Interview with Fei Hu

Fei Hu ("FH") interviewed on Sunday, 29 December.

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

FH : I graduated from Hubei Polytechnic University with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design. I have 25 years of working experience, I set up my own interior design company in 2004, and my clients include one of the largest real estate developers in China and a world-renowned sports brand company. In 25 years of practice and exploration, I have always been committed to exploring a new way to combine traditional Chinese cultural aesthetics with contemporary simple decorative style.

How did you become a designer?

FH : When I was around four years old, my father bought me lots of paper and pens for doodling, which could be considered my earliest introduction to art. Since then, drawing seemed to become my only passion. By the time I was in high school, I officially joined a specialized art class to receive systematic training in drawing. After long and tedious practice sessions in sketching and color theory, I realized I was more interested in architectural art and interior design. That realization led me to choose interior design as my career path, and I majored in it during university. In the first semester of my sophomore year, we had a course project on innovative designs for traditional Chinese furniture. With ease, I designed a set of furniture that combined traditional aesthetics with modern concepts. My professor gave me the highest score in the class and selected my work to be archived in the school’s collection. This achievement greatly boosted my confidence in my professional abilities. From then on, I dedicated myself even more to mastering various professional skills, and I ultimately proved my choice was right by graduating with excellent academic results. After graduation, I successfully joined an architectural design firm in Shanghai, marking the beginning of my professional career.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

FH : The three steps I value most in the design process are as follows: First, I conduct research on the project’s site conditions and design requirements, gathering as much relevant historical data and information as possible. From this, I repeatedly filter suitable elements and possibilities. Second, I create numerous sketches and concept proposals. I develop at least 2-3 distinct conceptual directions for the client to discuss. Finally, I select a primary direction and submit it to a 3D artist to build a sketch model. The 3D model is then adjusted repeatedly until the solution is approved. In all my design projects, I adhere to the following four principles: aesthetic form, cultural memory, memorable impact, and uniqueness.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

FH : At the beginning, receiving a project design brief fills me with excitement. When I start designing, I am fully focused. When there is no clear concept or direction, I feel anxious, but once a direction emerges, I experience joy and relaxation. The most thrilling stage is when the project is completed and receives widespread acclaim. I particularly enjoy humming while designing. From the beginning to the completion of a design project, the process of creating something out of nothing feels like making a movie. Designers are akin to film directors, and the success of a project brings an immense sense of satisfaction and happiness.

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

FH : First, extensive reading is essential, whether it’s novels, newspapers, magazines, or art books. A good designer is inevitably someone who loves to read. I’ve enjoyed reading since childhood, and it has cultivated one of the most important skills I possess: a strong sense of aesthetics. Designers must understand the public’s level of aesthetic appreciation while maintaining a higher level themselves. Reading quality art works significantly enhances one’s aesthetic abilities. Second, if possible, frequent travel is invaluable, as it is the most effective way to understand, learn, and experience the cultures and arts of different countries. So far, my design journey has just entered its golden age, akin to reaching the prime of life. I hope to create my best works during this stage.

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

FH : I have loved painting since I was a child and majored in interior design in college. After graduation, I worked at an architectural design firm for four years before founding my own interior design company. My future plan is to focus on researching and promoting Zen-inspired Eastern design styles. My dream design projects are a luxury hotel and a historical museum. I particularly enjoy working on public projects.

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

FH : Start by spending a lot of time reading and researching, focusing on enhancing your aesthetics and creativity. Secondly, dedicate substantial time to practicing hand drawing, which is an essential skill for designers. If possible, travel frequently, as it is the most important way to understand, learn, and experience the culture and art of different countries.

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

FH : As a designer, it’s important to avoid being overly attached to your own ideas. There is no single solution to a problem. Our ultimate goal is to help clients solve their problems, not to impose our ideas on them.

What is your day to day look like?

FH : My day starts with a cup of coffee. I usually check my emails first before diving into design work. When I feel tired, I like to tend to my garden or catch up on the day’s news. On weekdays, a 50-minute tennis match with friends brings me a lot of joy.

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

FH : I choose whether to follow design trends or stick to my own design philosophy based on the specific project. If the project is meant to last for a long time, I stick to my design philosophy. However, for commercial projects with a shorter lifespan of just a few years, I follow current design trends. Keeping up with design trends doesn’t take much extra time—just 10 minutes a day to browse the latest design news is enough.

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

FH : Good design is memorable at first glance, evokes emotions, is simple yet powerful, functionally sound, and most importantly, unprecedented with an elegant form. The first-generation iPhone is a quintessential example of good design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

FH : I consider a design complete when I feel that adding anything more wouldn’t make it look better than it does now.

What is your biggest design work?

FH : My best design work to date is the Zhengzhou Longhu Cultural Conference Center, a project that took me about six months to complete. The Longhu Cultural Conference Center is a landmark of Zhengzhou and will become the city’s largest conference center upon completion. Drawing inspiration from Chinese culture, I chose the phoenix as the central theme and source of inspiration. Using curved white marble lines, I depicted the feathers of a phoenix in flight, weaving them together to create a grand and emotionally moving scene. I selected white to symbolize purity and tranquility. The design reflects the aesthetic essence of Eastern Zen: stripping away all excess decoration to create a serene, free, and uncluttered space, while maintaining a strong sense of modernity. This project’s interior design is unique among national conference center projects of its kind. It is modern and stylish yet deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Compared to previous designs that are either highly traditional or overly contemporary, this project embodies a profound blend of philosophy and aesthetics.

Who is your favourite designer?

FH : My favorite designers are Tadao Ando, Rafael Moneo, and Tonychi. Their design styles respectively represent simplicity, classical elegance, and sophistication, which I deeply admire. Leonardo da Vinci is the most iconic designer in history, and Le Corbusier has had the greatest influence on our understanding of exceptional design.

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

FH : I love Florence, a city filled with enchanting cultural heritage. Many cities in China share this quality. Chinese traditional culture, as a treasure of Eastern civilization, is rich in philosophy and art, serving as a crucial medium and driving force for innovation in interior design. I believe traditional culture can provide an endless source of inspiration for modern design. I currently live in California, USA, where I primarily focus on residential design. I firmly believe that design is one of the key forces driving social progress. It improves our lives every single day.

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

FH : I work with my partners and have 2-3 design assistants. My work culture emphasizes focused work and joyful living. An excellent designer should possess these qualities: focus, responsibility, attention to detail, an open mind, and Never stop learning.

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

FH : In 2016, the "My Family Library" project I designed in Shanghai caused a huge social response because of its innovative design concept. Within two years, 30 community libraries based on it were established in Shanghai, setting a new benchmark for community public libraries in Shanghai and even the whole country. By combining sustainable materials, energy efficient systems and environmentally friendly practices, my work always seeks to balance artistic expression with social responsibility. In the future, I will continue to devote myself to the research of cultural heritage and sustainability, promote the development of the "Zen Oriental" style, and contribute to the fight against climate change and the building of sustainable communities. I also provide pro bono design work for public cultural projects in the community, and I would be happy to continue to provide such work in the future.

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

FH : The first time I participated in the A’ Design Award, I was fortunate enough to win both a Silver and a Bronze Award. Competing in design competitions has greatly promoted my work, giving me unprecedented visibility and attracting extensive media coverage and attention. For a designer, this kind of exposure is second only to the work of designing itself. Every designer should consider participating in design competitions to promote themselves, especially in highly professional ones like the A’ Design Award. It provides designers with immense and ongoing resources and support. Its professional promotion and influence are truly unparalleled. I believe it is one of the best design competitions in the world, and I am more than happy to keep participating. Being recognized as a “Designer of the Day” is a tremendous honor for me. I am incredibly excited and grateful for this recognition.

Fei Hu Profile