Santi Lawrachawee, a preeminent figure in Thailand’s design landscape, is widely recognized for establishing a significant milestone in the industry through critical design. His work seamlessly bridges the gap between conventional graphic design and the profound realm of contemporary arts. Throughout his distinguished career, Santi has demonstrated that design is far more than a tool to meet business objectives; rather, it is a fundamental "human activity"—a medium for opening a dialogue with the frontiers of one's own thoughts to analyze truth, knowledge, and beauty within social contexts.
As the co-founder of the renowned Practical Design Studio and PRACTICAL School of Design, Santi possesses a robust foundation as both a professional practitioner and a dedicated educator. His intellectual curiosity frequently explores the "grammar" of graphics and typography, utilizing their inherent logic to foster interactions between people, time, and space. This approach transforms design into a tangible, shared experience. His body of work is deeply inspired by personal memory and lived reality, fueled by a relentless pursuit of new conceptual frontiers and an unwavering honesty in translating his worldview into visual form.
Santi’s visionary contributions have earned him the industry’s highest honors. He was named Designer of the Year in 2015 (Graphic Design) by Silpakorn University and the Department of International Trade Promotion. In a career-defining achievement, he was bestowed with the prestigious Silpathorn Award 2025 in the field of Design by the Ministry of Culture. His leadership is further evidenced by his past tenure as Vice President of the Thai Graphic Design Association (ThaiGa), as well as his influential roles as a curator and author. He is the writer of 'Santi-Vithee 1’ and the translator of Paul Rand’s 'Conversations with Students', works that reflect his commitment to the spirit of lifelong learning.
Currently, Santi continues to drive creative discourse through his design studio, 'SANTIvithee,' which he operates alongside his faithful canine companion. He remains a vocal advocate for the accessibility of design, championing the transformation of memory into creative output. By rejecting rigid traditional formats in favor of experimental learning, Santi reaffirms that art and design are inseparable elements of the human experience.