XING LEI
PORTFOLIO
ABOUT LEI XING
Lei is an accomplished creative designer with over a decade of experience developing awardwinning concepts, deeply rooted in hospitality. With formal architecture and interior design training, his interdisciplinary background shapes a holistic approach, seamlessly blending form, function, and storytelling.
Lei began his career in China after graduating from the prestigious CAFA School of Architecture. He worked at leading architectural firms, including AS and Woods Bagot’s Beijing studio, focusing on large-scale projects. Over time, his interest shifted toward interior design, where he explored more intimate, human-centered spaces.
In 2015, Lei moved to New York to pursue an MFA in Interior Design at Pratt Institute, further refining his creative perspective and immersing himself in a global design environment.
Lei then joined Life House Hotels in its early stages, where he led design efforts for several critically acclaimed projects, including the boutique hotels Life House Denver, Life House Nantucket, and Life House Berkshires, as well as the high-end Faraway Nantucket. These projects highlight his ability to craft immersive, memorable spaces that resonate deeply with guests. His portfolio also includes roles at globally recognized firms such as WeWork and Rapt Studio, where he seamlessly navigated between large-scale office space and boutique design.
Over the past two years, Lei has been a Senior Associate at One Union Studio, contributing to the design and development of unique, emotionally resonant hospitality brands, with a focus on outdoor-inspired lodging experiences in boutique settings.
Fueled by a passion for storytelling, heritage, and blending antiques with modern design, Lei creates spaces that inspire connection and lasting leisure experiences. His global perspective adds unique depth and meaning to every project.
Lei’s passion for art and drawing is also evident in his custom murals, bespoke wallpapers, and graphics, which add a personal and artistic dimension to his work. Based in New York City, he continues to explore and push the boundaries of art, design, and storytelling.
EDUCATION
PRATT INSTITUTE New York
MFA, Interior Design (2017)
THE CENTRAL ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS Beijing B.ARCH, Interior Architecture (2010)
KINGSTON UNIVERSITY London
Product & Furniture Design (2009)
ACCOLADES
FARAWAY NANTUCKET
CONDE NAST TRAVELER: 2022 Hot List
BOSTON MAGAZINE: 2023 Best Hotel, Nantucket
VOGUE: 20 of the Most Charming Hotels in the U.S.
LIFEHOUSE NANTUCKET
ARCH. DIGEST: Best New Hotel Openings 2021
CONDE NAST TRAVELER: 2021 Hot List
COVETEUR: One of the top Northeastern Getaways
DWELL: Nantucket’s Newest Boutique Hote l
LIFEHOUSE LOWER HIGHLANDS
HD AWARDS: Best Hotel Guest Room 2021
LIFEHOUSE BERKSHIRES
TRAVEL + LEISURE : Best Hotel 2023
CONDE NAST TRAVELER: 2023 Hot List
LANGUAGES
ENGLISH
FULL PROFESSIONAL PROFICIENCY
MANDARIN
NATIVE OR BILINGUAL PROFICIENCY
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ONE UNION STUDIO New York
SENIOR ASSOCIATE (2021-2024)
PROJECT DESIGN & MANAGEMENT
- Full Service Interior & Experience Design:
Concept, SD, DD, CD Review, Install, Styling
- Manage In-house Design Team
& Collaborate with External Partners
- Consultant Coordination
LIFE HOUSE
New York
CREATIVE DIRECTOR (2021)
SENIOR DESIGNER + PROJECT MANAGER (2018-2020)
PROJECT DESIGN & MANAGEMENT
- Manage In-house Design Team
& Collaborate with External Partners
- Renovation & FF&E
- Consultant Coordination
- Studio Standard Practices
RAPT STUDIO
New York
INTERIOR DESIGNER (2017-2018)
INTERIOR & EXPERIENCE DESIGN
- Report to the Director of Interior Design
- Work in Tandem with Senior Design Project Managers
- Prepare FF&E Specifications & Drawings
- Concept, Schematic and Design Documentation Packages
WEWORK New
York
SUMMER INTERNSHIP (2016)
WOODS BAGOT Beijing
INTERIOR DESIGNER (2013-2015)
AS.ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
Beijing
INTERIOR DESIGNER (2010-2013)
PROJECT LIST
HOTELS
FARAWAY NANTUCKET
LIFE HOUSE, NANTUCKET
LIFE HOUSE, LOWER HIGHLANDS
LIFE HOUSE, BUSHWICK
LIFE HOUSE, CHATTANOOGA
LIFE HOUSE, BERKSHIRES
LIFE HOUSE, LITTLE HAVANA
OUTBOUND STOWE
OUTBOUND YOSEMITE CABIN RESORT
CASA LA ROCA
CHALET EL CAP HOTEL
FOOD & BEVERAGE
SISTERSHIP, NANTUCKET
WILD FLOWER, DENVER
MAMA JUNE, MIAMI
EASTSIDE, STOWE
THE CLUB ROOM, BERKSHIRES
WORKPLACE
GOOP HQ, SANTA MONICA
TENCENT HQ, BEIJING
WEWORK, MANHATTAN BEACH
VORNADO ONE PARK AVE, NYC
RETAIL
ONE BITE BAKERY, BEIJING
INSIDE RAMEN, BEIJING
A SELECTION OF WORK
FARAWAY NANTUCKET & SISTERSHIP
LIFEHOUSE NANTUCKET
LIFEHOUSE LOWER HIGHLANDS & WILDFLOWER
LIFEHOUSE BERKSHIRES & THE CLUB ROOM
OUTBOUD STOWE & EASTSIDE
UNDERDEVELOPMENT
OUTBOUD YOSEMITE
CHALET EL CAP
FARAWAY NANTUCKET & SISTERSHIP
LIFE HOUSE NANTUCKET
LIFE HOUSE LOWER HIGHLANDS & WILDFLOWER
LIFE HOUSE BERKSHIRES & THE CLUB ROOM
OUTBOUND STOWE & EASTSIDE
OUTBOUND YOSEMITE
*UNDER CONSTRUCTION
CHALET EL CAP
*UNDER CONSTRUCTION
