Holloway Li

Holloway Li is a London-based interior architecture and design studio established by creative directors Alex Holloway and Na Li. The firm officially launched its partnership in 2018, following a period of frequent collaboration after both founders had established their own separate practices in 2015. The studio operates from its London headquarters, with an additional presence in Hong Kong, and undertakes projects for an international client base across various sectors. Holloway Li is recognized for its approach to interior architecture and design, which encompasses hospitality, retail, workplace, and residential projects.

The company's design philosophy is characterized by a conceptual yet refined methodology, aiming to create spaces that balance a strong architectural identity with warmth and functionality. Holloway Li operates at the forefront of contemporary design, blurring the boundaries between historicism, decoration, and digital processes to produce intricate interiors. The firm's work often incorporates a strong design narrative, frequently referencing cinematic qualities to create impactful interiors. This approach is influenced by the interplay between the founders' cross-cultural backgrounds and their inspiration from the conflict between historicism and futurism observed in London, seeking to bridge Far Eastern and Western design thinking.

While Holloway Li's portfolio is diverse, a significant portion of its work focuses on the hospitality sector, including projects relevant to purpose-built accommodation. The firm has completed apartment hotel concepts such as WunderLocke in Munich and Bermonds Locke in London. Other notable hospitality projects include a rooftop extension for The Hoxton in Shoreditch. The studio is also involved in upcoming developments, including a large-scale modular apartment hotel in Canary Wharf and a co-living scheme in London, alongside new hospitality projects in various international locations such as China, Tokyo, New York, and other parts of London. These projects demonstrate the firm's experience in designing multi-unit residential and hybrid living spaces.

Holloway Li integrates sustainable practices into its design process, emphasizing low-cost and low-impact solutions. The company explores innovative ways to repurpose basic construction materials and waste. An example of this is the use of recycled concrete strength-testing cubes for table plinths and a bar-front in the Bermonds Locke project, diverting these materials from landfills. The firm aims for all its work to incorporate elements of reuse or upcycling. Beyond interior architecture, Holloway Li has also ventured into product design, launching its first furniture collection in collaboration with Uma and regularly developing bespoke furniture items for its projects. The company is a chartered practice and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The leadership of Holloway Li is shared between its two founders, Alex Holloway and Na Li, who met while studying at the Bartlett School of Architecture. Alex Holloway serves as the Creative Director, overseeing the overall creative output and design direction, with a focus on the conceptual aspects of design and managing projects in London and North America. Na Li, as the Managing Director, is responsible for business development and manages the firm's projects in the APAC region and for regional UK clients, contributing technical insight and application expertise. Their combined skill sets are central to the firm's operation and project delivery. The studio's portfolio also includes diverse projects such as the reimagining of Mother London's Shoreditch headquarters, a new flagship experience for bathroom brand Coalbrook, and a spa, salon, and restaurant named Linnaean.