Nhan-Nhi is from Honolulu, Hawaii and graduated from MA Design: Furniture, Ceramics, Jewellery. After completing her undergraduate studies in Architecture at the University of Southern California, she came to Central Saint Martins to further her education in design, specialising in 3D printed ceramics.
Why did you choose to study MA Design at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
My dream is to create a multidisciplinary practice that blends art, design, and fashion, and I believe Central Saint Martins offers the perfect opportunity to connect with and learn from a world-class, international community of creatives who are pioneering the future of these fields.
Upon completing my bachelor’s in Architecture, I sought to deepen my design knowledge in various practices and contexts to broaden my experiences. Coming to Central Saint Martins has put me in an exciting and challenging environment, where I’ve been fortunate to grow surrounded by inspiring and talented creatives from all backgrounds.
What have you been working on since graduating?
I’ve been developing my ceramic 3D printing practice between London and Los Angeles. My graduate collection (NNN: Human Printer) was centered on pushing the boundaries of clay as a medium, and since then, I’ve been conducting numerous tests to explore and challenge materials, particularly through the integration of glass, plastic, and lighting.
A year after graduating, I was fortunate to return to my home country for an invite-only artist residency in Santa Barbara with lyndaLABS, where I had the chance to dive deeper into clay printing and push the scale of my work. I’m excited to share more of my creations by the second half of 2025.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
Collaborating with Stella McCartney and Lenovo was an incredible learning experience. It wasn’t just professionally rewarding, but it also addressed a very urgent real-world issue. As students, we learned and encountered numerous challenging real-life problems at the intersection of fashion and technology. Growing up in Honolulu, sustainable practices have always been central to my life, and it was inspiring to see how crucial and progressive sustainability is in both the future of fashion and technology. This collaborative project was truly eye-opening and has made a lasting influence on my personal practice.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
This course is for those who are truly passionate. Taking this course requires dedication and hard work because time passes rapidly. Be sure to fully utilise the resources at your disposal, keep an open mind, and never hesitate to ask questions.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
I truly enjoyed being part of a community of international students who all shared a love for art, design and fashion, particularly at such a well-respected fashion school. Arriving at Central Saint Martins and London towards the tail end of Covid gave my time here a unique sense of humility and self-reflection. I've become more attuned to my design instincts and have gained a stronger sense of confidence in my work and myself.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
Defining your goals is essential, but trusting your instincts lets you take risks and innovate. If something doesn’t work out, don’t hesitate to go back to square one. If something doesn’t feel right, starting over isn’t a failure—it’s just a step closer to getting it right. The key is to ensure your final result is something you’re proud of.
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