David Lai

David Lai is an accomplished Executive Creative Director currently at Instrument, a multidisciplinary creative company based in Los Angeles. He joined Instrument in January 2023, following the acquisition of his previous agency, Hello Design, where he served as CEO and Creative Director for 24 years. Under his leadership, Hello Design gained recognition for its innovative work with high-profile clients such as Nike, Meta, Netflix, and Google, among others.123

Lai holds a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University and has also taught as an adjunct faculty member at the ArtCenter College of Design. His extensive career includes various roles in design and creative direction, and he has received numerous accolades, including a Cannes Cyber Lion and a Clio Award. Additionally, he has been involved in judging prestigious design competitions and has spoken at major conferences like SXSW.21

Beyond his professional achievements, Lai is known for his passion for creating memorable experiences and has collaborated with cultural institutions and non-profits, enhancing his influence in both the creative and educational sectors.2