Hongtao Zhou is a designer, artist and researcher working in the interdisciplinary areas of furniture design, sculptural installation and performance. Hongtao started his career in Harbin of China as a designer and sculptor. He came to the U.S. in 2005, and received his Ph.D. in Furniture Design & Manufacturing from Purdue University and MFA in Sculpture/Furniture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His practice crosses the boundaries of art, design, engineering and science. Currently he is an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii-Manoa working on design and art matters regarding sustainability, climate and culture.

Hongtao has exhibited national & international and has published abstracts and biographies in art, design and scientific research. His recent exhibitions include National Museum of China, Milwaukee Art Museum, Chazen Museum of Art, Charles Allis Art Museum, Philadelphia Art Alliance, Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum in Beijing and Taiwan Design Center. His has published in American Craft, Interior Design, Interni, Design Bureau, Metropolis, Zhuangshi magazine and Modern Weekly. Hongtao is also a winner of the silver medal at the International Snow Sculpture Competition Quebec, Vermont Studio Center Fellowship Award and the first place award in Design Emphasis, International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta.