Interview with Vicky Chan

Vicky Chan ("VC") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

VC : I have been working as an architect for the last 15 years with experiences in urban planning, landscape, architecture, interior, product and art. I worked for Stantec, Woods Bagot and SOM before founding Avoid Obvious Architects. I grew up in Hong Kong but studied in New York. The dual culture allows me to serve clients with a different mind sets.

How did you become a designer?

VC : I was good with math and art as a kid. Architecture seems to be a good combination of the two subjects I like. Helping people in need has always been my passion. I have taught over 5000 children for free in 15 years. Architecture and good design is generally helping people in need and to improve the quality of their live, work and play.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

VC : We look at science, history and things that have never been done before. We tried to make sure that our work is responsible in terms of sustainability. Being able to combine solid carbon calculation and environmental assessment with our design is a must for us. We look at history to make sure our building are in line with the adjacent context and heritage. Without that, we are losing the foundation of how people relate to the environment. We also need to be the first of everything we do. Knowing what others people have done helps us to avoid the common mistakes or common solutions. We innovate solutions to be original.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

VC : I feel like a magician. Being able to pull together all facets of the problem and come up with one holistic solution is not easy. Sometimes it is hard work and sometimes it is luck. We also feel magical to see the result of our design process. It often surprised ourselves as well.

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

VC : Having a dual culture makes me see the world a bit different. Eastern and Western thinking are very different in terms of how they approach a problem. Knowing how to think the other way makes me more flexible and more willing to accept different solutions.

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

VC : We continue to expand into urban planning and project with huge social impact. We hope to increase the quality of life for people who are less fortunate and with less resources. Our dream project is to do a school in post-war Syria.

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

VC : Try new things and be humble. I never think any suggestions are stupid and I tried as many suggestions and new things as I can before I picked one path I like to pursue. Many people are so fixed in terms of what they want to do and how they will achieve it. I see too many failed example. I know what I want to do and become. As long as the path in front of me doesn't deviate too much from that goal, i will still do and try new things to make sure I gain the new experiences along the way. It is kind of boring to be an expert in one field. I would rather be a generalist who are interested in all aspects of life.

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

VC : I am not truly successful, but I think I am a good architect. If I have to share one quality i like about myself, it will be myr entrepreneurial spirit. I think that mind set push me beyond my comfort zone.

What is your day to day look like?

VC : Volunteering to teach, Sketching, Business Marketing, Construction and Academic Research

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

VC : I look at Tesla and Facebook. I love to know what they are up to. I try to see what I can get from them to inspire the next design trend.

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

VC : We often do a survey after construction is done. We collected feedback from clients and customers. I don't think there is a perfect project. If the good is more than the bad, I think we did a ok job. We just have to try our best to pull the curves higher and higher.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

VC : We don't and we never feel it is ready. We see each final building as a beta version of the next building. We continue to improve the current design even after construction is completed. It can be minor touch up or revisions. We like the continuous evolution rather than a one off design.

What is your biggest design work?

VC : We are working a city plan in Canada for 40,000 residents. It will take us another 15 years to complete 36 towers. Our initial idea is to keep all residents within a 8 min distance to their work or play. People no longer need to rely on cars. It will be life changing for the residents and the environment.

Who is your favourite designer?

VC : I like IM Pei. His obsession with geometry takes out traditional concept. He is so talented with presentation as well to convince people to pursue his vision. This mindset and skill is admirable and I hope to attain that one day.

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

VC : I live in New York and Hong Kong. I love my urban life. I never own a car and I like to keep it that way. I am promoting more city life that are green. I am advocating my own lifestyle to everyone.

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

VC : I don't look at the money side too much. It is important to make money but there are certain projects we have to do in order to create significant impacts in the community. We just have to be creative with our spending so that we can afford to work those extra hours and also work extra hard on those significant projects

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

VC : We have been teaching for free for 15 years. We taught over 5000 children for free. I am the founder of Architecture for children and we give children knowledge about sustainable design and collaborative thinking. We promote access, equity, equality and sustainability.

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

VC : We love the exposure and the international exhibitions they organized around the world.

Vicky Chan Profile