Andy Wan

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Andy Wan ("AW") 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?

AW : I got my BA(Hons) Interior Design from Kingston University

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

AW : I grew up in a country side in Hong Kong and has always been influenced by nature and was then inspired to became a designer

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

AW : I certainly enjoy to design so I'm grateful that I'm a designer

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

AW : Interior design is what my focus on and I'm devoted to create more home for people who like my design

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

AW : Focus on your career path and do everything with your whole heart

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

AW : Determination

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

AW : Keep improving and never be satisfied

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

AW : Youre not buying just the good design but paying for the attitude and effort that the designer had put in to create the product

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

AW : Design a Buddha temple if I ever have the chance

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

AW : Attention to detail

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

AW : Chi Wing Lo and Tadao Ando

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

AW : Love the minimalist design and any design that's sustainable and built with eco elements

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

AW : Greatest design is yet to come

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

AW : Learn from the goods and bads

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

AW : I don't know as I have never thought of that

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

AW : Design is something that improve our life and I'm using design as a platform to communicate with the world

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

AW : My family

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AW : All the great designers out there that has influenced me by their design

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

AW : Convincing client to use my design while I was still junior

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

AW : Any way that the designer feel it represents the best side of their work

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

AW : You'll be surprised

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

AW : Use my design to influence more people

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

AW : Humble and always eager to learn

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AW : It connects people and bring harmony to family and friends

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

AW : I'm excited for all the projects that I work on as each of them are a new opportunity for me to improve

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

AW : The villa project in China since I love the collaboration I had with that client

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

AW : More good designers immersed

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

AW : To something more versatile

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

AW : At least 6 months for each project

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

AW : Start by listening to the client's need

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AW : Always give your best and never give in

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

AW : Design set the trends

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

AW : It helps consolidate the concept and speed up the design process

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

AW : AutoCAD, 3D Max, Sketchup, Photoshop and Lightroom

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

AW : They are all the key elements for a good design, the outcome is never the same if either of the element is off the balance

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

AW : Space and colour use

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

AW : Salute to the effort that the designer had put in to create that

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

AW : Chi Wing Lo and I definitely believe in co-design and team work

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

AW : Too many to be named

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

AW : Patience and practice

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

AW : Hans Wegner and Henri Cartier-Bresson

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

AW : It's certainly not an easy so that's why I'm grateful for everyone who have supported me throughout the journey

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

AW : White, Italy, meatless, autumn and Leica

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

AW : Travelling and be inspired

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

AW : I just know I love design since small and I believed I can come up with some good design one day

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

AW : There's no more nature and the world is dominated by technology and robots