Lichen Ding

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Lichen Ding ("LD") 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?

LD : I graduated from wuhan university in 2008, majoring in interior design. Now I am working as a creative director in Sihan design.

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

LD : Of course, this is my own choice, and this choice is the most proud thing in my life. Design is not only my work but also an indispensable part of my life, which makes my life more artistic, with goals and expectations.

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

LD : I am mainly engaged in hotel design. Of course, I would like to make contact with some art spaces, such as museums, when I have the opportunity.

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

LD : Listen more, read more, and learn more. Although it seems very simple, it's something that needs persistence. It's not easy, but if design is your belief, it's very simple again.

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

LD : I would say that a good designer tells the client "how this needs to be done" and a good design tells the client "what doesn't need to be done".

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

LD : In my opinion, there is no absolute good or bad design, only the most appropriate, existence is reasonable, even some things have been over-designed, wasted energy. Good interior design should not only be comfortable, but also allow people to understand something in the space.

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

LD : I will engage in public welfare design, so that more people can be exposed to the magic of design, so as to realize the inner feelings and change the values and outlook on life.

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

LD : Enjoy life, enjoy design

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

LD : neri&hu,Claudio Silvestrin

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

LD : I think the hotel design, because no space can let people experience a place as a whole.

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

LD : Solve the problem and feel meaningful at the same time

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

LD : In a strict sense, design is not my job, but an indispensable part of my life, which makes my aesthetic, demands on the details of life, and even my belief.

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

LD : Helping the client complete the project and win a good response in the market is the first step. Look for photographers who can read your space and take beautiful pictures. Then sign up for prestigious international competitions and try your best to win prizes for exposure.

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

LD : It is still a hotel design. Currently, several hotels will be completed one after another. The hotel under creation is also featured.

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

LD : Design should be a state of very spontaneous occurrence, which can be accepted by everyone in the world, and I hope that the future will bring them a memorable experience.

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

LD : I am currently working on a hotel lobby with design elements that go beyond what I have not expressed before, and I am confident that I can move every guest who comes.

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

LD : The hotel project "Shang Ju Hotel" completed last year is very satisfactory to both the customers and the customers. Under the limited budget, we worked hard to complete it together. Now the business status is very good. The customers have let us participate in the second phase of the work, and we believe that we will meet you soon.

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

LD : More intelligent technology applications, such as the development of 5g, are developing rapidly in China.

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

LD : Normally one to two years.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LD : Stay hungry,stay foolish.

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

LD : I think it is "design". People often need a bigger carriage when they are known, while the job of designers is to create a car for people when they are not known.

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

LD : Adobe Photoshop，AutoCAD，SketchUp

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

LD : I am open to any questions. Please email me 83190302@qq.com. I would make may best effort to reply.