TSAI DUNG LIN

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer TSAI DUNG LIN ("TDL") 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?

TDL : I am into formative art and painting since I was kid, and actually with my enthusiasm about painting and design I won lots prize while I was in school. Interior design is a way to turn my art paper into three-dimensional.

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

TDL : I would like to be a designer because I want to make my ideas and concepts to be reality.

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

TDL : I would say both. I really like to turn imagination into reality, and being a designer is a best way to do that.

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

TDL : Any types of design only they are interesting.

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

TDL : Be passion, be curious, and be insistent.

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

TDL : Good designer can make sure everything is OK, but just Ok not special. Great designer can not only make everything in perfect but also widen your eye and lead you to another class.

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

TDL : It should be trending, be art, and withstand the test of time.

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

TDL : Good design can give you much value more than you can think about. Why we shouldn’t invest in good design?

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

TDL : Furniture, light, and vehicle design. People we have fate.

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

TDL : Be passion, be curious, and be insistent.

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

TDL : Tom Kundig. I think he is cool.

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

TDL : Tom Kundig, his design is not just design, it includes lots functional structure.

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

TDL : For interior design, I would make a space in a unique function depends on the feature of the space. The space becomes a storyteller, and you can read the story through the interior design. I think it is amazing that interior design gives the space a new life.

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

TDL : I think I would be an artist or a painter.

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

TDL : Design is a way to solve problems and also is an exclusive communication process between designer, client, and problems.

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

TDL : My family, especially my wife.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TDL : Passion and insistence.

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

TDL : Complete the ideal design in limited budget.

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

TDL : Present your work like you are telling a story to people.

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

TDL : A unique design chain brand.

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

TDL : Hope one day, my company will be the classic interior design brand in the world.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TDL : Design can create a society more civilized, more convenient, and more comfortable.

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

TDL : A private living design. I am so excited that the work is better than I expected.

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

TDL : I am satisfied with all the projects that I make the space to be a storyteller. Because the space, the story is special, just like my kids, they are so unique.

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

TDL : Wish I can see something interesting cross-industry cooperation.

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

TDL : The border between human and nature will be unclear which means we will add more natural elements into interior space.

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

TDL : It depends on how big and complicated the project is.

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

TDL : Find the feature in this project and give it a suitable concept, and develop design from the concept.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TDL : Find the feature of this space, let the space tell story.

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

TDL : Trends can set design, and design can make trends move on.

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

TDL : Technology makes work much perfect and it can combine two different materials or surface.

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

TDL : AutoCAD SketchUp Photoshop

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

TDL : They can show the style and be functional.

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

TDL : I want to know their concept and if I can use them to my projects.

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

TDL : I believe everyone is good at something that is why I think teamwork can maximize people’s advantage and make a project perfect.

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

TDL : The users and clients.

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

TDL : Be passion, be curious, and be insistent.

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

TDL : It’s really my honor to be acknowledged, which means my design direction is right “interior design can let a space tell a story and give it a new life.

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

TDL : Achromatic. Taiwan. Spaghetti. Autumn. Excellent mechanism. Porsche.

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

TDL : A sense of achievement when the project is done and see the client’s face with satisfaction.

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

TDL : Honestly that I did not think so much when I was a kid, but I really love drawing. I think I had lots to do if I want to be a great designer then.

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

TDL : A lot of possibility in the future but I believe human will connect with alien one day.

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

TDL : I have a lot passion and thoughts about design, I would like to discuss with guys directly and you can search @doitstudio215 on Instagram and contact me.