Name: Jacqueline Khiu
Expertise: Editing and producing design related content for print and online media.
Location: New York City

Interests: What to eat next. Travel.

Background: Born in New Zealand, lived in Sydney, San Francisco and now Brooklyn. Studied architecture, worked in magazines and online programs, now working on the Core77 Design Awards, an annual celebration of excellence, enterprise and intent.

Why did you curate the Grounded mats by Domestic Construction and what do you love about them? First of all they are visually stunning. The mix of structure, colors and playfulness appeals to me. I also like how they are come from a digital dying process but start out as hand-cut paper designs so there’s this high and low-tech approach behind them.

Favorite meal: It’s a three-part meal: caprese, spaghetti vongole, tiramisu. Repeat often.

Recent purchase: A pair of jeans. I don’t wear jeans so I’m embarking on a new adventure.

Hidden talent: Jenga.

Book/film recommendation: The Famished Road by Ben Okri / The Fantastic Mr Fox.

Restaurant recommendation: Provini in Park Slope. I don’t think they have vongole, though. If find yourself in Paris, this hole-in-the-wall (apparently one of the oldest restaurants) in St Germain called Le Petit Vattel.

If I had $20, I’d… : Get a neck and shoulder massage. I have a desk job.

Transformative travel experience: Turkey. Specifically, Istanbul, Cappadocia and the “Turquoise Coast.” The people are wonderful and the call to prayer is intoxicating.

Favorite neighborhood: I’m trying to get into Fort Greene, which is a bit like trying to get into a top college. But I have a particular fondness for Astoria in Queens.

Dream holiday: Morocco, Cuba, Sicily and Buenos Aires. But a sleepcation would do for now.

If I could solve one problem, it would be: Gah. Just one? Probably the great divide in American politics.

I wish people cared more about: People.

Recent big aha!: That believing in yourself goes a long way.

The world would be a better place if: There was a Pinkberry on every corner. I know I will regret saying this.