We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Don Lin ("DL").
Don Lin, Founder of DSOD Interior, born in Singapore, graduated in Nanyang academy of fine arts in Singapore. Albeit a small company, a proud receiver of numerous accolades and awards such as obtaining London Design Award, Melbourne Design Award, Sydney Design Award, USA International Design Award, China successful award & London Asia Pacific Design & Architecture Award and he was also the nominee of Singapore President Award for ‘Designer Of The Year’ Although humble, the duo has in store a promising vision for their company. “We want to create a boutique interior firm that not only the rich can own, but also the low income client. Our goal is to make sure that the first brand name that comes to the consumer who talks about interior designing, is “DSOD”,” concludes Mr. Lin.
Don Lin Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Don Lin.
Don Lin Design - The House of Hygge Residential
Designer Interview of Don Lin:
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?
DL : When I was a kid, I keep thinking that design can change the world and until now I still insist design is essential
DI: What is "design" for you?
DL : Design is an influences/ trend/ discovery. Scientist create miracles; we designer create life.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
DL : Anything relate to interior space
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
DL : My own house. A designer's house will never be perfect.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
DL : A 4-room flat that is totally re-using all furnitures and tiles. The challenge is how to make it unique?
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
DL : When there's a challenge.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
DL : Walls. To deco wall is simple but to transform wall into tailored function is something I'm more driven.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
DL : A taste of passion/ joyful
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
DL : A mother thanks the doctor who saves her son's life. What the doctor feel???
DI: What makes a design successful?
DL : Never give up on design, believe in yourself
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
DL : If the design enable me to pause for a moment of thinking, this is a good design.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
DL : I think is like an Ice age world slowly become the starwar city
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
DL : Graduation show.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
DL : My inspiration come from the corner edge of a place/ object/ building/ graphic or even human. Every corner tells you different story and gives you different evolution.
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?
DL : A art of linework, intimacy and towards coherence. Every design start from a line, how you reveal the beauty of it; is depending on how you define it. When a line is being drawn across another; do you see "A cross" or "coherence"? My expectation is to reveal the primitive of its charactor.
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?
DL : City of hectic; Singapore. The world is evolving as well as the country and I strongly believe today creation is tomorrow trend. Personally design is a slow process whereas less recognisation in the world. All people think is monetary benefit.
DI: How do you work with companies?
DL : In my mind, I work for myself and not the companies. This is where you improve.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
DL : A good exposure on how designer think differently. Depending how the companies appreciate the designer.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
DL : Firstly digest the pot of requirement. Give a thought, how this project could bring out a sense of character in concept? Sketch out whatever in your mind. Develop this idea. Process it in your art work/ 3D/ mock-up. Package your presentation creavtively. Finally present to you client.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
DL : Iphone, toys, chair,
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
DL : I would start out with a cup of tea to re-boot my mind. Thereafter.........
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
DL : I always believe junior should respect the senior whereas the senior must teach the junior
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
DL : Positively designers are one person to be attitude. Negatively the process is long and tough.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
DL : Effort effort effort
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
DL : Understand your own style
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
DL : Pencil and paper.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
DL : I can't, designing really devoured times.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
DL : 1-2 weeks
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
DL : Why do you want to be designer than trader or stock broker?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
DL : Every job is a different exposure which certainly create different character in it.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
DL : Clients that apreciates my design will look for me.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
DL : Sketching & researching because it gives you a sense of exploration
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
DL : Hope to share my designs to the world. Take part more competitions
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
DL : I strongly believe in teamwork
DI: How can people contact you?
DL : My Iphone