Ruiting Xu

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ruiting Xu ("RX") 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?

RX : I began my journey in design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, which gave me a strong foundation in spatial composition and material sensitivity. Wanting to push further into architecture’s broader social and environmental responsibilities, I pursued a Master of Architecture at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). My education there challenged conventional boundaries and encouraged a critical, experimental approach to design. That combination of interior sensibility and architectural thinking continues to shape how I work today, balancing human-scale experiences with systemic and contextual design strategies.

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

RX : What motivates me to design is the possibility of creating something that resonates functionally, emotionally and ecologically. I became a designer because I’ve always been drawn to the way spaces and objects can shape how we live, feel and relate to the world around us. Design is not just about aesthetics or solving problems; it’s about asking the right questions, revealing connections and offering new perspectives. I’m especially driven by the potential of design to engage with environmental challenges and cultural narratives, and to contribute to more thoughtful and sustainable ways of living.

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

RX : I chose to become a designer. It was a conscious decision rooted in curiosity and a desire to create. I was never forced into it; instead, I found myself naturally drawn to design as a way of thinking and making. It offered a space where imagination, logic and care for the world could come together. The more I learned, the more I realized how design could be a lifelong pursuit both expressive and purposeful.

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

RX : I design across architecture, spatial installations, and object-based works which often explore the relationships between material, environment and human experience. I’m especially interested in designs that respond to ecological systems and social contexts, where form and function are rooted in deeper narratives. Moving forward, I’d love to design more public or community-centered projects that integrate infrastructure with culture, spaces that are not only sustainable but also invite reflection, engagement and a sense of belonging.

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

RX : A good designer solves problems thoughtfully and creates functional, well-crafted work. A great designer goes further. They challenge assumptions, communicate ideas with clarity and depth, and design with a deep understanding of both people and the planet. Great designers have a distinct voice, but they also listen deeply to context, materials and users. They’re not just makers; they’re critical thinkers and responsible storytellers who shape lasting impact through their work.

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

RX : A really good design is one that resonates on multiple levels. It not only performs its function well but also communicates a clear intention, evokes a response and endures over time. It feels effortless yet thoughtful. I evaluate good design by how well it responds to its context: culturally, environmentally, and humanly whether it offers something meaningful beyond utility. A strong design reveals itself gradually. The more you engage with it, the more you uncover layers of clarity, care and purpose.

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

RX : If there’s a secret ingredient in my design process, it’s observation, really paying attention to the nuances of place, behavior and materials. I believe thoughtful design begins with quiet noticing. That, paired with persistence and a willingness to iterate, has been essential. I also try to stay curious and open to ideas outside of architecture - whether it’s from science, art or everyday life. Success, to me, comes from designing with intention while allowing room for surprise and discovery.

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

RX : I’ve always been inspired by Herzog & de Meuron. Their work shows a deep sensitivity to material, place and atmosphere, while constantly evolving in form and expression. Their ability to balance abstraction with tactile richness is something I deeply admire. I also draw inspiration from a wide range of thinkers and makers—whether it’s the quiet intensity of Tadao Ando, or the experimental rigor found in emerging contemporary practices. For me, inspiration often comes from how designers question conventions and respond to context with clarity and nuance.

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

RX : To improve as a designer, I believe it’s essential to stay curious and embrace a mindset of constant learning. This means not just refining technical skills, but also broadening one’s perspective by seeking inspiration from diverse fields such as art, science, culture and even nature. For me, it’s been about pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and experiment, whether through new materials, digital tools or collaborating with people outside of architecture. I also found that feedback both from mentors and peers is invaluable, as it helps refine ideas and push them in unexpected directions. Ultimately, the key is to stay adaptable, challenge your assumptions and always remain open to growth both in designs and approach to life.

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

RX : If I hadn’t become a designer, I would have likely pursued a career as a professional scuba diver. The idea of exploring the unknown whether through the depths of the ocean or within the built environment has always fascinated me. Scuba diving offers a unique way of engaging with the world, where every dive is an exploration of new, unseen ecosystems. That spirit of discovery and connection to nature is something I carry into my design work as well.

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

RX : For me, design is a way of shaping experiences, environments and interactions. It’s the process of creating solutions that are both functional and meaningful, grounded in context and responsive to human needs. Design is not just about making things look aesthetically pleasing; it’s about understanding the deeper layers of a problem whether environmental, cultural or social, and crafting a response that resonates on multiple levels. It’s a way of telling a story through form, material and space, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life and fostering a more sustainable future.

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

RX : My ultimate goal as a designer is to create work that not only serves its functional purpose but also has a positive impact on the environment and the communities it touches. I want to design spaces, objects and systems that respond thoughtfully to the world around them integrating sustainability, cultural relevance and social equity. Ultimately, my aim is to contribute to a future where design is a catalyst for positive change, helping people connect with one another and the planet in meaningful and lasting ways.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RX : Design plays a crucial role in shaping the environments we live in and the ways we interact with each other. A well-designed space or object can elevate daily experiences, foster community engagement and promote sustainability. By addressing social and environmental challenges through thoughtful design, we can create spaces that enhance quality of life, reduce inequality and encourage more responsible consumption. Design has the power to spark conversations and ultimately help create a society that values empathy, collaboration and respect for the natural world.

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

RX : The design field is rapidly evolving as we confront both new technological advancements and pressing global challenges. I believe we are moving towards a future where design is even more integrative and interdisciplinary, blurring the lines between architecture, technology, sustainability and social systems. The next wave of design will be deeply rooted in data-driven insights, with an emphasis on creating adaptable and resilient systems that respond to our changing environment. At the same time, we’ll continue to see a focus on human-centered design, with technology being leveraged to create more intuitive and accessible experiences. Ultimately, I think design will continue to move towards being more holistic, with an even greater emphasis on creating solutions that are both functional and meaningful, addressing long-term societal and environmental needs.

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

RX : The time it takes to finalize a design project can vary greatly depending on the scope, complexity and type of project. For smaller, more straightforward designs, it could take a few weeks to a couple of months. However, for larger architectural or multidisciplinary projects, it can take several months or years to fully develop and implement. The process involves research, conceptualization, iterations and feedback cycles, all of which require careful consideration and time. Ultimately, I focus on quality over speed, ensuring that every aspect of the design is thoughtfully addressed before reaching completion.

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

RX : When I begin a new design project, I start by thoroughly understanding the context whether it’s the community, the environmental challenges or the people involved. Research is key at this stage, as it informs the direction of the project and ensures it aligns with the needs and values of those it’s intended to serve. From there, I move into conceptualization, exploring different ideas and iterations. I prioritize creating a strong narrative for the project that ties all elements together, while also considering functionality, sustainability and aesthetics. My goal is to establish a clear vision early on, which can then be refined and developed throughout the design process.

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

RX : I believe design both sets and responds to trends. Designers are often at the forefront of innovation, creating work that challenges existing conventions and introduces new ideas or technologies, which can set trends. At the same time, trends are influenced by cultural, social and technological shifts, and designers often draw from these to create relevant work that resonates with the current moment. Ultimately, good design doesn’t just follow trends; it has the power to shape and redefine them, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while remaining grounded in meaningful contexts.

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

RX : Color, materials and ambiance play integral roles in shaping the emotional and functional experience of a design. Color can influence mood, evoke specific feelings and create visual harmony or contrast, guiding how people perceive and interact with a space. Materials are not just about aesthetics; they carry meaning, tell a story, and can contribute to the sustainability and durability of a project. The choice of materials also connects the design to its surroundings, whether through texture, tactility, or cultural significance. Ambient elements such as lighting, acoustics and spatial arrangement, help create a sense of atmosphere that transforms a space from functional to experiential. Together, these elements work holistically to create environments that are not only beautiful but also deeply engaging and purposeful.

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

RX : A great day as a designer happens when I feel that I’ve made meaningful progress whether that’s through a breakthrough in an idea, successfully collaborating with others, or seeing the elements of a project start to come together. The process of problem-solving whether it's working through design challenges or refining an approach, is incredibly rewarding. I motivate myself by focusing on the impact my work can have whether it’s creating a space that fosters community or exploring innovative ways to make the world more sustainable. Having a clear purpose in each project helps drive me forward, and I stay inspired by learning from the world around me through art, nature, or conversations with colleagues.

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

RX : The future, especially a thousand years from now, is beyond our current comprehension, but it’s fascinating to think about the possibilities. I imagine a world where design continues to evolve in harmony with nature, where sustainability and technology are seamlessly integrated to create more resilient, self-sustaining environments. I envision cities that adapt to their surroundings, with buildings and spaces that not only serve human needs but also support ecosystems and biodiversity. Our relationship with the planet may have transformed with design playing a critical role in preserving and regenerating the natural world. At the same time, the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds might blur even further, creating new ways for people to experience and interact with their environment. I believe design will continue to evolve as a tool for positive change, driving innovation and improving quality of life, while maintaining a deep respect for the planet and humanity’s shared future.