We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Andy Wan ("AW").
Andy Wan is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Andy Wan Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Andy Wan.
Andy Wan Design - The Rise of Japandi Residential Interior Design
Andy Wan Design - The Manliness Attitude Residential Interior Design
Designer Interview of Andy Wan:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
AW : I graduated with BA(Hons) Interior Design from Kingston University and I've always wanted to become a designer since small.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AW : I found this firm in 2007 and manifests green design philosophy to custom-made projects for my clients.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AW : "Design" for me is something that has a close relation to the nature.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AW : I like to design for residential interior the most.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
AW : One of the on going projects in China is my favourite as I get to use implant different styles within a villa.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AW : I designed a boutique located in Hong Kong.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AW : Wood is my favourite material and I also like to use all natural and sustainable materials.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AW : I feel free to create when I am not creating something under pressure nor deadline.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AW : I put my focus on the interior and the use of space.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AW : I feel excited and inspirational during design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AW : I would be happy and grateful when my designs are realized.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AW : A successful design is one that everyone loves it especially the homeowner.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AW : I look into the overall space use and overall craftsmanship.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AW : Designing something that's sustainable and long lasting and won't age in time is good for society and environment.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AW : It's going to get more versatile and fast moving.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
AW : I have been focusing more on online media recently. I have not joined any exhibition by far but I am planning to take part in the near future.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AW : Daily life and everything that surround us is my source of inspiration.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
AW : My design style is modern, simple and to custom-made comfort and calm homes for clients. Keeping things clean is the key.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
AW : Hong Kong is where I'm from and it's such a fast pacing city that you have to keep up to trend all the time.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
AW : Good communication skill, being responsive and proactive, taking on responsibility and maintaining a good standard of demand are the key elements.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AW : After getting the design brief, I will do as much background and style research before getting into the design. While designing, I keep trying and testing until I'm pleased with the outcome.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AW : TV cabinet, light trough, feature wall, kitchen and wardrobe are my favourite design items at home.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
AW : Team discussion/ meeting, researching various design aspects, designing and meeting clients mark my daily routine.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AW : My advices to young designers - lay a solid foundation, be keen to learn about new things and technologies, keep up with the passion, maintain a good standard of demand and attitude and build up your own experience which are essential to your career.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AW : Positives are that you will have chances to create new things and design is fun. Negatives are that you have to be able to work under pressure and design is a never-ending process.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AW : My golden rule is "Learn from the good".
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AW : Open-minded and always in search to improve every design are important for a designer.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AW : I use freehand sketch and softwares like Autocad, 3D Max, Sketchup and Photoshop.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AW : Sometimes I have to sacrifice my own time for work to have the best design.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AW : It usually takes 1-2 months on design and minimum 4 months to build for interior.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AW : People usually ask me "How to come up with something not the same every time?".
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AW : My clients include professionals, bankers, lawyers and celebrities.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AW : I like to start new design, as coming up with a new idea is always fun.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AW : I would like to design a Buddhism temple if I have the chance.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AW : Without the effort of the team members, the design is never the same.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
AW : I will keep that a secret and stay tune to our website for the finishing works.
DI: How can people contact you?
AW : People contact me mainly by email or Facebook inquiry, while some local clients will call my office.