Interview with Quan Huang

Quan Huang ("QH") interviewed on Wednesday, 12 December.

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

QH : I have been working in interior design industry for around fifteen years and ran my own studio at the fifth year, from then on, my identity changed from designer to designer director and general manager as well.

How did you become a designer?

QH : I became a designer directly after my graduation since my major is environmental art design. I didn't try a lot and find my career fortunately.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

QH : Generally I design space in commercial and real estate section. Gradually, people named my design as "Shanghai Oriental"style which describes modern Shanghainese elites lifestyle by creating spaces.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

QH : It must be the final process which please me a lot. When concepting and designing, I feel and think. I don't put myself a lot into it, I try to focus on the work. I regard myself is "think reasoningly and act emotionally."

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

QH : Travelling experience me greatly, I learned to know the world in various aspects which helps me in design.

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

QH : I am satisfied with owning my company and working in the industry I like. I am trying in designing hotel these years which would be published next year.

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

QH : Time, I really expensed great volume of time on design.

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

QH : Refer to interior design, modifying process is really vital to great designs even when you have a fabulous idea.

What is your day to day look like?

QH : I put much time on design and business, therefore I drink coffee daily to keep myself clear.

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

QH : I design and join some business meeting as well to communicate with other designers and those who work in similar industry, therefore it is easy to collect informations. Besides, I followed several websites. Trends matter to me, since I always try to figure out lifestyles of people nowadays which makes my design warm and interactive.

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

QH : I would appreciate the way how he figure out his idea into reality. I think it's an ability to make imagination to reality, so I admire who has that ability.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

QH : I never regard design is ready and conversely I will leave a little space for livers to fill, especially in residential projects. The space is for people who live or work there to communicate with and modify in the future.

What is your biggest design work?

QH : Refer to 2018, the project must be Minimalism Flow Office and Oriental Academy where I put a lot of time and energy in them. One represent modern and another is tradition.

Who is your favourite designer?

QH : I really like architecture designer Marc Fornes who has crazy ideas but he worked out those fantastic projects.

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

QH : I spend most of time in the city Shanghai and I do have special affections to it. Almost my whole uni-study and working time is in Shanghai, so the half-western Shanghai style influence me greatly, even they named my design style "Shanghai Oriental” which describe new Shanghainese lifestyle in interior design field.

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

QH : I work alone in conception and design, and have group meeting to ensure the process and final result.

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

QH : I organized two study trips "New Power" for young designers in 2018 to encourge them on their career. They visited famous interior designs in Singapore and Thailand for around a week separately. In this programme, they can learn different culture, unique design skill and design philosophy.

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

QH : Good reputation in industry, reliability to clients and promotion to myself.

Quan Huang Profile