Interview
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
I am Hakka, from a farming family, in Pingtung, Taiwan. I love to draw and to observe. My main interest is in architecture design with arts and structural as my minor.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
My intuition and I was endowed with artistic talent at young age. I like to bring to society a better living environment and feeling.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
My firm concentrate on architectural, interior, and landscaping design. As Hakka Taiwanese, we really invested much of our time and efforts on revitalizing historic Hakka Fo Fong (clan living quarters), and many historic Hakka building in which we are very well qualified and experienced. At the moment we are designing libraries for remote area Hakka towns, emphasizing on strong children
4 What does “design” mean to you?
Transforming ordinary to extraordinary, from mediocrity to outstanding.
5 What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
Using the most simplistic and naturalistic material, designing the most harmonious, eco-friendly creation that is still beneficial to mankind.
6 To you, what makes a “good” design?
It must be environmental friendly, passionately love for life.
7 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
It
8 Tell us about your design process.
The site was situated on an excavated cemetery (rest his soul my father was buried here). Taiwanese are extremely superstitious and fear of cemetery. I had the challenge of having to design a modern project to attract town folks coming to the park to socialize, exercise, walk their pets, kids. I have to alleviate the fear and thoughts of
9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
That is for sure. In my country of Taiwan, we have the freedom of expression and to learn and practice that we deem worthy, of course that allow our imagination run, freely. My Hakka up bringing deeply affected my designs, allowing me to look at everything from multiple angles with the smarts of life in migration.
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Honor and affirmation.
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
To my people in my hometown, she is situated on top of several centuries of our Hakka culture, our ancestors
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
Budget is always the biggest obstacle for all projects, especially during Covid era. By the time the design phase reached the building phase, the cost of the construction doubled, if not tripled, because of Covid. But the builder finished the project against all odds in good faith.
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
By winning the 2023 Muse Design Award gave me tremendous confidence in leading the projects in the future.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Creativities, Honor, and the ability to save Mother Earth with our eco-friendly designs.
15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
Taiwan is a great country, co-exists amicabaly and peacefully with the world, although under duress from the country across the Strait. Taiwan still find ways to help other countries, especially during Covid. Although our pay scale is low, comparing to United States, we still have the freedom to be creative, and respecting the local culture with our designs.
16 Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
It is imperative to decrease global-warming, all future designs must be more eco-friendly, go green as much as we can.
17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Hard work and be persistent with your ideal.
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Traveling to enrich your life and thoughts, go back to school to each or take courses.
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I never cared about awards, but after receiving prestigious award like Muse, it really bettered my life and perspective.
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
The interaction of the Proverbs in the Bible with beautiful life in general. The creative works of Christian is like the Power to create like God.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Dedication and hard work.
22 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I wish there will be an award presentation ceremony for the winners to physically experience the greatest city in the world, New York City.
Entrant Company
CHANG YU-CHIH Architects
Category
Landscape Design - Parks & Open Space Landscape