Tim Jen

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Tim Jen ("TJ") 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?

TJ : I have a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Design, and have been practicing interior design for over 10 years. My passion for creating spaces that blend functionality and culture has driven my career since my early days as a student.

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

TJ : I became a designer because I love the process of transforming ideas into tangible environments that enhance people's daily lives. The challenge of balancing aesthetics with practicality motivates me continuously.

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

TJ : Design has always been my choice. It was a natural path given my passion for art, culture, and creating meaningful spaces.

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

TJ : I primarily focus on interior architecture, especially for restaurants and residential spaces. I am eager to explore more projects that integrate local cultural elements with modern living needs.

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

TJ : I believe young designers should stay curious, continuously learn, and never lose sight of the balance between form and function. Embracing cultural context and sustainability is also crucial.

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

TJ : A good designer solves problems effectively; a great designer anticipates needs and creates timeless, meaningful experiences.

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

TJ : Good design is evaluated by its ability to harmonize aesthetics with usability. It should feel natural, inspire emotion, and serve its purpose effortlessly.

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

TJ : Good design improves quality of life, increases efficiency, and often adds lasting value to spaces and products.

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

TJ : If time allowed, I would love to design community cultural centers that foster connection and preserve local heritage.

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

TJ : My success lies in deep research, understanding client needs, and a continuous commitment to quality and authenticity.

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

TJ : I am inspired by the works of Tadao Ando for his minimalism and integration with nature, and by Alvar Aalto for his human-centered design approach.

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

TJ : I admire designs that tell a story and evoke a sense of place, such as Isamu Noguchi’s sculptural furniture and Japanese tea houses.

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

TJ : My project “Izakaya 9am 5pm” is my proudest work as it successfully integrates local materials and culture into a vibrant dining experience.

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

TJ : Practice mindfulness, observe daily life carefully, and constantly challenge yourself to think beyond aesthetics.

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

TJ : I might have pursued a career in cultural anthropology or arts education.

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

TJ : Design is the thoughtful creation of environments or objects that enhance human experience and solve problems.

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

TJ : My biggest supporter has been my partner and co-founder, Min Chen, who constantly pushes me to innovate and improve.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TJ : Continuous learning, collaboration, and embracing both failures and successes as growth opportunities.

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

TJ : Navigating client expectations while maintaining design integrity was a major challenge early on.

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

TJ : Designers should tell the story behind the design clearly, emphasizing the problem-solving process and cultural relevance.

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

TJ : We are about to launch new restaurant and residential projects focusing on sustainable materials and local craftsmanship.

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

TJ : To create timeless designs that enrich communities and respect the environment.

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

TJ : Clients expect creativity, reliability, and a deep understanding of both form and function.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TJ : Design fosters wellbeing, cultural preservation, and sustainable living.

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

TJ : Our upcoming residential project that incorporates natural ventilation and local stone materials.

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

TJ : “Izakaya 9am 5pm” because it truly reflects a sense of place and community.

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

TJ : More focus on sustainability and cultural authenticity.

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

TJ : Towards more integrative and human-centered designs that leverage technology without losing warmth.

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

TJ : Typically between 6 months to a year depending on scale and complexity.

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

TJ : I begin with deep research on the site, client needs, and cultural context.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TJ : “Good design balances form and function.”

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

TJ : Design both sets and responds to trends; the best designs transcend them.

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

TJ : Technology is a tool that enhances creativity and precision but should not overshadow human-centered values.

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

TJ : We use AutoCAD, 3Ds MAX, Adobe Suite, and physical model-making tools.

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

TJ : They create mood, identity, and connect the user emotionally to the space.

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

TJ : I hope people ask how the design reflects local culture and sustainability.

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

TJ : I think about the story and process behind it.

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

TJ : Yes, collaboration brings fresh perspectives and enriches the final result.

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

TJ : My partner Min Chen and local artisans.

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

TJ : Through ongoing education, hands-on projects, and mentorship.

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

TJ : Frank Lloyd Wright for his philosophy of organic architecture.

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

TJ : Recognition is humbling and encourages me to keep evolving. Fame is not my goal but a byproduct of meaningful work.

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

TJ : I love earthy tones, quiet natural places, traditional Japanese cuisine, autumn, handcrafted objects, and brands that value sustainability.

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

TJ : Once I mistakenly ordered the wrong type of wood for a project, which turned out to be a lucky accident because it gave the space a unique character.

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

TJ : Seeing a concept come alive and knowing it impacts someone positively motivates me daily.

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

TJ : I was always curious about how things were made, but I didn’t fully realize it would become my career.

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

TJ : I hope design will prioritize harmony with nature and human wellbeing.

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

TJ : I strive to create designs that honor tradition while embracing the future, always with respect for the people and places involved.