Summer Chang Hin Cheong

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Summer Chang Hin Cheong ("SCHC") 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?

SCHC : After I graduated from college, I didn't work related to design because of the opportunity. But engaged in the catering industry, in an opportunity to renovate the restaurant, I got a good response, from then on I began my design career.

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

SCHC : When I was in high school, I volunteered to be a designer. Because I think it's a fruitful job to be able to turn an idea into a reality.

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

SCHC : Yes, I was choose to become a designer.

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

SCHC : I am engaged in interior design and architectural design. I would also like to try the interior design of yacht or bus.

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

SCHC : Don't be complacent. Keep learning.

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

SCHC : A good designer is responsible for completing a job. A great designer is to make the finished product influence the society or turn it into a valuable history.

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

SCHC : First of all, its practicality must be considered. Secondly, consider whether the materials and construction are environmentally friendly. Finally, whether the finished product of design is popular or not.

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

SCHC : Good design can be appreciated over and over again. Now is the time for packaging to attract attention. Good design can save a lot of advertising fee.

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

SCHC : If I had time, I would design my own house for my family.

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

SCHC : I haven't had time to design my own house yet.

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

SCHC : Communicate more and learn more about human feelings. My secret is to keep learning.

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

SCHC : Andou Tadao, Carlo Scarpa

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

SCHC : Those are so many designs I like that I don't know how to screen it.

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

SCHC : My greatest design is Heart By Tree, which is a house that breaks through a lot of things I've never done before.

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

SCHC : If we want others to like our design, we should respect other people's design first. Keep learning humbly.

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

SCHC : Design is an element that add on perfect to life and makes people feel better. I think design is a necessity of life.

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

SCHC : My wife and my family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SCHC : Keep positive energy and learn with an open mind

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

SCHC : The disapproval of the design team and the technical problems of the construction team. Some customers don't believe my opinion either.

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

SCHC : The designer should present the work and prepare the story statement at the same time.

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

SCHC : My next design project is a charity building for hypoevolutism children. I want it to be a retro and environmentally friendly landmark.

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

SCHC : I want to be an influential designer in Malaysia.

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

SCHC : People hope that I can design more award-winning works and continue to win glory for Malaysia.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SCHC : In the past environment, many construction processes are not planned, and the later design can make the environment better. Good design can also make people life more convenient.

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

SCHC : What excites me most at the currently work is planning to renovate an old house.

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

SCHC : At present, the project I am most satisfied with is Heart By Tree. Because it was my first award-winning work.

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

SCHC : In the coming years, I hope that more Malaysians will accept design and learn more about the difference between designers and contractors.

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

SCHC : I think the next step in the design field should combine more future technologies and networks.

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

SCHC : I need three to nine months to finalize a design project.

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

SCHC : I will start by chatting with customer.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SCHC : There is no best design, only the most suitable design. Life is the main thing, style is the complement.

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

SCHC : I think design sets the trends.

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

SCHC : Computer, camera and drawing board.

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

SCHC : AutoCAD, Photoshop, 3DMax, notebook and PC.

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

SCHC : Color is a very important role in the design, reflecting the overall design feeling. Materials determine the details and texture of the design. The ambient is the most important in design, if the movement line is not good, that's means the overall design is not ideal.

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

SCHC : The Story of Design。

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

SCHC : Why would the designer think of doing this? and how did he do it?

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

SCHC : My ideal design partner is close to me in idea and frequency. Yes, I'm believe in co-design.

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

SCHC : I have no idea with it.

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

SCHC : Ask a professional if don't understand, and keep practicing.

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

SCHC : The engineer who built the pyramid.

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

SCHC : I am grateful to all the people who have let me learn. I don't think it's hard to be famous, as long as you believe in faith.

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

SCHC : My favorite color is blue, place is Japan, food is steak, season is Winter.

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

SCHC : I once experienced a natural disaster in Taiwan and was chased by a flood while driving.

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

SCHC : I tell myself every day that I can't fall down, because I have to support my family.

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

SCHC : No, I don't think so.

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

SCHC : I think in the next 1000 years, human beings can move instantly.

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

SCHC : Please follow me.