Interview with Andy Wan

Andy Wan ("AW") interviewed on Tuesday, 14 August.

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

AW : I've been a designer for 15 years since graduated. I furthered my study in UK, a country that possesses strong stance on environmental protection. In 2007, I founded my own company and manifests green design philosophy to custom-made projects for my clients. One of my clients is the CEO of a large local skin care and cosmetics manufacturer in Hong Kong.

How did you become a designer?

AW : I like drawing and making toys by using raw materials locally from nature during my childhood in a village. I studied interior design in university as I am very interested in it. I directly entered the interior design industry after graduation.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AW : I would start my design process by studying the requirements from client, exisiting layouts and space, followed by creating and marking some sketches. It is of upmost importance that the use of space, style, colours and materials of the furniture should suit the living habits and needs of the homeowners. The overall setting should be calm and relaxing, so that homeowners can enjoy staying home. The sustainability of materials is also an important point to consider.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AW : The most exciting moment is when starting a new project with new criteria and I look forward to seeing the design being transformed to a better design during the journey. I feel contented and pleased when seeing the finishing work, and knowing the client is satisfied with the work.

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

AW : Be open-minded, always keen to research, eager to learn and aim for improvement are important factors to a designer."We borrow from nature the space upon which we build." - Tadao Ando, the world-class renowned architect. I was inspired by him and believe nature and environment are the irreplaceable elements in interior design, this becomes my rationale in every design.

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

AW : I furthered my study in Interior Design in UK after graduation in Hong Kong. I founded my own company in 2007 and have gained industry recognition, winning several local and international awards throughout these years. I would like to lead my company to become top 10 interior design company in Hong Kong. My dream design project is to design a Buddhism temple.

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

AW : My advices to young designers - lay a solid foundation, be keen to learn about new things and technologies, keep up with the passion, maintain a good standard of demand and attitude and build up your own experience which are very essential to your career.

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

AW : Be proactive and always listen to clients' requirements as after all they are the end users.

What is your day to day look like?

AW : Team discussion/ meeting, researching various design aspects, designing and meeting clients mark my daily routine.

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

AW : I will spare part of my day to read books, magazines and browse websites for new interior design trends, ideas and materials. I keep attending local and international exhibitions and joining competitions to keep up with the industry, and exchange ideas with peer, architects and material suppliers.Recently, more and more clients would like to integrate smart living system into their homes. Clients will appreciate your design idea more when you can give them new insights.

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

AW : A well designed project is one with no fault, technically realizable and has high standard in finishing. And as important, how much a design fits to the needs and living habits of the clients is the core value of the design. A good design should serve the above function and enhance the convenience of the end users.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AW : I would say the design is complete when all the components needed are thoroughly drawn with materials, dimensions and checked with the technical aspects. I would discuss with the team and present my design to client to see any further comments, modifications or improvements are needed. I would consider the degree of success in relation to the feedbacks from the clients.

What is your biggest design work?

AW : I've designed a 20,000 square feet villa in Weihai, a city in China. This project included mutiple floors, garden and an infinity pool, meaning a large indoor area and also outdoor area. Considerations on landscape design, technical and maintenance issues of outdoor seating and entertainments were needed.

Who is your favourite designer?

AW : Inspired by Tadao Ando, the renowned architect, I like to infuse natural materials into my design.I also find the designs of Patrick Blanc in France and Chi Wing Lo in Italy very impressive. Patrick Blanc is an expert in design with natural materials. Chi Wing Lo is specialized in high end furniture design and production, I am proud of him as a reputable designer originated from Hong Kong.

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

AW : I like to photo-taking, reading and studying Buddhism. I like street photography the most, as it can improve my perceptiveness and sensitivity, and widen my perspectives on social culture and arts. I gain more knowledge on interior design through reading and exploring. And it is important that Buddhism guides me to live an honest life.

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

AW : Usually I have my project team to work on a particular design project, I will be the person that leads the project design and supervise all the details. I would like my team members to be detailed-minded for a fit, faultless and good design, while keep an open-mind for more inspirations and possibility of improvement.

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

AW : I have been making donations to different charities, including one which help aids orphans. My life goal is to set up a charitable foundation to provide homes and education for orphans, so that they all have a chance to live a better life, and may do the same to others when they have the abilities and influence the others.

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

AW : A' Design Award is a renowned international award that gives designers industry recognition and exposures to different media. Participants also open up their eyes to good design projects, be inspired and connect with designers all over the world. It is good for designers to join not only local, but also international awards to get different experiences.

Andy Wan Profile