Zhenan Hou

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Zhenan Hou ("ZH") 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?

ZH : I have been interested in design since junior high school, and I have been studying relevant majors in university

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

ZH : I was deeply attracted by the profession of designer on TV and determined to be an excellent designer in the future

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

ZH : I choose to become a designer

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

ZH : My design is to respect the logic of function and space, and find the relationship between more people and space. I like to design new experience space

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

ZH : Think and work hard

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

ZH : Can control the final effect of the design

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

ZH : It must be a comfortable space

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

ZH : Solve the problem of space and people and space

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

ZH : I wanted to design a house for my family that would be comfortable for them

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

ZH : My dreamer

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

ZH : I was influenced by many architects in Japan

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

ZH : They designed buildings that respect nature and the environment, and respect the relationship between people and space

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

ZH : Haven't

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

ZH : Keep trying and learning

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

ZH : I don't know

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

ZH : Design is to solve problems, to solve the relationship between space and people

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

ZH : My friends

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

ZH : trying and learning

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

ZH : Doubt if you can be a good designer

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

ZH : Building renovation, hope to do better

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

ZH : Become a responsible and excellent designer

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

ZH : I don't know

DL: How does design help create a better society?

ZH : Guide the masses

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

ZH : Haven't

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

ZH : LAI HUI Coffee(The first shop)

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

ZH : More good design

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

ZH : It depends on the size of the project

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

ZH : Data analysis and project positioning

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

ZH : Stick to essential design

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

ZH : Better presentation

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

ZH : CAD Sketchup

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

ZH : Build atmosphere

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

ZH : The core connotation

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

ZH : Believe, have not appeared temporarily

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

ZH : Japanese architect Tadao Ando's book

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

ZH : Start with the basics

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

ZH : Tadao Ando

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

ZH : Show Myself as much as you can

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

ZH : green、Tibet、Guangdong Cuisine、In the spring、Giorgio armani

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

ZH : I got to know a designer by watching TV series

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

ZH : Study hard

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

ZH : I want to keep working on more projects