Jackie Lai

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jackie Lai ("JL") 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?

JL : I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic, School of Design, Singapore with a diploma in Interior, Architecture and Design. My interest in design was sparked when I began to get to create and build my own products and toys in Design & Technology class in secondary school.

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

JL : Being able to solve spatial limitations and issues ,as well as, being able to make a difference in someone's life on a daily basis is what motivated me to become an interior designer.

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

JL : It was of my own choice.

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

JL : I design both commercial and residential spaces. I would wish to venture into furniture design as well.

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

JL : As a fellow young designer, the best advice that I can offer is to be passionate about what you do. Love what you do and do what you love. Always be eager to absorb new knowledge and keep up with new trends.

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

JL : To me, a good designer merely comes out with aesthetically pleasing designs. However, a great designer goes far and beyond that. A great designer would be skilled and well versed enough to seamlessly incorporate the functional and personal interests and preferences of the client into the design, making it personalized. The end result would be a design that is able to strike a fine balance between aesthetics and functionality, bringing about maximum satisfaction.

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

JL : A good design should be one that is innovative, functional, not obstructive and timeless all at once.

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

JL : A good design helps to bring about a better quality of life both materialistically and non-materialistically. Materialistically, a good design can help to improve one's brand and business, creating economical savings and gains in the long run. On the other hand, non-materialistically, a good design can help bring visual and mental relaxation to one through functional, thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing designs.

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

JL : I would design DIY accessories for my loved ones as I love making personalized items as they are more unique and special.

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

JL : A child care centre.

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

JL : Architect Frank Gehry.

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

JL : One of my favorite designs is a particular design that had just won a Golden A' Design Award. The concept they used was one that was similar to mine but the way they had chosen to portray it was different. It was a refreshing perspective that I had not thought of before, intriguing me.

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

JL : I think it is important to always be adventurous and to always be open to fresh ideas and concept; break away from the stagnant, dull daily routines. This way self development and self improvement will come to you much more easily and it will definitely aid in the creative process. How you live your life definitely affects the way you think and the ideas you come out with.

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

JL : I would have probably pursue nautical studies and work on ships.

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

JL : To design is to make a change. It is also about finding innovative solutions to everyday problems.

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

JL : My fellow colleagues in my company as well as my family definitely played the most integral role in supporting me throughout my journey.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JL : My lecturers in my school and colleagues have been generous in sharing their knowledge and expertise with me.

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

JL : Getting my proposals rejected was definitely a blow to me. Artist's blocks also happen from time to time, leaving me confounded as to how to improve my designs.

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

JL : Confidence is definitely key. To be confident, one should also have well thought out and solid design inspirations and ideas to sell your proposal.

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

JL : My goal is to continue producing great designs and to make a difference to the world and society I'm living in.

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

JL : People would expect to get expert advice on furniture and lighting selections as well as innovative solutions to counter space limitations.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JL : A good design changes the flow of a space. It also gives inspirations to users and helps to improve the efficiency and development of the society.

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

JL : I am currently working on a resort themed private house that I'm excited about as it would be their first major revamp after 30 years.

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

JL : The design that I did (Oriental Charm) gave me the most satisfaction as it was exactly how I had envisioned it to turn out. It had not only met my expectations, but also my client's expectations, making it a double win.

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

JL : I would like for designs and the designers to be given more recognition and to be more appreciated. Designs should not be seen solely as a product but a service and a solution for the society.

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

JL : The design field is increasingly becoming more technological.

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

JL : It depends on the size of the project but it is usually about 1-2 months.

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

JL : I start with finalizing the main concept and inspirations behind it. After which, I will begin space planning.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JL : Every little detail of the design matters, never put anything less than a 100% into any project.

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

JL : Design sets the trends.

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

JL : It helps me to achieve a 3D look of how the project will turn out, allowing me to make changes to areas which I am not satisfied in before investing too more cost and effort into something that does not meet my expectations.

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

JL : Sketch up, 3D Max, Autocard, Vray and Unreal engine.

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

JL : They help to bring out the concept, improve the spatial experience as well as the brand image.

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

JL : I would wish for people to ask what is the inspiration and the process behind my design.

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

JL : How I can incorporate the design/product into my own projects and how it was constructed.

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

JL : Everyone's input is equally valuable to me.

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

JL : Mostly design magazines like Cube & d+a.

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

JL : I believe I am still in the process of honing my skills and that there is much more to be learnt.

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

JL : Definitely Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wright!

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

JL : It is an absolute honor to receive such a prestigious award. I will continue to work hard to ensure that I am deserving of this award.

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

JL : Lime Green, New Zealand, Autumn, I'm not picky when it comes to food, stationery and Christian Dior!

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

JL : Seeing the look of satisfaction and happiness on my client's face definitely makes me feel motivated to continue to strive to do better and come up with more designs. Feeling appreciated also makes a difference. When the going gets tough, I motivate myself by reminding myself that nothing comes easy - Work hard and the results will follow naturally!

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

JL : Come to think of it, I was always interested in the art scene. Ever since I was young, music, art and building blocks were my kind of entertainment and fun!

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

JL : Right now, I'm more focused on just living my life to the fullest. A thousand years later is hard to predict if humans are even still in existence, just like the movie "Ghost Shell".

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

JL : My passion and interest in making things hand on has been instrumental to my learning journey as a designer. Oriental Charm is one of my first few projects as a young designer in the industry. It is a residential project that is infused with a rich culture and history. It also incorporates the history of my client as well.