Interview with Yi-Lun Hsu

Yi-Lun Hsu ("YH") interviewed on Wednesday, 6 November.

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

YH : I studied architecture. In the first seven years of my career, apart from a brief period at an architectural office, I worked mainly in urban and landscape planning. The birth of my child led me to shift my career path, and I transitioned into interior design, where I have now been working for 15 years.

How did you become a designer?

YH : In the first seven years of my career, I worked on designing and establishing indicators for eco-cities and eco-communities. This included microclimate management in various cities domestically and internationally (such as summer ventilation or winter wind shielding), water system integration for urban cooling, energy self-sufficiency in cities and buildings, energy reduction, natural environment preservation, and planning for effective public transportation systems. These experiences have been invaluable to me, as they translate directly into interior design by observing the natural environment surrounding a building—where is there western sun exposure, where does the wind come from, where are the best views, or the scenic mountain or water landscapes? Our goal is to respond to these natural elements from within the interior design.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YH : From my perspective, the essence of interior design is responding to the environment. Good design provides effective ventilation, natural lighting (creating varied light and shadow effects), greenery that connects with the outdoors, and meets the needs of its users.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YH : I enjoy using materials commonly found in nature, such as solid wood, rattan, bamboo, cotton, linen, stone (or stone-textured tiles), diatomaceous earth, and red clay rice husk walls. I also appreciate rustic materials like the rough texture of exposed concrete and red brick walls, as these materials can evoke a sense of being immersed in nature.

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

YH : My background in architecture education makes me particularly attentive to structural safety when planning interiors. I pay close attention to the placement of beams, columns, shear walls, and pipe shafts, ensuring that major reconfigurations do not compromise the building structure. As a mother, I also understand the evolving needs of families as children grow, so safety and flexible planning are essential. My career journey from architecture to urban planning and finally interior design provides me with a broad perspective and an emphasis on systematic integration. Interior design issues aren’t just about details but involve a comprehensive plan that flows from large to small scale. I aim to carry concepts from the initial idea through to design, detailed drawings, and construction methods, achieving a cohesive approach from start to finish.

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

YH : When working in a team, integrating various areas of expertise is essential. Only through thinking from different perspectives can we spark diverse design solutions.