Han Lin Nelson Song

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Han Lin Nelson Song ("HLNS") 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?

HLNS : I like art. I appreciate beautiful things. I also have a passion for design. To go further, I completed my master's diploma in interior design in 2019. 2001-2021, Design Director, Yann Lin Interior Design, TAOYUAN/TAIWAN. 2019~, Lecturer, Department of Architecture, China University of Technology, TAOYUAN/TAIWAN. 2019~, Lecturer, Department of Construction Technology, Vanung University, TAOYUAN/TAIWAN.

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

HLNS : My passion for design.

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

HLNS : I chose to become a designer.

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

HLNS : Commercial space, residential space, office space.

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

HLNS : Explore the world.

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

HLNS : A good designer can provide a good design. A great designer uses environmentally friendly materials to create space through aesthetics and function.

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

HLNS : Good design should show aesthetics, reflect perception and pay attention to environmental sustainability.

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

HLNS : Good design will bring a better future for mankind.

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

HLNS : If I have time, I will put my energy in design residential spaces for my loved ones.

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

HLNS : I would like to buy land and build the perfect houses for myself, my family, and my team members.

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

HLNS : Dare to envision. Plan and listen patiently.

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

HLNS : I like contemporary architecture. I love the design of Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, and Toyo Ito. The structure, the materials, and light and sun and light are inspiring. In the work of Tadao Ando, the combination of concrete and natural elements such as sun, light, and wind presents a beauty that is so peaceful.

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

HLNS : To me, Church On The Water1988 and Koshino House 1981-84 are the two most inspiring projects from Tadao Ando. He uses concrete and natural elements such as sun, wind, and light to express his thought and design idea. I admire his vision. His works a so peaceful and inspiring in its form.

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

HLNS : Tribute to Sensibility. The design is derived from the concept of Hygge. This is a great design that presents aesthetics and is loved by the clients.

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

HLNS : Keep learning. Stay humble.

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

HLNS : Operate a restaurant. It is also a design-related industry.

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

HLNS : Design is about how to express perceptuality. I expect my design can show both aesthetics and functionality.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HLNS : Perseverance.

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

HLNS : I learned to lead. It is the knowledge that needs learn and practice.

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

HLNS : We submit our design projects to different awards and competitions.

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

HLNS : The next project will be a residential design project. All the soft furnishing, lighting, and colors will be trendy.

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

HLNS : I hope to give myself time to plan my life and design a perfect home for myself and my team members.

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

HLNS : People expect me to provide solutions for their living space, office space, or commercial space.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HLNS : Designers should pay attention to sustainability and environmental issues. In the construction industry, in our society, we are developing to a stage where we need to look at our own working environment and working procedure. How to provide solutions by design to benefit our own industry will be something we need to think about.

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

HLNS : Residential design project.

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

HLNS : Tribute to Sensibility. The design is derived from the concept of Hygge. This is a great design that presents aesthetics and is loved by the clients.

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

HLNS : I expect to see younger generations joining the interior design industry.

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

HLNS : I expect designers in the industry to pay more attention to materials and the issue of sustainability.

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

HLNS : 6 months minimum is required, but it all depends on the projects.

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

HLNS : I will start to study the background information of the space and understand the needs of customers.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HLNS : Determination and perseverance will lead you to your promised land.

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

HLNS : Design determines the trend.

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

HLNS : Depending on customers' needs, technology can be the protagonist or supporting role.

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

HLNS : AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Illustrator, Office.

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

HLNS : This design has an excellent form, proper functionality, and environmentally friendly materials.

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

HLNS : I hope people will say that my design has an excellent form, proper functionality, and environmentally friendly materials.

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

HLNS : I will ask myself a question: Can this project be used in any of my interior design projects?

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

HLNS : My team. I believe in co-design.

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

HLNS : My clients and my team.

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

HLNS : "Thoughts on Man" is a great book published by Matsushita Konosuke in 1973. This book talked about nature and the changing character of humanity.

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

HLNS : Keep learning.

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

HLNS : I would love to spend time and talk to myself.

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

HLNS : It takes a lot to get the awards and recognition. It is all about the process of preparation for any design project. I feel definitely honored for myself and my team. I can be proud of myself and my team. I am happy for my clients that I delivered an honorable design project for them.

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

HLNS : I love all the colors, places, foods, seasons, and all things in Taiwan.

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

HLNS : An interior designer in our industry asked me to design for his house. Although I thought he was kidding when I heard his words, I accepted it. When he said to me "I meant everything I said to you," I finally realized that he was not kidding.

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

HLNS : The praise that is given by customers. Team centripetal force which makes everyone in our team working in the same direction. An open mind allows us to accept new things and be open to learning.

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

HLNS : I am good at mathematical Geometry, colors, and pinch pottery.

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

HLNS : Take care of everyone's health. Face the pandemic. Grasp the present.