Vault Design Lab

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Vault Design Lab ("VDL") 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?

VDL : I’m one of the founder of Vault Design Lab, a full- service interior design firm based in Penang, Malaysia. I play role as Managing Director and I’ve accumulated 6 years working experience in high-end private residential interior design. Our design lab emphasizes on unique, premium and elegant character in spaces. We are keen to explore material in trend. In recent years, my partners and I are venturing into commercial design industry for more opportunities.

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

VDL : I see no-limit possibilities in every space and strongly believe a well-designed space should possess a unique character and elegant in its own way. I’m excited to redefine the spaces that with my perception. I wish to create strong sense of space through my design and create a whole experience to the end users.

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

VDL : I chose to become an interior designer.

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

VDL : I love to explore sophisticated and timeless elegance design. That’s our design lab design direction as well. I appreciate premium and luxury goods. I focus on details that would bring out the essence of luxury, from the selection of texture of fabrics to the decorative paintings. I keen to explore more of the delicate and expensive details in this industry.

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

VDL : It might sound cliché but “Dream It, Live It” has driven to where am I today and keep me moving.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

VDL : Good designer- create a balance in space’s functionality and visual experience, carefully considering all situations based on design brief. Great designer- create iconic symbol, breakthrough from tradition, discover new perspective in design.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

VDL : In my point of view, a good design gives a ‘3 second impact’- a great first impression to lead the crowd into designer’s perspective through the space experience.

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

VDL : Support from crowd in good design will positively induce more new concept and thinking logic. I believe this cycle would create new mindset and visual perspective.

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

VDL : Face your fears and step into the unknown ground to discover your strengths and weaknesses

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

VDL : Joyce Wang and Ferris Rafauli

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

VDL : I think fashion design is interesting.

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

VDL : I think design is a powerful communication tool, with no boundary and limit. It speaks with an attitude. A designer’s attitude will shape the design itself.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

VDL : My ex-boss was my learning model during my practice as entry-level interior designer. Now, my two business partners are my greatest supporters.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

VDL : I think visualization on goals is the power of attraction to get things done in a good manner.

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

VDL : Be confident and be clear with your design intention. Always try to think from client's perspective.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

VDL : Currently, we are involved in commercial design, a hotel project in Penang. In this assignment, we are experimenting the type of materials and bold colour palette to create a vibrant sensation of the common space and hotel rooms. We expect more impact from the combination, a breakthrough from our previous projects’ shades.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

VDL : I hope my works become source of inspiration for the others.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

VDL : A private residential bungalow with privileged site location, in Kedah Malaysia. The site is surrounded by lush greeneries and a stream. I’m excited to design the spaces with good visual connection to the nature, to provide a multi-sensory experience that can ensure a strong relationship between the end user and the surrounding. We imagine the outcome would be a beautiful choreography.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

VDL : ‘Educate your clients” is relatively important. We looking for quality in client who appreciate good design and speaks more than generalities. We hope client try to understand their needs, so designers could assist more specifically in bringing out the characteristic of the space.

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

VDL : I always started with visualisation after the first site visit and first talk with client. The first idea came into the mind is very much inspired by the site surrounding itself.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

VDL : Be unique and provide the biggest possibility of quality living experience to the users.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

VDL : Google SketchUp, 3ds Max, AutoCad, Adobe Photoshop

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

VDL : Color is a layer of makeup to the space, it creates the mood when people step in. Material is the background story of the space. Combination of color and material will define the ambience of the intended design.

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

VDL : Joy. Share. And would love to learn more of the story behind the great design.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

VDL : Kinfolk and Design Anthology

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

VDL : Every award is a recognition and encouragement. It’s a positive publicity tool to share our design works and story.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

VDL : Royal blue, London, Winter, Dior

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

VDL : The smile when client moved into their house with satisfaction. The photos from client sharing us their little joy moment spent in the house. They motivate me to pursue further.

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

VDL : I do have great interest in fashion and colour when I was young. I spent my every Saturday morning during the college time, browsing over internet for more design reading materials. I enjoyed the learning moment. I’m keen to explore design so I could share with my pals who share the same interest. We used to hang out and talked about the material we gained from our readings. I believe this was a little step to part of my milestone today.