Chih-Kang Chu

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Chih-Kang Chu ("CC") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

CC : I have a Master Degree in Architecture and Product design, but before that I studies traditional Chinese painting for years. I started my own studio in Taipei in 2007. In 2010, I Set up Chu Chih-Kang Space Design Co., Ltd. in Shenzhen. This year (2016) I move my office to Kaohsiung and Shanghai.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

CC : I would say it is my choice. Since I was a kid, I love to draw and I love to ask questions. Until now I still like to ask questions and love to solve them. To me, designers are people who could solve problems in life.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

CC : I would say it is my choice. Since I was a kid, I love to draw and I love to ask questions. Until now I still like to ask questions and love to solve them. To me, designers are people who could solve problems in life.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

CC : I like any projects as long as it is interesting. To design a bookstore was my dream for years. I was lucky to have a chance to design Fansguo Bookstore in Chengdu last year. My next dream is to design a temple or church.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

CC : I believe everyone is unique. The most important thing is to be brave, and honest.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

CC : The value of good design is to solve problems for people. This is the reason why people should invest it, because good design is for solving problems, and make higher value.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

CC : There is a list. But on the top of the list is a monument or a memorial, which could really touch people

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

CC : The secret is to find out what the clients really want. I would not just follow the generally used recipe. I’d like to make a decent meal with simple ingredients, and just for the customer.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

CC : Sir Norman Foster.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

CC : To find out the authentic factors of a space. To listen to the real needs of people.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

CC : To find out the real needs for the clients. To solve the problems with our profession in design for them.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

CC : For me, I do not like to present my work as a “project”, I prefer to present them as the result of my effort.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

CC : Thinking humanity.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

CC : Find out what the real need the project is.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

CC : Remember the original intention.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

CC : I prefer to say design sets the trends. I think design is to solve problems for people. The good ways to solve problems for people on contemporary, we could all it trends.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

CC : Technology is a tool in present. Sometimes it is convenient, but sometimes it becomes harm.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

CC : Of course I would be touched, but then I would think what kind of design will go beyond it.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

CC : Receiving awards is to be recognized by professional organizations. It is great honor to receive all the awards and recognition definitely. But being famous is to be accepted by public. It needs time to promote ourselves to be famous.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

CC : We are making the world better!

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

CC : No. When I was a child I had no idea what “designer” is. I just felt happy while I was drawing.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

CC : Space design is always about human. We are here to help people to solve problems, make them contented and being touched.