Interview with Ming-Hong Tsai

Ming-Hong Tsai ("MT") interviewed on Monday, 13 August.

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

MT : I was graduated from Department of Chinese Literature. I was part of the team to implement TSMC and Starbucks which are international brands. These work experiences help me a lot.

How did you become a designer?

MT : In order to get to know design, I learn carpenter first and at the meanwhile I learn basic painting and masonry. It became the stepping stone of my knowledge of materials in the future.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MT : First of all, I’ll try to understand what is the purpose of the space and the users’ expectation. Then, to consider what kinds of style could be operated in the space. Finally, try to make a innovative work.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MT : I’ll usually feel happy when I plan a great layout.

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

MT : My high standard demands and not easy compromise is my personality. However, my advantage is I’ll try my best to communicate.

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

MT : Be more determined to create, work hard on communication and keep learning.

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

MT : Read more and leave prejudice behind.

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

MT : Be more determined to create, work hard on communication and keep learning.

What is your day to day look like?

MT : If I don’t have any meeting with client during the daytime in office, I’ll be a real me. Simple and casual.

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

MT : Instead of keep up with the trend, I think to creat a trend is difficult but more important.

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

MT : Every time you review the project, you don’t feel it out of date that is a necessary requirement and comfortable experience of a good design project.

What is your biggest design work?

MT : ‘G-Space’ is a 300 square meters hair salon. I present the divided of space and materials combination. Also I transform art work into this space. Although nobody would notice it I still really proud of my design.

Who is your favourite designer?

MT : Louis Kahn, Carlo Scarpa, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Wang Jian, and Huang Shang Yuan who comes from Taiwan.

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

MT : To visit art museum, book shop and listen to music is very important for my life style.

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

MT : Eastern people aren’t used to cooperate with each other. I have different kinds of professional partners to work with. I think we’ll inspire more energy and we can expect different design.

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

MT : We had contributed to NGO’s design project, and I wish we can help more people in the future.

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

MT : In my opinion, A’ DESIGN AWARD & COMPETITION have more open minded to different design styles. In the future, it will definitely influences human life style.

Ming-Hong Tsai Profile