Vicky Chan

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Vicky Chan ("VC") 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?

VC : I went to architecture school at Pratt Institute New York.

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

VC : I always want to make the world into better place. I grow up in developed countries with news footage of people suffering in other countries. Architecture is a professional that combines art and science. I was good at both and passionate about changing the world I dislike. I see architect being the perfect career to achieve what I want.

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

VC : I chose architecture because I like what architect can achieve

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

VC : Green cities and green buildings

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

VC : care about people, animal and the environment.

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

VC : The cause behind their design

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

VC : Really good design needs to promote access, equity, sustainability and ecology.

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

VC : Good design works and make our world greener, better and more efficient.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

VC : I want to make a city without car for any cities interested in green and walk-able city.

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

VC : I want to make a building completely out of trash. A cellphone app to calculate carbon footprint and use carbon as a new currency

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

VC : I care about people and the environment. I volunteer to teach children about the same message.

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

VC : Mark Zuckerberg. He never talks about business. He cares about the impact he creates.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

VC : I like cradle-to-cradle designs. It works with our desire to buy new things without worrying about where to place the trash.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

VC : Organic Highway is our biggest design so far. It is great because we can really lower carbon footprint for a city the size of Manhattan.

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

VC : volunteers and pay attention to the future generations

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

VC : I am interested to become a politician, but of course there is more politics involved.

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

VC : Design is a tool and method to solve a problem.

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

VC : My family. They support me continuously while I pursue unrealistic projects

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

VC : I volunteer to teach. I listen to children and adapt innocent ideas they come up with. It is the best way to stay young.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

VC : People care about money and not the environment. When we promote green buildings, people want to know the extra cost and not the extra environmental benefit they can get. The truth is it is often cheaper to make green buildings

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

VC : We should learn from the tech industry and how they present their ideas.

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

VC : Wanda pavilion, a sustainable shopping mall for 300 innovators.

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

VC : Making the world into a better place

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

VC : They want our unique perspective about recycling, waste and green buildings

DL: How does design help create a better society?

VC : We are making sustainable buildings with renewable energy, efficient design and lots of green features. It is the best way to combat climate change.

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

VC : Towers in New York

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

VC : The Artist Lab. The client is a startup with limited budget. We helped them design sustainable shops and they grow with our design. It won several sustainable awards

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

VC : People talk more about sustainability and less about style. Style change is exactly why we generated so much waste.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

VC : A cradle-to-cradle design. Design with completely thought out life cycle.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

VC : 5-7 years

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

VC : we interview our clients and what they need

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

VC : as long as I work hard and stay positive, opportunities will find me

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

VC : I dislike this question. The idea of trends implies irreverent design and it is generating trash. Look at the great pyramids, it was there for 5000 years. we need more of time tested design not trend

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

VC : We are making building with art and science. Technology integrates seamlessly into our buildings

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

VC : Rhino, 3dsmax, Revit, Adobe Suite, Unreal 4, 3d printing, model making, hand sketch

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

VC : They should help to create a safer, healthier and greener communities

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

VC : How is the carbon footprint of your design?

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

VC : How long does it last?

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

VC : People that focus on science and data and less about style and trends

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

VC : scientist and teachers. They are logical and data driven

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

VC : Cradle to cradle design

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

VC : We look at waste and we find ways to use them in our design. There are always new and different waste we generate.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

VC : via video conference. I can talk to people anywhere even if I am inside a bathroom

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

VC : yes...people picked pretty images and not important ideas that can combat climate change.

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

VC : i like forest that is nearly untouched by human. They show us eco-system and architecture

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

VC : People always thought I was a woman and one client accidentally enlist me to their female only team. They didn't want to be sexist by letting me go but keeps giving me harsh comment through the design period.

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

VC : The future is brighter if I can deliver more green cities and green buildings

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

VC : no. I draw a lot and I love science classes. I didn't know how to combine the two.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

VC : I hope we can manage our resources efficiently and the earth is still around with happy people. I hope we can get to travel to other planet to do more space exploration.

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

VC : We do green buildings and green cities. We are not decorator to offer a style.