Interview with Yu-Ting Chen

Yu-Ting Chen ("YC") interviewed on Wednesday, 21 June.

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

YC : It has been 23 years since entering the interior design industry in 1999. In 2019, MU.YU.Interior Design Co,Ltd was established, mainly engaged in the design of private residences and commercial spaces.

How did you become a designer?

YC : I liked painting since I was a child, and studied advertising design in high school. At that time, a female teacher was engaged in interior design. I thought it would be cool to be able to actually complete the design concept, so interior design became the goal I started to pursue. The completion of each design case and the satisfaction of customers are the cornerstones for me, and I will move forward step by step more steadily. I always firmly believe that interior design is my lifelong path.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YC : We pay more attention to the design that meets the needs of users and can bring good changes to their lives, rather than designing for form. When designing, I am used to draw the concept in a sketchbook first, and use computer-aided rendering models after the planning and design are finalized. Natural, warm and organic style is the design concept we want to present. Mainly use natural materials to relieve the pressure of modern life.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YC : The design process is a fusion of emotions. From the expectation of the design concept, the calm or irritability in the construction drawing stage to the inspire when the final project is completed. This is a necessary process of design, and every experience will be converted into motivation to improve oneself.

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

YC : My future will continue to improve in interior design, and I dream of designing exclusive furniture for interior spaces.

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

YC : Dare to try. Involved in more design fields and travel.

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

YC : I often read design articles to understand design trends. But not follow blindly. My design will take the customer's needs as the main goal.

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

YC : It can meet the needs and make users satisfied, feel at ease and improve convenience, which is a good design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

YC : Design has always been able to break through.

What is your biggest design work?

YC : Sunmoon Tea Shop is my most special work so far. These loess bricks have a history of 70 years and are also the main building materials preserved in this case. I hope that in the future there will be more traditional craftsmanship and materials preserved through design.

Who is your favourite designer?

YC : Kengo Kuma, his works feel lighter but more shock-resistant, and integrate nature and natural building materials, full of Japanese aesthetics.

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

YC : A good working partner needs to have a common design philosophy and empathy.

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

YC : I once went to remote villages to build book houses for children of aboriginal tribes, providing them with more opportunities to read. This small help can bring about positive changes for them. In the future, I hope to participate in activities that benefit rural tribes.

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

YC : Participating in the A' Design International Award is a good experience for designers. They can learn about different design concepts in international cultures and learn to express their own design ideas.

Yu-Ting Chen Profile