IR x District Eight

In many ways, it’s the power of social media that brings us together. Over the years, I’ve used several pieces from one of my favorite furniture brands—District Eight, an internationally renowned brand based in Vietnam. One day, a photo from one of our projects, featuring a District Eight piece, made its way across the globe. 

Darren Chew, the founder and creative force behind District Eight, instantly recognized his design in my Instagram post. And just like that, the connection was made. Quickly and effortlessly, we discovered that we shared not only a mutual respect for each other’s work but also a deep-rooted passion for design—one grounded in Asian heritage and a profound appreciation for craftsmanship and artisanship.

My lifelong pursuit of a minimalistic, elegant, and timeless aesthetic continues to guide my work as a designer. But my vision has always extended beyond interiors. For me, design is a holistic language that spans across landscapes, architecture, furniture, graphics, textiles—even the interplay of light and shadow is part of my work. All of it comes from the same source: the desire to create harmony.

This harmony isn’t just something I understand intellectually—it’s something I feel. It’s what inspires me to explore so many facets of design.

You might ask, “Why is Ina leaning into the dark?” Like yin and yang, light and shadow, feminine and masculine—we are all a balance of contrasts. There’s something deeply mysterious and alluring about dark interiors that continues to draw me in. While many of my clients know me for lighter, more ethereal spaces, I find myself resonating strongly with this moody, immersive vibe. Again, it all leads back to my upbringing in Asia.

In my recent collaboration with District Eight, a memory long woven into the fabric of my aesthetic found its voice in the ORA Table—a quiet meeting place where West meets East in timeless dialogue.

The table is currently being showcased at Salone del Mobile 2025 in Milan, as part of District Eight's official collection. You can experience it in person—at Rho Fiera, Pavilion 14, Stand D37–D39, now through April 13. It’s truly an honor to see our design take the spotlight at such an iconic event.