We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Chaos Design Studio ("CDS").
Charles completed his Bachelor of Science (Architecture) Studies at the University of Science Malaysia and continue to achieve her Bachelor of Architecture at the same University, graduating in 2010. After graduating, he worked for two years in Melbourne to gained experience in both architecture and interior design field before back to Malaysia. Co-founder Charles joined Chaos Design Studio in 2016 after working at local architecture firm for 3 years and has been involve in many types of projects range from residential both individual and multi, through to commercial and mixed development.
Chaos Design Studio Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Chaos Design Studio.
Chaos Design Studio Design - Industrial Dynamic Autocare Cafe
Chaos Design Studio Design - Macalister Mansion Boutique Hotel
Chaos Design Studio Design - Holistic Healing Retail Pharmacy
Chaos Design Studio Design - EL Residence Double Storey Link Bungalow
Chaos Design Studio Design - Blue Chip Indulgence Restaurant
Designer Interview of Chaos Design Studio:
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CDS : We are a young design studio that still evolving. We provide services for architecture, interior design and visualization locally. The studio consists of 6-7 people with each with certain task to focus on. We have a team for design and build service provide to our Client for interior project.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CDS : Personally “design” is to provide solution to current circumstances while in the mean time incorporate technology and aesthetic to meet or make better for the function of the space.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CDS : Not in particular, our studio explore various kind of project so far. But commercial will be main focus on.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CDS : Doesn’t have specified material, I believed material used are very depend from project to project.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CDS : During team brainstorming in the exchange of ideas for own projects and inspiration from designer in the field from talk or presentation.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CDS : Client brief will be the first thing to be focus on during designing.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CDS : Always seek it as a new opportunity and challenge to make it better for each project.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CDS : Excitement I would say, learning from the outcome whether is good or bad. But client recognition and user feedback is crucial too.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CDS : Design that serve the purpose and function.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CDS : Functionality
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CDS : Inspiration come from various kind of platform likes book, site visit, president study and internet. Creativity feed through rounds of design development, sketches and discussion.
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?
CDS : With each project, we see it as an opportunity to explore and better ourselves. (Modern contemporary?)
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?
CDS : I live in Malaysia. Yes, we do feel that the cultural heritage of our country affects the design in minority way. Basically, to suite the local cultural need, local content, life style, climate and etc. Those are some factor that need to be taken into consideration in the design progress.
DI: How do you work with companies?
CDS : We often work with companies as our clients who seek our services for designing their commercial unit. We will first meet up with person taking charge of this project on the client's side for their requirement or design brief. After brainstorming among the team, layout and mood board or relevant document will be presented to client for discussion and confirmation on design direction. Initial proposal and amendments will be made while discussing with the client until the final outcome is realized. The companies representative are involved in each stage of the whole process.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CDS : We believed every designer at different stage of experience able to present certain skill of knowledge that suite companies requirement.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CDS : We will first meet up with client for their requirement or design brief. Perform site analysis by visiting the site given. By brainstorming among the team, layout and mood board or relevant document will be presented to client for discussion and confirmation on design direction. Initial proposal will then be produced to client. Few rounds of design discussion and amendment progress might needed prior to finalization of the design.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CDS : Kitchen spices display, aromatic candle, automatic vacuum cleaner, automatic curtain remote control and lighting design.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CDS : Able to accept failure and critic and learn from it. Expose to wide range of challenges or experience which are out of the comfort zone.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CDS : Design for user.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CDS : Passion towards the field, good personal attitude.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CDS : Set of stationary, sketchbook, tracing paper, laptop, CAD and 3D software.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CDS : A draft overall project schedule indicating each stage as a guide for every project.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CDS : Depend on the scale pf the object. Uncertain.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
CDS : While working in Melbourne, different cultural and work experience which really open up my mind.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CDS : Wellings Pharmacy & Masons Health, local pharmaceutical, skincare and wellness company. Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters, local franchising cafe. BJM Construction, local contract management firm. Macalister Mansion, local boutique hotel and fine-dining restaurant.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CDS : A client that appreciate design and willing to try out your exploration.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CDS : To persuade professional architect and grow the architecture department.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CDS : As a team, but main design input will be brief to in charge designer for further proposal and discussion.
DI: How can people contact you?
CDS : Via social media or website.