Interview with Monique Lee

Monique Lee ("ML") interviewed on Wednesday, 19 December.

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

ML : Holding a master of MEM U OF Tech Sydney, a degree of BAppSC(Arch) Curtin U of Tech. Fellowship, Asian College of Knowledge Management and with over 16 years of experience in design business up to now. I founded Mas Studio Ltd.in Year 2009.

How did you become a designer?

ML : I have a passion for beautiful things since childhood. My designs bring life, love, sense of freedom and passion for life. I keep enriching my knowledge for self-advancement. I wish everyone can feel my designs.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

ML : First and foremost, we need to gather information on environment, requirements, operation and things that may affect the design. We will then bring out the problems and seek solutions. This is the basis on which we create each design. Every design embodies my style. Inspiration may come from the nature or some people or anything.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

ML : Process of creating a new design is like day-dreaming. Indulging myself in personal imagination and isolated from external interferences. Based on my insight of the project nature and spontaneous inspiration, I create my designs. The most encouraging is to bring well-being to other people.

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

ML : Design makes my life. I am just addicted to it. Curiosity is the driven force for new trials and continuous improvements. Passion could overcome all obstacles.

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

ML : Do your best every day and be prepared for a challenging future. I wish to help the underprivileged through designs.

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

ML : My designs bring life. I love to design anything related life. Learn from people and things around me makes me a better designer.

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

ML : Passion to feel is indispensable. Success only comes after failures.

What is your day to day look like?

ML : Live every moment with heart. Sincere with work, people, entertainment, etc.

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

ML : Creativity is beyond limits. Trends influence you and designs in your distinct style set trends.

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

ML : To feel every detail with my heart.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

ML : No design is perfect. Every design always has room for improvement though limited by time factor.

What is your biggest design work?

ML : I love every project I made though perfection has yet to be achieved. I wish it comes true in the near future. I always look forward to new projects which are new chances for better designs.

Who is your favourite designer?

ML : Antoni Gaudi. Born and raised in Hong Kong. Strongly influenced by Hong Kong’s unique mixed East and West culture. Contemporary and yet traditional. A well-blended East and West design style

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

ML : Hong Kong is home and everything to me. Its cosmopolitan and diverse ethnic cultures breed new concepts and ideas.

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

ML : Work with heart and enthusiasm or advancement is not possible. We need colleagues, friends and family. Sharing the same vision and mutual trust drive improvement. Mutual respect and team work are indispensable.

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

ML : We join charity projects to help the community with our designs. Meanwhile, we always share information related to designs to propagate eco-friendly interior design concepts through our columns in magazines.

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

ML : A’ Design Award is a renowned and authoritative design competition. We learn and improve our skills through the whole process. It provides an ideal platform for designers from around the world to compete which impact positively on the design business. Undoubtedly, designers and companies whom are awarded with prizes gain reputation from joining the Award. I am truly honoured and excited to be Designer of the Day and motivate us to contribute to the community with our designs.

Monique Lee Profile