Interview with Kaijie Chen

Kaijie Chen ("KC") interviewed on Monday, 19 March.

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

KC : I was born in Shanghai where is still rapidly changing and contains both historical and futuramic vibes. I graduated with aB.S. in Textile Engineering & Designand taught Textile Design and Styling courses as a lecturer afterwards. While pursuing M.S. in Surface Imaging, I pushed my works to make a real impression by solving a problem from multiple perspectives and in ways previously unimaginable, not only reconciling different materials with innovative technologies, also blending art, craft, science, business savvy, and an astute understanding of customers and markets.I'm currently living in NY. As a surface & visual designer with diverse backgrounds, I develop concepts and designs forcolor, textile, wallpaper,flooring, furniture, product,packaging, visual merchandising and showroom.

How did you become a designer?

KC : My father was a architect. I have many sweet memories of doing projects with him together. I think I never decided to become a designer. Whereas, it just happened naturally as it has been already in my life for so long.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KC : Concept usually comes first and I'm quite a digital heavy person, however I'm also a big fans making with my hands. Thus my style is mixed with digital design and material manipulations.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KC : I feel purely pleasant when I am designing as I'm eager to learn new things and try to find new elements for existing stuffs.

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

KC : My engineer background helps a lot for me as a designer, thus I have a more broaden and comprehensive view while I'm creating works.

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

KC : I wish I would have even broaden platform to collaborate with artists and designers from all kinds of background.

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

KC : Keep trying when you feel lost because it's the only way you could find out if you like it, good at it or not.

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

KC : Try your best to explore life, thus you will get much more broaden inspiration and understanding from different resources.

What is your day to day look like?

KC : I usually go to see a movie or hop into galleries and museums if I could.

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

KC : My personal time is quite fragmented. I don't usually have time for reading, but I enjoy chatting with friends and went to art talk and movies. Like last month I just went to a night of philosophy in Brooklyn Public Library.

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

KC : It really depends on case to case. Before designing a product or project, you must to take time to understand the purpose and target customers.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KC : To let design "sit" a while, then go back to review it.

What is your biggest design work?

KC : I started as an textile engineer and designer, thus after I shifted to surface design, I was still in love with materials and cutting edge technologies. I had a “Neo Skin” series which contained 3 different collections: “Nature Force”, “Haptics” and “Living Skin” while I was exploring unimaginable and bespoke in/exterior architecture products by integrating digital media, materials and technologies.

Who is your favourite designer?

KC : It's hard to pick a favorite designer as I love amazing designers and artist from all aspect. I like visual artist James Jean, avant garde fashion designer Iris Van Herpen, Installation artist Olafur Eliasson and so many other outstanding artists

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

KC : My designs usually influenced by Japanese design vibe and my own whimsical and creative thoughts.

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

KC : I work very well while alone since I have more control about timeline. I'm also enjoy working with other talents which usually emerges more intriguing ideas and brings more diverse resources. Especially transdisciplinary design approach allows me to collaborate and help companies build creative products and culture.

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

KC : I am always fascinating about the story behind the design, blend design and art, thinking about phylosophy and psychology. I want to make good designs not only for practical purpose. To create an ambience, more accurately, to capture and reveal something which is created by human being ourself however not usually self aware.

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

KC : Attending the A' Design award would let more people to see my designs which is very important to me because design is not a unidirectional activity. I need more feedback from different audience which helps me reaudit my works.

Kaijie Chen Profile