William Hailiang Chen

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer William Hailiang Chen ("WHC") 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?

WHC : I began my career with training in oil painting at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and pursued architecture at the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA School) in London. This dual background ignited my interest in creating light art installations and working with 3D objects, leading me into design. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's multifaceted genius, I am driven by a passion for blending artistry with problem-solving in my design journey.

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

WHC : What drives me to design is the opportunity to solve problems creatively, to innovate, and to positively impact people's lives through thoughtful and functional solutions.

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

WHC : I work on projects ranging from small furniture and product design to medium-sized spatial and hotel design, as well as large-scale stadium and cultural tourism master plans. My portfolio is particularly strong in hospitality design and sports architecture.

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

WHC : Focus, determination, and perseverance are key. Never give up on your goals.

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

WHC : A good designer creates functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions. A great designer goes beyond this by innovating, pushing boundaries, bringing a unique vision, and inspiring others.

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

WHC : A truly exceptional design seamlessly combines functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. It solves problems effectively, is intuitive to use, and evokes positive emotions, creating a harmonious and impactful experience.

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

WHC : The value of good design is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects that significantly impact businesses, users, and society as a whole. Investing in good design can lead to increased customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and overall success. Moreover, well-designed products and spaces can positively impact mood, productivity, and well-being, making it a worthwhile investment for individuals and businesses alike.

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

WHC : If I had the time to design something, I would focus on creating an innovative educational platform tailored for lifelong learners. This platform would cater to a diverse audience, including students, professionals, and retirees who are passionate about continuous learning and personal development to adapt in an ever-changing world. This platform would not only enhance personal and professional development but also contribute to a more knowledgeable, skilled, and inclusive society.

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

WHC : The dream project I haven’t yet had time to realise is the creation of a comprehensive, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Museum of Human History and Culture. This museum would provide an interactive and engaging platform for people to explore significant events, cultures, and innovations throughout human history in a deeply immersive way.

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

WHC : My secret recipe for success in design involves a combination of principles, processes, and a unique "secret ingredient" which is empathy – building emotional connections with users.

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

WHC : There are many, like Charles and Ray Eames, Hans Wegner, James Turrell (artist), Jony Ive, Le Corbusier, Carlo Scarpa, Zaha Hadid etc.

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

WHC : The original iPhone by Jony Ive. The iPhone revolutionised the mobile phone industry with its sleek design, intuitive interface, and multifunctionality. Ive’s focus on simplicity, usability, and meticulous attention to detail set a new standard for product design in the tech industry.

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

WHC : Moonlight Huotang (yet to be built) is a design that embodies simplicity while offering a spatial experience that plays with light and time. Embedded with cultural heritage, it integrates these elements seamlessly to create a captivating and meaningful environment.

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

WHC : Improving oneself as a designer involves a combination of continuous learning, practice, and personal development. Skills in software proficiency, material knowledge, critical thinking, and other aspects are integral to this journey.

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

WHC : I could be an artist.

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

WHC : Design is the process of envisioning and planning the creation of objects or solutions.

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

WHC : My parents, sister and brother

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

WHC : Determination and persistence.

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

WHC : Skill development, criticism and feedback, time management, technical challenges, self-doubt, and market competition etc.

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

WHC : Designers should present their work in a way that effectively communicates their creative process, rationale, and the impact of their designs.

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

WHC : A small bird watching hut constructed from natural, sustainable materials or a stadium.

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

WHC : Improving daily life through innovative and user-centered design solutions.

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

WHC : Innovative solutions

DL: How does design help create a better society?

WHC : Design contributes to creating a better society through various means such as problem solving, enhancing user experience, promoting sustainability, fostering inclusivity, improving public services, and encouraging creativity and innovation. These elements collectively work towards building a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous society where individuals can thrive and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

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

WHC : Unfamiliar territory.

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

WHC : The ResoNet Series projects provided me with the most satisfaction. These projects explore the boundaries between nature, art, and technology to create emergent physical and ephemeral conditions. They are experimental, innovative, and address site-specific challenges, making each project a unique and fulfilling endeavour.

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

WHC : Greater emphasis on sustainability, increased diversity and inclusion, ethical design practices, interdisciplinary collaboration and advancements in accessibility.

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

WHC : Integration of AI and machine learning, the design field is poised for a future where technology and human-centric values converge to create innovative, sustainable, and impactful solutions.

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

WHC : It varies depending on specific size of project and complexities.

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

WHC : I start with communication with clients to thoroughly understand the project brief.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

WHC : "Design with empathy, innovate with purpose, and create with passion." and AA School’s motto of "Design with the beauty and build with truth."

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

WHC : I believe it's a dynamic interplay: design sets the trends and trends set the designs. Designers often lead by creating innovative solutions that inspire new trends, while also responding to evolving cultural, technological, and social trends to stay relevant and effective.

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

WHC : Technology is integral to my design process, enhancing creativity, precision, and efficiency through advanced tools for sketching, modelling, prototyping, and testing. It facilitates collaboration, visualisation, and iterative refinement, enabling innovative solutions driven by real-time feedback and data.

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

WHC : All kinds of CAD drafting tools and rendering software.

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

WHC : Together, colour, materials, and ambiance are essential elements that influence the sensory and emotional experience of a design, contributing to its effectiveness, appeal, and functionality.

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

WHC : Inspiration, concept and design process.

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

WHC : Overall, encountering a great design or product sparks admiration, curiosity, and appreciation for the blend of creativity, functionality, and innovation it represents.

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

WHC : My ideal design partner would be someone who shares a passion for creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Co-design aligns with my belief in collaborative creativity and the power of collective intelligence to achieve innovative, impactful, and meaningful design solutions.

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

WHC : All interactions have been equally important in shaping my design perspective, whether with clients, users, collaborators or stakeholders.

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

WHC : "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman, "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman, "Designing Interactions" by Bill Moggridge and "Universal Principles of Design" by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler.

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

WHC : It is a continuous journey that involves dedication, practice, and ongoing learning, including CPD courses and formal training, hands-on experience, feedback and reflection, collaboration and networking etc.

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

WHC : Leonardo da Vinci. His genius spanned art, science, engineering, and design, making him a timeless figure whose insights and perspectives continue to inspire creativity and innovation.

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

WHC : While awards acknowledge my hard work, creativity, and contributions to the field, they also open up opportunities for collaboration, networking, and professional growth. However, fame and recognition come with challenges, including the pressure to consistently deliver innovative designs amidst high expectations.

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

WHC : Blue, London, Dim sum, summer, books and Apple

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

WHC : Can’t remember the details.

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

WHC : Achieving creative breakthroughs and receiving positive feedback are key motivators for me. Additionally, staying curious about new possibilities keeps my motivation high and fuels my passion for design.

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

WHC : No at all. However, I did show a curiosity similar to Thomas Edison's during my childhood.

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

WHC : It's conceivable that merging with technology could become essential for humanity to compete with Artificial Intelligence. Integrating human minds with computers might lead to the creation of a super brain capable of performing complex calculations and accessing vast amounts of information instantaneously, simply through thought.

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

WHC : I believe in design's ability to enrich lives, elevate experiences, and drive positive global impact. Committed to innovation and collaboration, I strive to create impactful designs that resonate and make a difference. Your support and enthusiasm for design fuel my creativity, inspiring me to explore new possibilities daily.