Today we’d like to introduce you to Huili Feng.
Hi Huili, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always seen design as a form of exploration—of places, people, and ideas. Growing up in Wuhan, China, I was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage and a rapidly changing urban landscape. That early contrast sparked my curiosity and inspired me to study architecture in my hometown. In 2002, I moved to Chicago to pursue a master’s degree, and what I thought would be a few years of study turned into two decades of discovery and growth.
Chicago became my second home—and my proving ground. Over the years, I worked on everything from high-rises and schools to train stations and urban parks, including the iconic Chicago Riverwalk. Each project was a new adventure, a new lens through which to understand how people live, move, and connect. I also found joy in the quieter, more tactile side of design—managing an interior library for a decade, where I developed a deep love for materials, texture, and the art of interiors.
Somewhere along the way, I met my husband—also an architect—and in 2017, we decided to start our own firm, Tumu Studio. At first, we focused on boutique hospitality and commercial projects. But when the pandemic hit, we lost every project in two weeks. It was a tough moment, but it also opened a new path. Friends who had moved to Boulder asked us to renovate their home, and that project rekindled something in us—a love for personal, meaningful residential design.
That project led to more, and in 2022, we took a leap and moved to Boulder ourselves, drawn by the lifestyle, the nature, and—unexpectedly—a vibrant design community that welcomed us with open arms. Today, we’re designing two custom homes from the ground up and leading interior design for another in Steamboat Springs.
Looking back, nothing about my journey has followed a straight line—and I like it that way. I never set strict limits on the types of projects I take on. I follow my curiosity, chase what excites me, and always try to bring a sense of joy and authenticity to everything I design. It’s that mix of cultures, cities, and creative chapters that continues to shape both my life and my work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Looking back on my 23-year career in architecture, there have been struggles in every chapter. In the beginning, it was the culture shock and the language barrier—just learning how to be understood was a challenge. Then came the long hours, the constant pressure, and the exhaustion that seems to come with proving yourself, especially as a female immigrant in a male-dominated industry.
When we had kids, a whole new layer of responsibility and exhaustion was added. Balancing motherhood with work wasn’t easy. Starting our own design practice brought a different kind of challenge—suddenly, we weren’t just architects, we were business owners trying to figure things out from scratch while supporting a family of four. We scrapped and stretched every dollar. Just when we started to gain momentum, COVID hit and everything came to a halt.
Now we’re in a new state, working to find our footing again in a different market. The challenges continue to shift with each phase of life. Some are external, but the harder ones tend to be internal—self-doubt, imposter syndrome, fear of falling short. What I’ve learned over time is how important it is to stay grounded in who I am and why I do this work. I don’t always have all the answers, but when I see a space come to life—when it feels thoughtful, being loved, and meaningful—it reminds me that the process, even with all its ups and downs, is part of the journey and it is worthwhile.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now, most of my work is focused on custom homes in unique, beautiful, often challenging sites. I think people come to us because our designs feel warm, modern, and personal—and because we bring a strong skill set of both architecture and interiors. Many former clients told us they appreciated how thoughtful our process was, how we pushed ideas within their boundaries—and that we made the process fun. What I’m most proud of is that every project feels different. We take the time to explore new ideas rather than repeat ourselves. We stay current, but we don’t chase trends. We stay curious and keep an open mind.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck is a mix of timing, past failures, and hard work. Most of what I do each day comes from a genuine love for the work—but getting here has taken persistence through countless setbacks and failures that no one sees but me. I believe if you try a thousand times and succeed ten, people call it luck because they only see the success. The truth is, I try more times than most. I’ve learned it helps to know what I’m good at, what I’m not, and to make a plan. When opportunities come, I try to be prepared. Over the eight years of running our business, we’ve had both good and bad luck—and each has taught me something valuable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tumustudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tumustudio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huili-feng/
Image Credits
David Lauer, Cynthia Lynn, Dustin Halleck, Daniel Jenkins, Stephanie Bassos
