We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Louie Shum ("LS").
Louie Shum is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Louie Shum Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Louie Shum.
Designer Interview of Louie Shum:
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?
LS : Bachelor of Fine Art / Self taught Interior Designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
LS : I created this studio about 7 years ago. At the beginning we worked on offices and residential projects. Little by little, we started to work on boutique hotel projects and office headquarters of listing companies and private banks.
DI: What is "design" for you?
LS : Great design adds beauty and style to functionality.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
LS : I love to work on hotel projects under 100 rooms. I get to explore different cultures and get to know interesting people from all over the world.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
LS : The' Playhouse' project. I've got a chance to discover a new dialogue for House of Beast's design style.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
LS : Designed my Dad Bakery Chain
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
LS : Opulent materials like Marble, Brass & Leather
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
LS : Traveling is the biggest. Listen to my favorite feel good music works every time!
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
LS : Functionalities, vibe of space and details
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
LS : Day dreaming, Blank, Intense, Keep contradict with yourself
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
LS : Positive upbeat emotion, Calm and Open-minded
DI: What makes a design successful?
LS : Good design concept. Good execution in details. Well organized work flow. Keep reviewing till you get sick of it!
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
LS : Harmonization, Creativity, Color palette
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
LS : Give positive aspect to life and hope to influence more people to enjoy design.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
LS : Technology has taken us further and let us evolved immensely for the past ten years. However, I still think by staying organic in design thinking and respect the craft techniques are as important. Milennial
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
LS : Flipping through archive references from my favorite interior designers and artists. Look for something extraordinary. Movies can stimulate my design thinking as well.
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?
LS : I craft space like a sculptor and I don't like framing myself at the developing stage. Intuitive thinking determine my design aspect but of course referencing is crucial too.
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?
LS : I've been living and studied in Los Angeles, Vancouver before moving back to Hong Kong. It's obvious that Museums, galleries, and flea markets are
DI: How do you work with companies?
LS : Micro Management in all aspects. Well organized design work flow routine. Attention to details. Time management
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
LS : I guess educational background and working experiences are very important. A well organize
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
LS : Overloaded with references in my head and filtered out the most
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
LS : My Franco Alibini lounge Chair, Finn Juhl 46 dining chairs, Hermes chair by Enzo Mari, Hario V60 "Buono" Copper Drip Kettle, Apple TV
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
LS : Hand drip coffee, Meetings with Teammates, Day dreaming, Nap for half an hour after lunch, Designer at work.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
LS : Passion in design, Take risks, Observe your world, Train your eyes to be able to execute.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
LS : Be responsible and deliver tasks on time
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
LS : A proper skill set has been developed through the past seven years. My team can manage their own time effeciently by repeating that routine
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
LS : Why so expensive?!
DI: What was your most important job experience?
LS : Commissioned & design Pitch to develop a new concept for UBS Bank Hong Kong Kowloon division.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
LS : Professionals, Super rich Tycoons, Hotel management company
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
LS : I love to work on Hotel projects. I get to explore different sectors of design like the restaurants and bars, gym & spas and various types of room styles.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
LS : Impress more people around the world with my design. My own furniture collection.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
LS : I develop the core concept for each project
DI: How can people contact you?
LS : Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Email:beast@houseofbeast.com