Daily Inspiration: Meet Yumeng Gao

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yumeng Gao

Hi Yumeng, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up immersed in a blend of cultures, I was born and raised in China before coming to the United States to pursue higher education. My journey began in Los Angeles, a city that captivated me with its endless sunshine and inclusive culture. It was there that I first visited the stunning shoreline mansions and beautiful and ancient universities, sparking my passion for interior design.

Although I eventually moved to Wisconsin for my undergraduate studies and then to Rhode Island for my master’s degree, I’ve now successfully settled in Raleigh as an interior designer. Yet, that initial experience in Los Angeles continues to influence me, shaping my design perspective and approach. I believe I’ll return to California in the near future, as I’m always drawn to its vibrant interior design market and abundant resources.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—like many at the early stages of their career, I faced uncertainty about what type of designer I wanted to become. Initially, I explored landscape architecture before ultimately deciding to focus on interior spaces. There was also a time when I considered shifting towards a design field related to AI, given its impact on the world today, but I eventually found my way back to interior design as I like more practical stuff and I believe interior spaces are essential to the well-being of every individual.

I undertook three internships in both China and the United States, which played a crucial role in helping me refine my career direction. These experiences allowed me to explore different paths and ultimately commit to the one that truly resonated with me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a hospitality and commercial interior designer, I specialize in creating unique and inviting spaces for bars, restaurants, and hotels. My work spans across the U.S., from Texas and Mississippi to North Carolina. What I’m most proud of is my design philosophy—it’s not just about renovation; it’s about preserving history and creating a narrative through space.

What sets me apart is my multicultural background. Being born in China, studying in the United States, and spending time as an exchange student in Europe have all shaped my perspective. My broad travel experiences further contribute to a diverse and rich design approach, allowing me to blend different cultural elements into cohesive, meaningful spaces.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
As a minority and a woman building my career in the United States, I’ve faced my share of challenges. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to always speak up for yourself and be brave in expressing your design ideas and thoughts. Embrace and take pride in your multicultural background—it’s a powerful advantage, and it’s how the design world can truly grow and evolve on an international scale.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymadeofcoldbrew/

Image Credits
Yumeng Gao