Interview with Shin-Yuan Fang

Shin-Yuan Fang ("SF") interviewed on Monday, 26 March.

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

SF : I founded Wei Yi international design associates in 2003. After i graduation from NTUA, and M.A. CYCU Institute.I worked for Chris Yao and C.S.Lee Design Consulting Inc.

How did you become a designer?

SF : My favorite thing to do as a child was to play with blocks.At first, I wanted to be an artist because I loved to draw. A wild imagination spurred my interest in art.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

SF : How to visualize the picture in my mind while satisfying the client’s needs is my main priority. Minimalism is my style.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

SF : The first emotions I feel are optimism and curiosity. During the artistic process I am careful. In the end, I feel joy and a strong sense of achievement.

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

SF : Art class in school

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

SF : Continue to produce good designs and take on different projects.Through travel and reading to enrich my spirit and expand my horizons.I hope to work on a boutique resort.I want to be the real me.

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

SF : Observe, listen and stay flexible.

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

SF : Keep doing good things

What is your day to day look like?

SF : I think about, and play with, designs every day.

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

SF : Continuously dig through new information to provide updated and more suitable solutions to satisfy the client’s needs.

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

SF : From media articles and the thoughts of fellow designers. And of course, from winning international awards, too.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

SF : When I pick up the pen and begin.

What is your biggest design work?

SF : As of now, it is a boutique art guesthouse in China.

Who is your favourite designer?

SF : I admire Tadao Ando.If i can given a chance to talk with a single dead designer, i think is Le Corbusier.

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

SF : My lifestyle is simple. Other than work, I read, cook, cycle and travel.Taipei is an interesting city, rich in culture with a mix of old and new.

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

SF : Creating beautiful things is always placed ahead of business practices.

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

SF : I give without seeking attention. Medical resources in Eastern Taiwan are relatively scarce. For over 10 years, we donated a fixed percentage of our profits from every case to the Mennonite Christian Hospital for its construction and operation.

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

SF : 1. Reflect on your own creativity. 2. Allow others to know your work. 3. Get in touch with the world.It allows people to get to know me and understand my design ideas. I hope to share and discuss these thoughts with others.

Shin-Yuan Fang Profile