Interview with Kevin Chu

Kevin Chu ("KC") interviewed on Wednesday, 15 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

KC : I started my design firm in 2006 after graduating from London University in 2001 while working for several firms in London and Hong Kong. I change my company design motto to be more focused in environmental and sustainable ideas in 2012 and since 2016 we have solely focus ourselves on pushing design boundaries in the aforementioned discipline.

How did you become a designer?

KC : I have been drawing and sketching as far as i remember and have always been indulge in art and design since i was a kid. Subconsciously i always knew i will be in this field and after winning a scholarship to Architectural Association in London i think my fate is sealed.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KC : I solely focus on contemporary environmental design. Meaning all my work, be it art, architecture, interior or product are always modern and with a spike of sustainable tech. I love making 3D printed models as they are fast and show a better volumetric scale compare with CGI renderings. Usually when i get a new project or challenge i search profusely online on established design ideas related to the project and choose the one thing that is missing. from their i start to work on, or investigate something original so as to differentiate myself from the others. I think the best engine to copy from is mother nature!!

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KC : The process....the end we result is great but the struggle is fun. No design can ever be finished. There are only deadlines and cost.....a design should always evolve.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

KC : I am quite an outdoor guy so whenever i go for a bike ride, a walk, a swim....look around....you can always find things to inspire. Emotion also inspire creativity. If you feel sad or happy that can be used to make something interesting. Everything around you is a muse but always keep originality as your aim as nothing is original but if you inspire from pure elements other than established designs, it makes your work much more unique and with a great story behind.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

KC : Dreams to me is creative freedom. Enemies are time, budget, politics,conservatism. Any project, be it small or large when given to me with an open brief, is my dream project. Let me say it to all clients....its our job, as designers, to indulge in creativity, trust our instincts and let us be ourselves and you will get the best work ever.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

KC : Well there are many ways to go into our industry. If you want fast financial gain just copy and follow the trend....this is a way to be successful quickly. If you want to be original and unique in the industry be prepared you will struggle for years and be degraded timelessly or even fail. Whatever is your path is never wrong.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

KC : Do lots of competitions for exposure...i mean like 100s or 1000s. You might win a handful but is better than zero. Go out and meet people so they know who you are. Choose clients that share your value in design and be very very very persistent.

What is your day to day look like?

KC : I am a crazy early riser. I get up at 5:30am, do some sport, jack myself into a hyper mode and start work at 8am. Then i don't stop till i feel like i am too tired. But i keep my 7 hours of sleep unless there is a deadline or something. I avoid as much as possible design news(i love technology news though) as i don't want to be corrupted by someone else great idea.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

KC : I do read a lot on technical articles on the latest design tech. There is no need, in my opinion to know what the latest design trend is as you will just know when you go out. Bars, restaurants, retails are the first to adopt trends and you will see them around you.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

KC : List all the problems you have at the beginning, then list all the solutions or wished you want to achieve. If you achieved 90% of them you will have an orgasmic feeling and that when you know you have done a good job.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KC : Honestly is the deadline of budget constraint as if you are a good designer, no project can ever end as this motivates you to improve it.

What is your biggest design work?

KC : None of my work are big but i like to tackle smaller projects with more finesse and personality. We just got offer to lead an Italian design house to update all their furniture collection and a museum in Praque. These are the big ones but treat every project as a big one and you will be able to keep your standard to all clients.

Who is your favourite designer?

KC : No one and everyone....but still my favorite is mother nature.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

KC : I am based in Hong Kong and Italy but i love to travel. I like to mix my trip up with days in 5* boutique hotel to camping and biking in some jungle or in the middle of nowhere. I also like to bicycle everywhere and i think bike sharing is the greatest thing since slice bread as you really know a city by this means of getting around. I try to keep my carbon foot print as low as possible not just because i am some sort of hippie green architect but by doing this you also make yourself more sporty!!!

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

KC : I work with several partners. We all share a similar design vision. When it comes to business it is usual you have to compromise but never completely whore yourself to the money train. Have some principles in order to pursue some originality. Money is necessary but know that sometimes enough is enough....having 6 Ferraris is just plain silly!

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

KC : I would love to do pro bono work is it is interesting to my design vision(sorry a bit selfish here). I go to design events sometimes but i rather keep myself busy with design. I prefer to meet other designers in some hipster bar or casual gathering as you can all get unmask and be yourself. A good design is the design that makes you look twice and think 3 times. I am always happy to collaborate with any creative individuals.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

KC : Since being involved with A Design Award i have expanded my network of clients and like minded designers a lot. Having more interaction with our industry makes it easier for me to choose clients. Keep up the good work guys.

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