Li Liu

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Li Liu ("LL") 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?

LL : I majored in design,and got my master’s degree through the Advanced Program for Architectural Engineering and Design of Tsinghua University.

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

LL : The love for nature and life,and passion for my major make who I am. Nature,simplicity are always my design concept.

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

LL : I like drawing since I was a young girl and I am always thinking of being a great designer one day.

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

LL : The demand and consideration of human's behavior and mind,making sure the landing and achievement of function and details in the space.

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

LL : To focus more on nature andl life,which are usually the source of great works. Stick on to what you love and try your utmost to every small work with perseverance and practice.

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

LL : A good designer just produce good works,but great designer also inspires others and think of contributing to society as a whole.

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

LL : The demand and consideration of human's behavior and mind,making sure the landing and achievement of function and details in the space.

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

LL : Everything originates from nature and should be higher than nature,what I usually consider is the value of good design is to leave blankness for viewers to imagine.

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

LL : I would like focus more on interior design and will pursue the creation on human and object.

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

LL : The creation on human and object.

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

LL : Nature and simplicity for design.A peaceful,tranquil and passionate mind when you are creating.

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

LL : Kengo Kuma is my favorite master,who is a prominent Japanese architect.

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

LL : I like each of my work,due to they are the remarks of my devotion, progress and achievement in design.

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

LL : Every of them. Respect to nature.

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

LL : Continuous study,participation of various competitions.

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

LL : I may choose to be an Art teacher.

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

LL : Design originates from nature,life and should be higher than both of them.

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

LL : My families,co-workers and myself.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

LL : Passion for design and respect to life.

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

LL : To focus on your own thought and do not follow the trend blindly to produce unique work.

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

LL : Trough many ways, like art gallery,exhibition etc.

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

LL : To participate in various design competitions and to have my own exhibition.

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

LL : To be a great designer like Le Corbusier.

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

LL : Creative,not dull work.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

LL : To simplify complicated things and beautify dull works.

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

LL : My passionate co-workers.

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

LL : Each of my works.

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

LL : More possibilities in various fields combination.

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

LL : Technology will be used more in design to inspire us more.Still it should be nature-oriented.

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

LL : It varies from case to case.Several days to half a year.

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

LL : It varies from case to case.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LL : Simplicity and creativiness.

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

LL : The two are influenced by each other.

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

LL : It acts as to add the finishing touch.

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

LL : Sketch-up.

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

LL : Indispensible.

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

LL : How do I make it unique to others?

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

LL : What can I get from it and put it in my works.

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

LL : Le Corbusier and Kengo Kuma

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

LL : Families,customers.

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

LL : Through self-study and competition.

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

LL : Le Corbusier and Kengo Kuma

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

LL : It is a great opportunity for me to improve in design.

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

LL : white,spring.

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

LL : To encourage myself ever since I get up per day.

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

LL : Yes,for sure.

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

LL : Hard to say,but everything would be prettier than now.

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

LL : Learn my design inspiration.