Ming-Ling Yang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ming-Ling Yang ("MY") 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?

MY : I have a Ph.D. from the Dept. of Civil Engineering-Arch. at Chung Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, a M. Arch. From the Dept. of Architecture & Urban Planning at Chung Hua University, Hsinchu/Taiwan, and a B.Arch. from the Department of Architecture at Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. I have been working as a designer for almost 20 years. In addition, I have a passion for the education for interior design and architecture. I firmly believe that the enlightenment and power that a professional designer and architect can bring to the younger generations are far more meaningful and influential than the accomplishment of self-fulfillment. With the community influence in the design field, I have always tried to pass on the professional influence in the field of education.

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

MY : My passion for design motivates me.

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

MY : I have always wanted to become a designer. I chose to become a designer.

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

MY : I design residential, commercial space, office space, and etc. I don't limit myself.

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

MY : I encourage them to explore the world in any possible way.

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

MY : Good designers can provide beautiful and good designs. A great designer creates aesthetical and functional space with environmentally friendly materials.

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

MY : An outstanding design should show aesthetics and spatial functionality and focuses on environmental sustainability.

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

MY : An outstanding design can bring a better life to mankind.

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

MY : If I have time, I will design a residential space for my family and my dog.

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

MY : I want to learn enamel craftsmanship.

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

MY : Designers must be able to give vision. Designers must be able to plan and listen patiently.

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

MY : I think that if you want to be a designer you will need to continue learning and reflecting on things.

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

MY : If I have not been a designer, I would just be a teacher.

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

MY : My husband is my biggest supporter.

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

MY : The environmental problem is getting worse. I believe that designers in our industry will pay more attention to materials and the issue of sustainability.

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

MY : The design industry will definitely pay more attention to our environment and health of human beings and sustainable development.

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

MY : It depends on how big a design project is.

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

MY : Whenever I start a new design project, I will first start with researching the background information of the space and understanding the needs of the client.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MY : Honesty and humility are my life motto.

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

MY : Both are true.

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

MY : Technology is a tool to assist me in the process of design.

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

MY : AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Illustrator, and Office.

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

MY : The color, materials, and ambient in design are the important elements that trigger the senses.

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

MY : I hope people will say that my design is recognizable and shows both rational and sensual characteristics. In addition, I hope my design can provide warmth and comfort.

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

MY : I would want to know more about the idea, the concept, and the challenges encountered in the process of developing.

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

MY : Students are my partners. I believe in co-design.

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

MY : My clients.

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

MY : Confucian Analects.

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

MY : I reflect and learn from every design process.

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

MY : Santa Claus

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

MY : It is recognition when my design wins an award. Yes.

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

MY : The color of light. Standing in front of a window. Delicious foods. Summer. Travel.

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

MY : I try to maintain my utter innocence of a child.

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

MY : When I was young, I often went to the construction site near my home to pick up building materials. I would use them to make toys.

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

MY : The future is full of opportunities for introspection and reflection. I look forward to world peace.