We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative YU-JUNG TSENG ("YT").
Millet Design was founded in 2003 during the booming period of the real estate industry in Taiwan. Millet Design believes that the power of “nature” can address and enhance the deteriorating living environment caused by extreme climates. Therefore, the company chose “landscape design ”as its starting point and align its core concept with the principles of nature. With over 20 years of experience in residential environment design, we have consistently created pleasant and comfortable living spaces, significantly improving the quality of residential public landscapes. The nature-based design has always been the core principle of our company. In recent years, our design goals also focused on restoring the ecological environment, reducing carbon emissions, and creating comfortable and healthy living environments. Millet Design offers a comprehensive range of services, with a team of approximately 30 designers and construction experts. Our services include the design and construction of landscape architecture of residential housing or factory, hotel interior design, architectural exterior design, and other design projects. By offering the professional landscape design services for more than 20 years, we have accumulated a portfolio consists of hundreds of successful projects. 《Project》 1.Landscape design and construction engineering - hotels, homestays, campuses, community residential buildings, leisure resorts, and technology factories. 2.Interior design and construction engineering - residential villas, technology factory offices, leisure clubs, show houses/rooms of real estate projects, building lobbies. 3.Architectural design and contruction engineering - monuments and historical buildings renovation. Waterproof and building exterior renovation. New buildings. Hotel buildings. Villas. 4.Public art installation planning and curation-landscape art, installation art, visual art.
YU-JUNG TSENG Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by YU-JUNG TSENG.
YU-JUNG TSENG Design - Meeting Axis Deers Pocket Park
YU-JUNG TSENG Design - Field Garden Landscape Renovation
Designer Interview of YU-JUNG TSENG:
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?
YT : I have been involved in the landscape design profession since my university days, accumulating over 30 years of experience in this field. I have always been driven by a commitment to serving society and protecting the environment, which is one of the reasons I chose to become a landscape designer. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of participating in many inspiring projects, ranging from urban parks to the design and management of natural reserves. One of my favorite aspects has been the ability to enhance people's quality of life through my designs, while also conserving and enhancing the natural environment around us.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YT : Millet Design was founded in 2003 during the booming period of the real estate industry in Taiwan. Millet Design believes that the power of “nature” can address and enhance the deteriorating living environment caused by extreme climates. Therefore, the company chose “landscape design” as its starting point and align its core concept with the principles of nature. With over 20 years of experience in residential environment design, we have consistently created pleasant and comfortable living spaces, significantly improving the quality of residential public landscapes. The nature-based design has always been the core principle of our company. In recent years, our design goals also focused on restoring the ecological environment, reducing carbon emissions, and creating comfortable and healthy living environments. Millet Design offers a comprehensive range of services, with a team of approximately 30 designers and construction experts. Our services include the design and construction of landscape architecture of residential housing or factory, hotel interior design, architectural exterior design, and other design projects. By offering the professional landscape design services for more than 20 years, we have accumulated a portfolio consists of hundreds of successful projects. 《Project》 1.Landscape design and construction engineering - hotels, homestays, campuses, community residential buildings, leisure resorts, and technology factories. 2.Interior design and construction engineering - residential villas, technology factory offices, leisure clubs, show houses/rooms of real estate projects, building lobbies. 3.Architectural design and contruction engineering - monuments and historical buildings renovation. Waterproof and building exterior renovation. New buildings. Hotel buildings. Villas. 4.Public art installation planning and curation-landscape art, installation art, visual art.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YT : For me, "design" is not only a bridge of communication between people; "landscape design" is also crucial for communicating and harmonizing between humans and natural environments.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YT : My favorite landscape design works are those that can improve degraded environments while enhancing human well-being and quality of life.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YT : My favorite landscape designs are those that showcase graceful environments and natural poetry, while integrating elements of spatial memory and cultural heritage.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
YT : The first project I designed for a company emphasized the harmonious coexistence of nature and the natural environment.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YT : My favorite materials include those that are locally sourced and sustainably renewable, such as wood, stone, soil, plants, and water. I especially enjoy collaborating with craftsmen to create high-quality outdoor living spaces using these materials.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YT : I am most creative and inspired when I am away from the city, surrounded by forests and mountains.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YT : During the design process, I particularly focus on material details, environmental improvement issues, and the completeness of construction drawings.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YT : During the design process, I often experience a blend of pleasure and tension.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YT : When my design projects are completed, I feel very happy and fulfilled.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YT : A successful design requires a good client who fully trusts the professional designer to handle the project, along with an excellent construction team to implement the design concept.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YT : When judging the quality of a design, I first consider whether it effectively solves problems and achieves a balance between functionality and aesthetic expression.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YT : As a designer, I believe our responsibilities include reducing environmental impact, improving public welfare, and enhancing friendly space design.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YT : The design field is moving towards environmentally friendly practices such as waste reduction and carbon reduction, which will be a significant trend in future design.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YT : My design inspiration comes from elements such as wind, light, water, terrain, and cultural environments found in natural landscapes. I enrich my creativity by closely observing and experiencing these natural and cultural landscapes.
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?
YT : My design style emphasizes harmonizing with local environments and cultural characteristics. This approach is rooted in a deep respect for nature and community, aiming to create spaces that coexist harmoniously with their surroundings. My design methodology focuses on thoroughly understanding the background and requirements of each project, while seeking innovative ways to realize the client's vision.
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?
YT : I live in Taiwan, where the rich natural landscapes and deep cultural heritage profoundly influence my designs. As environmental and ecological conservation awareness grows, landscape design increasingly emphasizes sustainability. During the design process, we face the challenge of finding a balance—maximizing resource utilization while protecting and respecting local natural and cultural assets.
DI: How do you work with companies?
YT : I provide opportunities for creative expression and maintain enthusiasm for new ideas and innovations.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
YT : Minimalist design
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
YT : As a designer, the most important skill is communication ability.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
YT : Hand drawing、AutoCAD、SketchUp
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
YT : I manage my time according to the client's schedule.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
YT : Designing a project from start to finish typically takes 4 to 6 years.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
YT : As a designer, the question I am most frequently asked is about the project budget.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
YT : Design Director
DI: Who are some of your clients?
YT : Property developer、Construction company
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
YT : My favorite design work is environmental restoration and natural habitat rehabilitation because these designs can make substantial improvements to the environment while promoting the health and balance of natural ecosystems.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
YT : I plan to continue dedicating myself to improving the environment.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
YT : Team collaboration
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
YT : Currently ongoing design projects emphasize the use and acquisition of local building materials to reduce resource wastage.
DI: How can people contact you?
YT : ruthts@mail2000.com.tw +886-930769919