Interview with Chiao-Yi, Tang

Chiao-Yi, Tang ("CT") interviewed on Monday, 19 May.

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

CT : After graduating from the Department of Architecture, I have accumulated over 30 years of practical experience in both architectural and interior design. My professional journey includes working at architectural firms, interior design studios, RTD interior design projects, architectural façade design, and landscape planning, with a focus on creating visual continuity between interior and exterior spaces. During my career, I also pursued a Master’s degree in Architecture to further enhance the practical application of healthy interior environments.

How did you become a designer?

CT : I believe this is related to my upbringing in the suburbs, which nurtured my sense of observation and allowed me to experience the joy of shared creativity with my playmates. Art classes further guided me to appreciate the energy conveyed by artists. These experiences inspired my later studies and creativity in the field of architecture and became a driving force behind my journey to becoming a designer.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

CT : At the beginning of any project, in addition to considering the client's needs, I prioritize three key aspects: time, quality, and budget, and I set the theme based on the project type. Currently, I am highly interested in the field of artificial intelligence, especially in how new technologies can be leveraged to shorten design time. I believe AI is an excellent tool for designers, capable of streamlining many project processes such as model rendering.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

CT : During the design process, I experience a sense of creativity and fulfillment similar to that of a mother nurturing a child. At times, there are challenges, but they are accompanied by the joy and sense of renewal that comes with the birth of something new.

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

CT : I believe that the environment in which I grew up has greatly shaped who I am as a designer. The cities I have lived in and the visual experiences from the surrounding natural environments have all served as vital nourishment for my creativity.

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

CT : Exploration, experience, and practice have always been the path I follow. I am currently excited about the possibilities that artificial intelligence offers, as it can bring more vitality to organic design in future projects through this powerful tool.

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

CT : The vision of a better future life has always been the soul of a designer. Find inspiration in stillness, feel life with intention, enrich the depth of your design, appreciate the beauty in everyday living, and always stay true to your original intention—let it guide your creativity and decisions.

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

CT : I encourage fellow designers, artists, and architects to embrace diverse experiences and environments to enrich their design perspectives and maintain passion for their work. Continuously exploring new tools and technologies—such as artificial intelligence—can enhance both creativity and efficiency. Only through ongoing learning and growth, and by staying attuned to a rapidly changing world, can excellence be realized in the field of design.

What is your day to day look like?

CT : My daily work usually follows the progression of departmental tasks, while a flexible schedule varies depending on the projects I’m working on, allowing me to balance creativity and productivity.

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

CT : I stay current with the latest design trends by regularly reading design publications, attending industry events, and engaging in online design communities. Design trends reflect contemporary preferences and innovations, and should be thoughtfully balanced with sustainable design principles, as well as the specific needs and themes of each project.

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

CT : In terms of the service characteristics of interior design, a successful interior design outcome should include the quality level of the design work itself, as well as the positive recognition and satisfaction gained by the client during the overall service delivery process. At the same time, the designer or firm should also be able to achieve reasonable profit goals through effective time management and cost control. Only then can it be considered a successful, win-win result.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

CT : Design is a process that moves from ideation to convergence. It starts with researching the client’s objectives and communicating with them to understand their needs and preferences, which helps in developing the overall concept. Then, I define the atmosphere and details of the space based on materials, colors, furniture, and decorations. For me, it is crucial to ensure that the design meets the client's expectations at every stage of the process. After the basic design is confirmed, detailed design will follow, integrating the MEP functions to create the implementation design documents.

What is your biggest design work?

CT : The first Presidential Library I participated in is one of my most honorable works. We researched the head of state and the initial historical context, referencing documents and historical materials provided by the foundation, as well as examples from the National Library and cultural and art museums. To create a humanistic atmosphere that blends profound historical significance with academic depth, we approached the design from a Sinology perspective, which inspired our approach. The design incorporates classic patterns, materials such as marble and wood, and contemporary architectural styles to connect the past and the present, creating a new social landmark that integrates culture, history, and leisure functions. This project moved me deeply and allowed me to experience the power of humanism in shaping space.

Who is your favourite designer?

CT : My design inspiration comes from Frank Lloyd Wright, Ieoh Ming Pei, and Zaha Hadid. Their approaches—connecting architecture with the environment, embracing clean and fluid forms, expressing poetic spatial qualities, and realizing the limitless imagination of organic architecture—have influenced me at every stage of my creative journey and continue to inspire me.

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

CT : Design is deeply influenced by lifestyle and culture, drawing inspiration from both. Favorite cities such as Kyoto, Copenhagen, Tokyo, and Taipei each offer unique sources of inspiration. Music acts as a soundtrack to the creative process, setting various moods. Personal culture subtly shapes one’s design preferences.

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

CT : My work culture is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a strong attention to detail. I believe that fostering a creative and supportive environment helps ideas thrive. My professional philosophy centers on deeply understanding client needs, delivering high-quality design work, and continually exploring new technologies and methods to push the boundaries of design. This approach ensures that each project is unique, functional, and aesthetically refined—ultimately exceeding client expectations. When selecting collaborators, I place great value on their reliability and shared passion for design, while emphasizing clear communication and a mutual commitment to excellence.

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

CT : To realize the impact of cross-disciplinary collaboration, we partnered with the government's cultural development council to work with underrepresented artists in our design space, offering them a platform to express their creativity and helping them build the confidence and capacity to become self-sufficient.

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

CT : Participating in the A' Design Award has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. The award provided an excellent platform to showcase our work on an international stage and to connect with designers, architects, and creative professionals from around the world. This recognition not only boosted the confidence of our entire design team but also opened up opportunities for collaboration with like-minded individuals and companies.

Chiao-Yi, Tang Profile