Interview with Kansaranat Pear Nerngchamnong

Kansaranat Pear Nerngchamnong ("KPN") interviewed on Tuesday, 1 May.

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

KPN : I went an undergrad at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for Film and Television and graduated school at Parsons School of Design for Strategic Design and Management. My passion for storytelling and problem-solving has always been my main driver in everything that I do, and that led me to combine my former training to focus my practice on Design Thinking. I’ve worked in industries ranging from film and television, hospitality, and e-commerce for clients and companies such as Ghost Robot, Moby, Heineken, and Bokksu.

How did you become a designer?

KPN : I’ve always been interested in the creative field and got start my career in film and television, wanting to help people tell their story and bring their creative vision into reality. I was fortunate to have met great mentors and and received opportunities to work on different projects and industries that led me into practicing Design Thinking, and using this methodology as a way to creatively help solve problems and foster innovation.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KPN : The top three important stages when I’m designing are the research phase, where I understand the customers’ needs and motivations, then recognising patterns and insights that can help me form the concept of the design, and the third step is to create a mock-up to see the overall concept.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KPN : I generally feel calm and at ease when I design. The most exciting phase of the design process is when I translate insights from research into the concept.

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

KPN : I have been living abroad in different cities around the world for the past fifteen years. Being exposed to different cultures has helped me be comfortable in change, ambiguity, inspired by different types of environment, and remain open minded personally and professionally.

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

KPN : I want to be more involved in Design for Social impact and innovation. I am currently considering relocating to a new city and continue to develop my skills as a designer.

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

KPN : One of the best pieces of advice I received was “to be a sponge”, which means to be open to absorbing new learning even when you are in doubt.

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

KPN : I was once told to never forget to have my sensors on, meaning that you need to always be aware of what’s around you, what is going on in the world and asking why. Design helps shape the culture, so it’s important to pay attention to what’s happening in STEEP: Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, and Political.

What is your day to day look like?

KPN : I begin each day with at least 15 to 20 minutes of quiet time during breakfast before I go to work. I use that to think about the day and what I plan to accomplish. I always try to have some time on the weekend or at the end of the day to reflect on my day and the work I’ve done during the day. A good music playlist always helps during the day as well.

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

KPN : I think great design is the one that really responds to the customer’s needs. It's designed for what people need rather than what you think people might want.

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

KPN : I think the three important keys when working with other designers or clients are respect, transparency, and flexibility.

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

KPN : I have been involved in humanitarian work as a volunteer teacher, but I look forward to contributing my skills as a designer more in the social impact sector.

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

KPN : A’ Design Award is one of the largest award competitions that features many innovative ideas on a global scale, and I think this competition really helps expand the design community. One of the most exciting things is to see inspiring work from other designers and connect designers and creators together.

Kansaranat Pear Nerngchamnong Profile