Melissa Mae Tan

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Melissa Mae Tan ("MMT") 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?

MMT : I finished my bachelors in architecture at the university of santo tomas in manila, philippines

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

MMT : ive always been into creating things since i was young. i like the idea of physically seeing my work, the process, the finished product.

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

MMT : i chose architecture as my major because i like the science aspect of the art

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

MMT : i have designed buildings, homes, retail interiors, and most recently, furniture and accessories

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

MMT : do not limit your imagination and keep creating whatever is in your mind

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

MMT : both good and great designers create beautiful things but great designers create with intent and meaning

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

MMT : i believe that really good designs arent just pleasing to the eyes but are also carefully thought through. small details that are barely noticeable but create a large impact on the piece

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

MMT : good design gives satisfaction to the user both visually, emotionally and physically. seeing things that are well designed for the first time or the hundredth time will still give the same satisfying feeling.

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

MMT : the secret to design is to keep on refining. there is always room to improve

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

MMT : my favorite project would be the residential triplex project i designed. the best part i believe is the layout, flow and relationship of the houses.

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

MMT : accepting mistakes and flaws, it may be very difficult to hear them but we all need to grow and learn from them

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

MMT : Design for me is purposeful aesthetics. It isn't just about looking good, but about having intention.

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

MMT : with furniture design, my father is most important because he started manufacturing furniture in the 70s and he has been a great mentor and inspiration. his company has been a great help to my design journey.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MMT : i believe that my travels have exposed me to many different cultures and designs.

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

MMT : i may have taken a pause from architecture but i plan to create my own studio in the future combining different fields of design

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MMT : design should enhance the use of certain objects and spaces. they take their surroundings into consideration and this in turn creates seamless relationships between users and the environment

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

MMT : design is becoming more aware of the environment and this is a very good step forward because design is everywhere and is being used daily.

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

MMT : i usually think of an appropriate concept making sure that there are proper relationships between the design and the environment it will be in

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MMT : there's always room for improvement

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

MMT : i believe trends set design because trends are usually a reflection of the evolution of how people live currently

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

MMT : having 3d models really help especially for presentation purposes.

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

MMT : color and materials have a large role in setting a mood. they play a major part in relating the different components of design and space

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

MMT : i usually look at the small details because those are often overlooked but they are, for me, the most difficult to perfect in a design

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

MMT : the most important part of winning this competition for me is that i have proven that local philippine design and materials are not falling behind from the rest of the world

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

MMT : i like neutral colors like grey and white as well as natural tones and usually blue for a subtle pop. the beach is my favorite place, its the whole package. a relaxing view with the sound of the waves crashing. chinese and japanese food would be my favorite, they can be so simple and they can be intricate but always interesting.

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

MMT : seeing things that are well designed usually calms my mood. then it always evolves into me carefully analyzing different aspects of the design and learning from them as well. im motivated when i see beautiful things.

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

MMT : i was always interested in creating things with my hands and im a very visual person.