Gardy Wu

Q%How did you find your favorite design disciplines? 

A%Alongside my studies, I work as a tea specialist and dive into food design and event concepts. My main focus lies in everything food-related, but I also love experimenting with product design — recently, I’ve been exploring metal as a material. 

Q%How did you develop these specialization?

A%Honestly, my side jobs came from my passions. Food has always played a big role in my life, partly because of my upbringing and cultural background. In my family, food was the heart of everything—it was how we expressed love and connection. For a long time, I kept this passion to myself, but once I got to university, I found opportunities to integrate it into projects. That’s when I realized how much I could create and how many people I could reach through food. 

Q%Has your study path changed because of this? 

A%Absolutely. My personal interests have gradually merged with my studies. At first, I was just experimenting, thinking, ‘Maybe I’ll find what interests me.’ And I truly believe you can develop an interest in almost anything if you’re passionate and committed. Eventually, I saw that I didn’t need to separate my passions from my studies. KISD provides a great space for experimentation, allowing external influences to shape my academic journey. 

Q%Do you like that your personal and academic lives are so intertwined? 

A%For the most part, yes—it’s a huge benefit. It brings me closer to a sense of fulfillment. But I’ve also learned that it can be exhausting. Without balance, passion can easily turn into burnout. So, I actively work on managing stress to make sure I don’t lose the joy in what I love.

Q%How do you manage stress? 

A%For me, it’s about movement and connection—sports, yoga, and spending time with people. I used to study classical music, and that experience taught me the importance of balance. When you’re deeply immersed in something, it’s easy to overstep your limits. I had to learn to recognize when to step back and take care of myself. 

Q%Tell us about your experience in music. 

A%Music started as a childhood hobby but quickly became a serious career path. When I entered a music conservatory, I saw firsthand the extreme dedication required—people practiced up to 14 hours a day. It was intense. Eventually, the pressure took a toll on my health, and I made the difficult but necessary decision to step away from a professional music career. Looking back, I’m grateful for that experience—it taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of listening to my body. 

Q%Do you work alongside your studies? 

A%Yes, and I actually think working gives you a different perspective. University can feel like a 
bubble, but working forces you to apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations. Plus, let’s be honest— sometimes, it’s just financially necessary. 

Q%Which job taught you the most? 

A%Working in my family’s tea shop was a major learning experience. I worked there for nearly a decade, seeing the business evolve from the inside. It’s a unique experience when your boss is also your parent! I also learned a lot from catering, especially organizing a full event in Cologne from scratch. Unlike university projects, real-world work has actual consequences—you need to manage resources, meet expectations, and adapt quickly. 

Q%What’s it like working with family and friends? 

A%It’s a challenge, especially in a family business where work and personal life blend together. With friends, it’s sometimes easier because there’s more mutual respect for boundaries. But honestly, both require effort and communication. Setting limits is an ongoing lesson for me. 

Q%What do you expect from your future career? 

A%I try not to have rigid expectations. Instead, I focus on flexibility and growth. I want my career to evolve as I do. The only thing I truly wish for is a stable yet dynamic environment where I can keep learning and be surrounded by inspiring people. 

Q%Do you feel financially secure? 

A%Right now, I rely on student aid but that will run out soon. Of course, I worry about financial stability, but I try not to let it limit me. I’ve experienced financial uncertainty before and found ways to adapt. I trust that if I stay resourceful, I’ll figure things out. 

Q%Which project are you most proud of? 

A%Usually, it’s whatever I’m working on at the moment! Right now, that’s a event series called oc:cura, a project close to my heart because it involves collaboration with close friends outside of university. Another highlight was a dinner event I organized with fellow students. It was an ambitious, experimental project that really showed me how much is possible with the right team and vision. 

Q%What does hospitality mean to you?

A%To me, hospitality is an act of care. In my family, food was a love language. I genuinely enjoy bringing people together, creating a space where they feel welcome and appreciated. Whether it’s through a meal or opening my home, I see it as a way to offer warmth and connection. That’s something I want to carry into everything I do.