Ying Chi Huang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ying Chi Huang ("YCH") 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?

YCH : I graduated with an interior design major from Shih-Chien University in Taiwan. After graduating I have worked continuously in the interior design field.

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

YCH : When I was growing up, I loved painting and art, so interior design seemed like a very good way to make a career that includes art.

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

YCH : I chose to become a designer.

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

YCH : My work consists a lot of chains stores and recently car showrooms. In the future, I hope to do larger hotel and hospitality projects.

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

YCH : Take challenges and don’t be afraid of hard work.

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

YCH : Good designers only follow a clients’ requests. Great designers go beyond client requests to help find what the client needs

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

YCH : Good design makes sense and is creative. The overall mix would be perfect and delicate. I evaluate design by asking if is solved the client’s needs.

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

YCH : The value of design is to solve the functional needs of the client, to achieve not only beautiful, but also a convenient solution. One should invest in good design because it makes life better.

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

YCH : I really want to design for my family to help them have a better life.

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

YCH : I want to be part of a hotel project. I am fascinated by the variety of spaces required in a hotel and the focus on customer needs.

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

YCH : Humility. Learn from everyone as anyone can be your teacher. You never know where the next great idea will come from.

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

YCH : Le Corbusier. Carlo Scarpa. Kuma Kengo.

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

YCH : I have always loved restaurants and residential designs that utilize the environment and allow users to enjoy and relax.

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

YCH : I don’t have a distinct design style. However, I would say that my strength lies in simple and modern design. Less is more.

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

YCH : Take challenges and don’t be afraid of hard work. That’s been my strategy.

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

YCH : I thought about being an artist maybe I would have done that.

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

YCH : Design is a way to improve the quality and convenience of life

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

YCH : My boss, Deva Design’s Owner. She always supports me to take on challenges and do my best.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

YCH : Hard work and not giving up when things get difficult.

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

YCH : I had to learn to be more confident about my design

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

YCH : Guiding clients into the design step by step.

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

YCH : We are being considered for an important showroom. Then we can participate in A ‘Design Award again.

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

YCH : Always to become a better designer.

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

YCH : To understand their needs and to help them find great solutions to their design problems.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

YCH : When people live in a well-designed society, things will be comfortable and cheerful.

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

YCH : Creating a new brand and image for a chain restaurant.

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

YCH : When we earned our clients’ trust which allowed us to create something perfect. That’s the best result and it is very satisfying.

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

YCH : Designers taking more responsibility to use materials that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

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

YCH : Greater coexistence with environment

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

YCH : It really depends on the project but usually anywhere from 3 months to 9 months.

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

YCH : By listening to the clients.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

YCH : If you are doing your best, you will not have to worry about failure.

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

YCH : Both are possible. There isn’t a correct answer.

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

YCH : Accurately communicate your design

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

YCH : I mostly use AutoCAD and I hand sketch a lot.

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

YCH : To give design more harmony and value.

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

YCH : Why I designed this way and why I chose those materials?

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

YCH : What can I learn from it?

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

YCH : Someone who can collaborate and communicate but who will fight for great design. I believe in co-design because each designer has their own strengths and weaknesses and together we are stronger than we are individually.

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

YCH : My designer friends, co-workers and my boss.

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

YCH : Books about design history.

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

YCH : Always learning.

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

YCH : I want to ask Kuma Kengo what he thinks about at the beginning of each project. He always has lots of great ideas.

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

YCH : We have lots of great designers all over the world. It’s really a big challenge to become famous.

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

YCH : My favorite colors are black and gray. I love spicy food with chili. My favorite season is autumn. I love to travel. I don’t really have a favorite brand. I just try to evaluate the quality and usefullness.

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

YCH : Knowing that I have a chance to create something that can make someone’s life or business better.

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

YCH : I don’t think so.

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

YCH : If the environment continues to be polluted, I don't know if anyone will be able to see what is happening a thousand years later.

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

YCH : I want to tell designers that you must have a strong heart. Always be confident, and don’t dwell on regrets when you have done your best. Because things are always imperfect, but sometimes imperfections are also a part of beauty.