Interview with Seuk Hoon Kim

Seuk Hoon Kim ("SHK") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

SHK : This year is my eleventh year of my career in the design industry. I'm currently the Director of seukhoonkim which is based in Seoul, Republic of Korea and New York, USA. Before that, I've earned my experience in Heehoon D&G and Ridge P&C of Seoul, Korea and SHoP Architects of New York; most recently as Senior Design Manager of Studio GAIA New York. I'm also currently the Creative Director of Studio GAIA Seoul for Asia and Pacific markets.

How did you become a designer?

SHK : I've dreamed myself as a sculptor when I was little and started to think of three-dimensional objects. That idea and dream developed and started to think of the environment around me and my interest started to focus on Architecture and Interior Design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

SHK : Both technique and style are very important priorities as I do my design. Each needs to be balanced one another. The concept of the design is important to start off with as it's the main key point in the overall design. Configuring the right plans will lead the way of the design, and the construction detail is crucial in order to shape the design in real life.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

SHK : Through many process and investigations, the moment of finding the right concept makes me very excited and happy.

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

SHK : Hard working will be the particular aspect of me. I try my best all the time in every parts in order to make shape of myself.

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

SHK : I really want to be a good designer. Especially since I'm back to my home town, Seoul, after long life in New York, I really want to be a designer who can promote as a representative of my country, Republic of Korea.

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

SHK : Be passionate and don't let your curiosity go away.

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

SHK : I cannot say I'm a successful designer yet, but definitely it is worth to make a good relationship with your employees your fellows and other designers.

What is your day to day look like?

SHK : I start my day with corresponding with my New York office through emails. With the discussion made earlier, I start working on the design works that need to be done. Some times sketches or even 3d rendering works and drawings to support my design.

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

SHK : I go through lots of websites showing new projects. That really helps me a lot.

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

SHK : I try to see how well balanced the design is.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

SHK : When I'm satisfied, and there's no more chance that I need to think more on the design.

What is your biggest design work?

SHK : Few weeks ago, as I'm the Creative Director of Studio GAIA Seoul as well, I've opened a new W Hotel in Panama City, Panama. As influenced by the Panama culture spirit, it will be definite place to go to.

Who is your favourite designer?

SHK : Nowadays, I love David Chipperfield's work. Simple, but powerful and the dominant of his spaces influence me a lot. Also, Neri & Hu's designs are my favorite as well. Their strong identity in the spaces really shocks me every time.

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

SHK : I love to experience culture in different cities and different countries. As by influenced from them, those thoughts help me a lot when designing my spaces.

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

SHK : I try to handle much as I can of the work load, so that my design can be expressed fully what I think as of. From sketches to drawings and to 3d renderings, I try to take care of much as I can in order to make sure my ideas come out to real life as close as possible.

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

SHK : As a Korean designer, I really will like to promote Korean culture through design to foreign countries and international market.

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

SHK : It was great to promote my project and let others enjoy what idea I have constructed. It was fascinating moment to see to exchange ideas and interactions through project.

Seuk Hoon Kim Profile