Ying Lin

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ying Lin ("YL") 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: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

YL : Being able to help others with design, and the satisfaction they received after their needs and problems were being take care of. Having fun , and being able to “play” rather than work

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

YL : I choose to become a designer.

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

YL : Interior design. Universal design.

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

YL : Being able to solve problems with design and a touch of genius.

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

YL : A good designer solves problems but a great designer solve problems with a touch of genius.

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

YL : The ability to solve problems for others with design. A good design is a reflective of your life, and representative of your taste and style for a long term.

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

YL : Less is more. Adding that touch of genius for surprise.

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

YL : Tadao Ando, and Le Corbusier

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

YL : Church on the Water by Tadao Ando. It is a perfect combination of the surrounding environments and fulfilling the purpose of the design. The transitional process is like complete surprise.

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

YL : I wouldn’t say I have my greatest design yet. Still improving, learning, growing to become a design master like Tadao Ando.

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

YL : More readings, information collecting and observing.

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

YL : I would have become an art therapist.

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

YL : Design is attempting to solve the problems, the “right” design presents. Design to me is to pursue after curiosity, dedicate to wonderful life, and simultaneously making value and beauty for living spaces. By reassigning the space layout air, light, water, color, material, sense of touch and all these adds up to demonstrate a kind of “atmosphere”.

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

YL : My biggest supporter is myself. Always believe in yourself.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

YL : By reading, information gathering, and observing.

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

YL : Questioning yourself

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

YL : Through social media, advertisement, lectures, and etc

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

YL : To be a good listener, and be able to stand from proprietor’s point of view to design for them. Also, most importantly solving problems with design.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

YL : By solving problems with design to create a better society.

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

YL : A design project in Nantou, Taiwan, where we are designing the house for three generations under the same roof.

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

YL : Understanding the real needs, and to solve the needs/problems with design that’s not being overdone.

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

YL : Usually six months or more.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

YL : Solving problems with design.

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

YL : Design does not change with trends, but trends changes the style of designs.

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

YL : It works as a medium between designers and proprietor. And as the tool to present design.

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

YL : Adobe design software such as: AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D Sketchup.

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

YL : They work as the medium of communication in design.