We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Essence by Lulu Cheng ("EBLC").

Lulu Cheng is a female architect who believes that architecture is the container of life, the interface of space, and the human being is the subject of space. With each case wishing to explore the dialogue between the virtual "empty" and the real "space", the intention is to make a balance between the "empty"_the leave blank, the flexibility and the "space" _the function, the daily life. Then combine nature and life aesthetics to provide owners with a new attitude towards life. Also by the configuration of the space, let the wind flow in it, let the light and shadow change with time, and make the interior full of natural expression.

Essence by Lulu Cheng Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Essence by Lulu Cheng.

Designer Interview of Essence by Lulu Cheng:

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?

EBLC : I have loved to observe space as well as decorate my room since my childhood. I studied in architectural design and have become an architect. After that, I found myself being obsessed with decoration, so I started to work as an interior designer.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

EBLC : My company mainly takes charge of residential space designs, in particular detached houses.

DI: What is "design" for you?

EBLC : Design is LIVE.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

EBLC : I enjoy designing residential space the most.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

EBLC : Designs that come from humanity.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

EBLC : A small residential space.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

EBLC : WOOD is definitely my favorite.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

EBLC : It happens usually during my vacation when I am traveling.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

EBLC : The flexibility of the space is a major part of my designs.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

EBLC : I enjoy the process and I feel happy during it.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

EBLC : I feel a great sense of achievement when people see my designs.

DI: What makes a design successful?

EBLC : The design of the initial concept is the most important.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

EBLC : A good design meets the client’s needs.

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

EBLC : From my point of view, it will be aesthetic education.

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

EBLC : Designs should evolve toward nature, which means that future designs should combine with nature.

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

EBLC : In college. No plan for now.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

EBLC : It is observations for life and people as well as travel in various countries that inspire me with ideas.

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?

EBLC : My designs are about creating earthy and elastic space by using harmless materials.

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?

EBLC : I live in Taiwan which is also where I born. What influence me the most is the traditional building materials in my country.

DI: How do you work with companies?

EBLC : I am in charge of the company.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

EBLC : A good designer must have passion for his or her works.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

EBLC : Usually it starts with communicating with the clients.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

EBLC : A designer should have deep love for the career and fall in love with it for a lifetime.

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

EBLC : For me, it is passion and sleepless.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

EBLC : Let the designs be part of the life.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

EBLC : KEEP OBSERVATION.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

EBLC : A 2B pencil along with a notebook.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

EBLC : I manage my time by planning a timetable and set a deadline for myself.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

EBLC : It takes approximately 6 months.

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

EBLC : Will you be a designer again in the next life?

DI: What was your most important job experience?

EBLC : Working in a construction company was an important experience for me.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

EBLC : My clients are mostly female.

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

EBLC : I really enjoy mix-use space which make the architecture aLIVE.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

EBLC : I hope I can do both construction and interior design. To put it in other words, I will like to work as architect and interior designer in the same project.

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

EBLC : Basically I develop my designs myself.

DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

EBLC : There is a special case currently which is about introducing a greenway to the entrance in order to redefine circulation.

DI: How can people contact you?

EBLC : EMAIL: essence.sda@gmail.com

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

EBLC : No, those are enough.