Interview with Ming-Li Chang

Ming-Li Chang ("MC") interviewed on Saturday, 18 May.

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

MC : Hi, my name is Ming-Li Chang. I am a spatial/furniture designer currently based in the Pasadena area. I graduated from ArtCenter College of Design in 2021. After graduating, I worked in the design industry for two years, specifically in furniture and home goods. Since fall of 2023, I have been enrolled back at ArtCenter to pursue a master’s degree in Spatial Experience Design while running my own design studio working with both furniture, lighting, and spaces.

How did you become a designer?

MC : My journey as a designer started from when I was still going to school in Shanghai. The cultural contrast and differences I saw from rural areas of China, to Shanghai, to Taiwan, to the US made me understand the importance of bridging cultural gaps through objects and spaces that can be designed. I was lead towards to direction of furniture and fixtures right after graduating from ArtCenter College of Design in 2021 and working under Cory Grosser and Associates.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MC : My decisions are based on taking insights to ideate concepts that have a clean, approachable aesthetic without being overcomplicated. By illustrating convincing narratives, I want to bring ideas to life in a way that others might say “I could’ve done that”.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MC : Designs feeling familiar and approachable with subtle details to appreciate is really important for me. I hope that My designs feel comfortable and friendly while I am designing them and when people see them.

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

MC : A narrative and philosophy that I have stuck with since introducing my design works to the world is about the phrase “made in China”. China has thousands of years of craftsmanship and artistry rooted in many different cultures and also vastly diverse, yet the rapidly growing industrial and manufacturing landscape has stamped a negative connotation behind the phrase “made in China”.

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

MC : As I continue to develop my own designs, it is a goal of mine to play a part, no matter how big or small, but a part of the puzzle that defines what modern Chinese design is. Perhaps, eventually to create a platform for other young Chinese designer like me to create objects that help contribute to the new wave of quality Chinese designs. Starting with myself. To embrace and to be inspired by the rich history of craftsmanship and arts, to move things forward, and not just to copy paste traditional elements and “echo” the past. To redefine what “made in China” means.

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

MC : In school we learned to solve problems. As the classes stacked on each other, we thought we had to design products and spaces that solved all of the worlds problems. After a couple years out of school I realized that, back in undergrad school we designed “Swiss army knives”. It has a lot of what you want, but none of it really works. Over the years I have to keep reminding myself to not design “Swiss army knives”.

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

MC : Find what part of design is most rewarding for you emotionally. I am still traversing the space to find that for myself, but that immediate gratification of when you feel that what you are doing is rewarding is so important.

What is your day to day look like?

MC : My day to day involves a lot of what "Shanghai-ers" call "city walking". I like to people watch and observe the things around me to find inspiration. When I am working on projects, I take my time and I like to be alone figuring out all aspects of my own work.

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

MC : I like to keep up with the trends and understand new tools. I feel that I am a fast learner of new tools. We talk a lot about artificial intelligence in design, but a lot of the opinions are negative. I believe that with the ever-growing tech, media, and AI space, people will only be more sensitive towards good design. Design will be more on the demand as it is becoming more and more common for people to be able to realize the possibilities of design through the internet and AI. Artificial intelligence brings exposure to art and design in a new light, and hopefully, people’s sensibility towards well-designed objects will change over the years.

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

MC : I think good design can tell its own story and convey its own emotions but in the same time allows the audience to find their own emotions and stories within the design. Good design should last a life time for the user.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MC : I think my designs are never "ready". I feel like there is always something more I want to do with my design, but in the same time that means my design is successful because good designs should allow for more conversations and opportunities.

What is your biggest design work?

MC : I like to discover my heritage through furniture and spatial design with projects like a Chinese independent movie and art space called “The Luminary” and a Ming dynasty-inspired guest chair called “Lotus.” I also like to explore areas and phenomenon that intrigue me, such as the “Namti” side table inspired by a bridge structure stuck between a valley in Southern China.

Who is your favourite designer?

MC : My favorite designer right now is Kengo Kuma. Recently, I have read a lot about Kuma and his approach towards understanding cultural context to play with materials in his designs.

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

MC : I travel a lot. From the bustling streets of Shanghai, to the relaxed drives in Los Angeles, to the busy walkways of New York, the rhythm and pace of my lifestyle is constantly changing. That constant change in cadence is something that keeps me going.

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

MC : As a designer, I am a divergent thinker who approaches the decision-making process through trial and error, finding value in every idea. Decisions are based on taking insights to ideate concepts that have a clean, approachable aesthetic without being overcomplicated.

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

MC : During my travels I like to help out, from traveling to Malawi and helping with the local schools, to teaching kids english in rural areas of China. I have also taught as an educator in the college art portfolio space in Shanghai.

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

MC : I think the benefits of participating in A'Design Awards is the exposure, the feedback, and connections. These are things that designers should always constantly be on the look out for and A'Design provides a deep rooted platform for finding these aspects of running a design business.

Ming-Li Chang Profile