Project recognition for OfficeOffCourse. Official record

About

Interior design experience in China.
Now based in the Bay Area.

I am Liling Bao, an interior designer with more than ten years of professional experience in China. My work includes independently commissioned design and collaborative studio projects.

I am interested in opportunities with residential design practices. I bring experience in spatial design and visualization, material and furniture development, construction drawing review, and project coordination. My role varies by project, as described above.

The work shown is in China and Japan. It does not represent U.S. project or code experience.

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