We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Lichen Ding ("LD").
Lichen Ding, Founder and Chief Designer of DLCA Architects. He has a passion for art since childhood and has always aspired to design for spatial comfort and simplicity. He designs are well received by clients as a blend of inspiration and functionality. With solid knowledge in architecture and interior designs,He started he career working with land developers after getting professional qualifications in her early twenties. Year 2009 is a milestone when he founded he own company to further he design career. In 2013, He got he first accolade with one of he designs in an interior design award. Since then, He designs have been gaining recognition in different design awards.such as iF Design Award, The Prix Versailles, German Design Award, Iconic Award, Hospitality Design Award, The Architecture Master Prize and so on.His works have been selected for exhibitions and books all over the world.His is a winner of the Golden A' Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2019.Senior partner of World Design Consortium.
Lichen Ding Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Lichen Ding.
Lichen Ding Design - Inn Soper Hotel
Lichen Ding Design - The MeetNi Guesthouse
Lichen Ding Design - New Beacon Hotel
Lichen Ding Design - Hong Guang Hotel
Designer Interview of Lichen Ding:
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
LD : At the beginning of Sihan Design’s establishment, I devoted myself to the exploration and practice of commercial space design. I tried to adjust the market in terms of operation, design, market form, etc. in order to be accurate. I was absorbed in the internationalization narrative of local language in practice methodology and strived to innovate. Now, excellent achievements have been made in many areas, such as hotels and entertainment. Excellent design innovation ability and professional business space integration have made the company’s brand well-known in the industry.
DI: What is "design" for you?
LD : Solve the problem and feel meaningful at the same time
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
LD : In architecture or interior space, it is not enough to make people feel comfortable. People should be able to travel in this place and understand some things, such as aesthetics, values and world outlook. So I would like to be able to be in these places can make me understand these.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
LD : When I think about a project, I tend to use some materials that can represent the region and my sense of domain. Of course, the budget cost and the stability of materials also need to be considered. For example sending out the wood of earthy breath, balance the stone of the space, and even lamplight.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
LD : Usually, it takes two years for us to carry out a project from the initial stage to the final completion and opening. Complex emotions will always accompany the growth of the project, including the joy when the creative process is full of inspiration, the confusion in the construction process and the satisfaction after the completion and opening. Of course, the happiest time is when we are recognized by our customers.
DI: What makes a design successful?
LD : Persistence, the word stands for everything.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
LD : In the future, in the field of hotel design we are engaged in, the trend is to let guests feel more tailored feeling, a sense of exploration.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
LD : Nothing can inspire me more than travel. Traveling to different countries and regions and experiencing the local customs and conditions can often give me special inspiration in some moments.
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?
LD : I come from China, a country with a long history and culture. There are too many ancient cultures and customs for us to explore and experience, from which we can apply our understanding to the atmosphere of modern life. Of course, there are times when we dig too much into these things, and there's an experience that doesn't fit into the modern world that we try to avoid.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
LD : I think sometimes, whether a designer is talented or not, can be judged by a short chat. Whether he regards this career as a hobby, not just for survival, he must have enough passion and persistence to maintain the mission of this job to the end of his life.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
LD : I am very willing to share my experience and ideas. It is also an important part of our company's talent cultivation to enable the new generation of designers to grow faster. Enjoy life, enjoy design.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
LD : I plan to derive some furniture and products related to my design concept in the future, only in this way can the project be complete and consistent.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
LD : Individualism is just a main line running through the whole design concept. A project satisfying the customer cannot be separated from the teamwork, which is no doubt.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
LD : At present, new projects are constantly being introduced, and my daily work is very busy. Of course, I am excited that each project has its own characteristics that enable me to give full play to new experiences, which I think is what every designer is looking forward to.