Daily Inspiration: Meet Ilju Ha

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilju Ha.

Ilju, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Icheon, Korea — known as the “City of Ceramics” — where I first discovered how objects could carry feelings and form emotional bonds with the people who used them. Since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the limitless forms of ceramics and the ever-changing beauty of glazes. That fascination quietly guided me toward a career where objects can hold emotions and stories, and connect deeply with their users — ultimately leading me to industrial design. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Product Design from ArtCenter College of Design, where I further developed my design philosophy and skills.

For me, industrial design is about creating connection. I love sharing ideas with users, exploring emotions, colors, and textures, and discovering unexpected combinations that make a design feel alive. Like ceramics, I want the objects I create to invite people to shape their own experiences, feeling their unique power and energy. Through my work, I express my personality without words, building playful, meaningful connections that people can truly feel.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Industrial design lives at the intersection of art and reality. In my mind, I can envision forms no one has ever seen before — shapes, colors, and materials coming together in beautiful harmony. But the moment those ideas land on the table, they face the realities of manufacturing processes, budgets, durability, and industry standards.

This reality becomes much more tangible in practice than it ever felt in school. In the concept sketch or ideation stage, creativity can be limitless. But once a project reaches the design-for-manufacturing phase, reality takes the lead. Even for something as simple as a switch, I have to consider whether the design can be mass-produced, if it fits the specifications and budget of available materials, whether the client has the capability to execute it, and if the right suppliers are in place.

Understanding and accepting this balance is, I believe, the true starting point for growth as an industrial designer.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
After earning my degree in Product Design from ArtCenter College of Design, I built my career through multiple internships and now as a full-time industrial designer. My work spans the entire design process from early research and concept generation to CMF Over the years, I’ve designed for a variety of industries, consumer electronics, AI wearables, oral care, and furniture, and that’s taught me to adapt quickly, work closely with different teams, and always balance the user experience with what’s actually feasible to manufacture.

A standout project for me is Pal Stool, which won the SIT Furniture Design Award. It’s a playful, social workspace stool that encourages spontaneous conversations and creativity, and it reflects my belief that products can connect people, not just serve a function. Another favorite is a sustainable mushroom-growing kit that won a Pentaward, which ties into my interest in ecological sustainability.

For me, these projects show what makes my work unique. I try to combine storytelling, emotional connection, and functionality in a way that makes a product feel both meaningful and practical. I see design as more than solving problems; it’s about building a bridge between people and the objects in their lives, and hopefully leaving an impression that lasts long after they start using it.

What matters most to you?
For me, what matters most is designing for timelessness, because longevity is one of the most sustainable choices we can make. Trends come and go, but when a design is thoughtfully considered in both style and function, it lasts. I aim to create products that people want to keep and use for years, which helps reduce waste and the need for constant replacement.

To me, timelessness is not just about appearance. It is about creating products that naturally fit into people’s daily lives and become part of them. If something I design, or my team designs, becomes an essential part of someone’s everyday life, there is nothing more rewarding than that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ij-ha.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ij-ha/