Xu Jinglei, Chinese designer and Founder and Design Director of Slow Coral Design, has been named the 2025 winner of the prestigious Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award. Renowned for his site-sensitive, sustainable approach, Xu has redefined how design can engage with communities, nature and local culture.
© Andrew Martin Design Awards 25
After a decade working at a large state-owned design institute in China, Xu founded Slow Coral Design in 2016, with a vision to revitalise underutilised rural spaces and preserve the unique character of his hometown. The 'Slow' in Slow Coral Design reflects Xu's philosophy of long-term site renewal, promoting sustainable development, encouraging young people to return to their hometowns, and driving community growth while respecting both environment and local culture.
Xu's signature project, the Yandangshan Scenic Area Renewal – Cliff Series, is featured in Andrew Martin's Interior Design Review Volume 29. The project comprises a series of innovative commercial interventions in Yandangshan, a mountain range in eastern China, using a light-touch approach to activate the sites. Employing low-cost, lightweight construction, the work preserves the natural mountain landscapes while integrating sustainable materials and operational strategies. As well as protecting the environment, the projects aim to engage younger audiences and serve as standout examples for cultural tourism revitalisation.
© Andrew Martin Design Awards 2025
Reflecting on the award, Xu says: "I am deeply honoured to receive the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award. This recognition is not only an encouragement for me and my team, but also an affirmation of our long-term exploration of light-touch cultural and tourism practices in China through small-scale interventions. We believe design should step back, allowing nature and the environment to reveal their own presence, and in doing so, create realms of coexistence that connect people with their surroundings."
Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin, comments: "Harnessing the wonder of a location is such a skill in a designer. Anyone who sees Xu Jinglei's astonishing work will want to go there in a heartbeat. And that's the gold standard for any designer."
© Andrew Martin Design Awards 2025
Judging the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award this year were acclaimed actor Stanley Tucci and respected literary agent Felicity Blunt, who said of the winner: "Utterly memorable, extraordinary and unique."
Celebrating its 29th year, the Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award continues to spotlight the most extraordinary talents in global interior design. Xu Jinglei joins a distinguished line of past winners, including Kelly Hoppen, Kit Kemp, Nicky Haslam, Tara Bernerd, Axel Vervoordt, Thomas Pheasant and last year's winner, Matthew Williamson, cementing his reputation as a leading creative force in contemporary design.
© Andrew Martin Design Awards 2025
more information:
Andrew Martin
www.andrewmartin.co.uk
