During my Fulbright fellowship in Korea, I discovered a small studio where an artist was making Hanji paper from mulberry trees. The process was meticulous - breaking down wood fibers, carefully filtering the pulp, and building new structures through countless layers of paper. This ancient craft resonated deeply with my approach to design.

What fascinated me wasn't just the final product, but the deliberate transformation of materials. The artisan would spend days breaking down wood only to rebuild it into something new, each layer adding strength and character. This process mirrors how we should approach design challenges - understanding the fundamental elements before building something meaningful.

In our rush for quick solutions, we often skip the beauty of process. But my experience with Hanji papermaking reminds me that true innovation often lies in understanding and respecting the journey. Whether I'm designing a product or crafting a brand experience, I carry this lesson: meaningful design requires both deconstruction and patient rebuilding.