Karen Chang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Karen Chang ("KC") 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?

KC : In 1996, I'm graduated from Chung Hua University,with the major in Architecture.

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

KC : Because of the love of art, I chose to be a designer.

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

KC : Proactive Select.

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

KC : With modern design techniques as the mainstay, I hope to try more different design styles.

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

KC : Design inspiration and vision can be increased through a lot of travel, reading, and visiting art exhibitions.

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

KC : Every good designer has a unique way to observe things, which a different way of design thinking for everyone.

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

KC : Can be completed reflect a good design concept in the project and maintain consistency

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

KC : The value of good design influences the way of life and aesthetics, and it is worth investing.

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

KC : I have the opportunity to design space for poor mountain children, which is a space where they can provide efficient learning and comfort. This is exactly what they need, and this is a way to better reflect design value.

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

KC : Design learning spaces for poor mountain children and design living spaces for elderly people in the city.

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

KC : Keep a lot of communication with the owners and help them solve problems, while at the same time sticking to their design concepts.

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

KC : Yes, I was inspired by the masters of Le Corbusior丶Louis Kahn丶Rem Koolhas.

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

KC : I like all works that are creative, thoughtful, and unique. Because good design can cause the audience to thinking , it will be moving or resonating.

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

KC : Savoir Resort is my most satisfying work. It implements the “hidden” design concept, and achieves the consistency between architectural design and interior design. At the same time, it conveys “contemporary Chinese architecture, should not follow the old-fashioned, should convey the contemporary living spirit” The design attitude is balanced between new and old elements.

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

KC : I keep thinking, traveling, and inspiration by visiting art exhibitions, designing and experiencing life.

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

KC : Continuously learn skills and expertise.

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

KC : Design is a combination of sensibility and rationality. I am designing for people's lives.

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

KC : My team and the owner.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KC : Complete the experience of many projects and the spirit of continuous trial.

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

KC : Should not be said to be an obstacle, design is the process of solving the problem.

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

KC : Every good design work deserves to be seen by more people.

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

KC : Design has become my way of life, I will always do design in the future.

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

KC : Making meaningful designs for people leaves valuable traces in the world.

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

KC : Make more and better design works.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

KC : Design creates a better society through aesthetics and creativity.

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

KC : Plan to design a space for children in poor mountain areas to learn.

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

KC : Let the regional cultural environment and architectural and landscape design concepts extend and maintain consistency with interior design, such as what you see at Savoir Resort

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

KC : More innovations works that better integrate regional culture and use habits.

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

KC : In Asia, the city is developing very fast.

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

KC : It takes 2 to 6 months to complete a commercial project, and it takes 6 to 12 months to complete a hotel project.

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

KC : Keep communicating with the owner.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

KC : Design is a way of thinking and living.

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

KC : Yes,The best way to catch up with trends is to create a leading trend.

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

KC : The idea of implementing design.

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

KC : autocad3dmaxskp

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

KC : Creating a space atmosphere.

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

KC : Yes, this can express my design philosophy.

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

KC : Learning and experiencing.

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

KC : The company team staff are my best partners.

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

KC : My university tutor once gave me advice: architectural design is the design of space, inseparable from people.

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

KC : Le Corbusior's vers une architecture book influenced my initial understanding of design.

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

KC : Practice makes perfect.

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

KC : I want to meet Kazuyo Sejima，because we are female designers.

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

KC : Winning these awards is a recognition of my work, encouraging me to focus more on design and make better works.

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

KC : The favorite color is blue, I like to stay in Paris, I like coffee, my favorite season is autumn, I like to collect some art. The most favorite brand is Hermes.

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

KC : The most interesting thing that designers have experienced is the design of some wonderful projects.

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

KC : Each day I will be better than yesterday.

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

KC : No, I only like art a little when I was a child.

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

KC : Technology changes lifestyle, scenes in science fiction movies will be realized in future life

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

KC : None, thank you.