Interview
He Xiaojun
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
My name is He Xiaojun, I come from a small county in Sichuan, China, and my design career has been based in Chengdu until now. My college major was oil painting, and I did not receive formal education in design. However, due to certain uncontrollable yet inevitable reasons in life, I became a designer.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
In the late 1990s to the early 21st century, making a living as an oil painter in China was extremely challenging. Faced with no other option, I had to abandon my dream of being a painter. I began self-studying design and, by earning income from commercial design projects, managed to cover rent, utilities, and living expenses. Gradually, I transformed into a designer.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
I am the founder of Chengdu Tony Design Co., Ltd, and my company primarily focuses on commercial space design, especially in the areas of retail spaces for the home furnishings and building materials industry, as well as exhibition space design. Currently, my main responsibilities include overall design management and guiding designers in layout and creativity.
4 What does “design” mean to you?
Design means communication, and in commercial design, it requires a two-way communication with both the client and consumers to achieve a higher level of consensus in order to create the most suitable design.
5 What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
Commercial space design, due to its larger scale, provides a greater sense of fulfillment.
6 To you, what makes a “good” design?
Good design involves two aspects: first, a moderate fusion of art and commerce, and second, innovation.
7 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
I believe my style is somewhat interdisciplinary or eclectic, presenting an overall sense of value and comfort that meets the needs of the Chinese people.
8 Tell us about your design process.
Keep it simple: think thoroughly first, then take action.
9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
The influence is significant, as seen in traditional Chinese painting or garden design, which emphasizes having "mountains and rivers in one's mind" and the idea that strokes are imbued with a sense of spirituality.
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?
It means that as long as you face things earnestly, you will be acknowledged.
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?
This work is designed for a well-known panel manufacturer in Chengdu, showcasing various patterns and colors. Panel patterns play an increasingly important role in the fields of home spaces and product design. As my design projects mainly focus on retail space design for home building materials, the impact of this particular project is expected to be extensive.
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The building for this project has an older brick-and-concrete structure, which means many walls and doorways cannot be easily modified. Additionally, there are limitations on the ceiling height. Innovating within these constraints poses a considerable
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
I will continue doing what I excel at and approach each project with diligence.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
Communication between people and space, spatial creativity, and the application of decorative materials.
15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?
Because the Chinese design industry is situated within the broader context of reform, openness, and globalization, it is releasing particularly exciting and boundless possibilities.
16 Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
In the post-pandemic era, design will place greater emphasis on expressing substance and human care.
17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
Draw inspiration from the excellent designs of predecessors.
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
There aren't many specific resources, it's crucial to rely on firsthand experiences and observe physical spaces.
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
My cat once pooped on my car.
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My wife, because her delicious cooking makes me feel the need for a beautiful space to match.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Working in the same industry as long as possible.
22 Which THREE (3) friends/peers would you nominate to participate in the next MUSE Design Awards?
Xiang Yangyang, Xiong Tingting and Huang Ye.
23 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Nothing more, have a good day!
