Thuan Nguyen

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Thuan Nguyen ("TN") 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?

TN : I studied and graduated from a Bachelor of Laws and Arts degree in 2006. I recommenced my studies in engineering in 2013, which are still ongoing. Whilst studying engineering I learnt how to design on a 3D modelling platform. Ever since, I’ve been designing in 3D and with the use of 3D printing I create real 3D models.

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

TN : During my years of renovating houses, I gained an interest in Architectural hardware and I knew that I could improve on design and function of many of the existing products. I then embarked on inventing a locking mechanism for doors which can operate ‘linearly’ as opposed to pivotally. Thereafter, my designer instincts led me to create beautiful and novel door furniture.

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

TN : I chose to be a designer, I love art, design and engineering. I can not live without it.

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

TN : I design high end door furniture which is also ergonomic. I wish I had the time and resources to create more of my beautiful door furniture.

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

TN : Hahaha, I love how I’m referred to as a legend. I hope that young designers never give up challenging convention and to let their young uncorrupted minds think out of the square to embark on new frontiers and advance human knowledge and perspective.

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

TN : A great designer never allows their talent to be wasted, they need to hone their innate talents and exhibit them to the world.

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

TN : To me a good design seamlessly merges form with function, its efficient, intuitive but surprisingly ingenious.

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

TN : A good design is invaluable as it benefits society as opposed to poor design which can be burdensome and destructive to society and the environment. Good design means benefits in the longer term to all life, I mean that literally… and life is always worth investing in.

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

TN : I would design a space craft to sustain life beyond the earth, I would design this for my children (and everyone else of course).

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

TN : My dream project is to build my house overseeing views of mountains, valleys, forest and the sea.

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

TN : Always follow your instincts, dreams and challenge convention.

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

TN : My design of the linear locksets, which I believe is a more efficient and durable solution to conventional door locks.

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

TN : To learn from mistakes; not be afraid to make mistakes and to accept them. More importantly, be strong enough to move on and make it even better.

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

TN : An engineer or a scientist.

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

TN : Design for me is the relentless pursuit of perfection in whatever I am trying to achieve. Therefore, it is like a vessel between me and the world which makes me complete as far as I can be.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TN : My imagination and will.

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

TN : Technology and learning to 3D model.

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

TN : Through design competitions, exhibitions, online social platforms

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

TN : More ergonomic, efficient and beautiful architectural hardware.

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

TN : For people and the society to use my designs to improve everyday life.

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

TN : To continue the good design and further collaboration with other designers on projects.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TN : It improves society by create a more efficient, durable and appealing solution.

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

TN : Better looking and functioning door furniture to create that new look to your home or commercial premises.

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

TN : Designing the linear lockset, as I received a patent for it which protects the design for up to 20 years.

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

TN : I have only recently been part of this industry and I may not be in a position to comment about the industry.

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

TN : The sky’s the limit, design is in all fields of human study and knowledge, from architectural hardware to molecular biology and chemistry.

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

TN : Anywhere from 1 month to 3 years.

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

TN : On my trustworthy sketch pad then I move onto modelling it on a 3D platform.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TN : It keeps on changing but, I think I’ll settle on, ‘live without regrets’.

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

TN : Definitely design sets trends, trends are definitely is a by product.

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

TN : It plays a very important role, designs can be realised very quickly by technology, for example, 3D printing made my prototypes possible within 2 days.

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

TN : I use an engineering 3d modelling software called Solidworks and a 3D printer.

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

TN : Color is subjective and some colors may be more appealing to some than to others, materials give a sense of quality and whether the design is tangible and feasible, ambience puts relevance and context of the design. All three elements need to be present and in harmony to create a good design.

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

TN : Where can I buy one?

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

TN : I should have come up with that!

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

TN : Someone who is passionate, motivated and just as or more creative.

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

TN : My very close friends and family.

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

TN : Unfortunately, I have not had the time to read many books, I rather flick though architectural design magazines.

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

TN : Through a lot of practice and patience, trial and error.

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

TN : Albert Einstein.

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

TN : This is my first major award. So I can tell how it is.

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

TN : I love bright blue, I love the being close to the sea, I love beautifully presented food with lots of vibrant colors like salads, love Ducati motorcycles I don’t really do brands.

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

TN : I am still waiting for that memorable moment, maybe A'Design awards will be that memorable moment.

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

TN : To win and be recognised by other designers of your work.

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

TN : I think so. I’ve always had a good eye for good design.

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

TN : One thousand years from now, wow. Well, I think humans would be genetically and technologically enhanced and have migrated into space with human colonies inhabiting nearby planets, moons and space stations. Sustaining life by extracting abundant resources found on other planets and living harmoniously and peacefully with each other.

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

TN : Watch this space! 