We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative William Hailiang Chen ("WHC").
William Hailiang Chen has transferred himself from an artist to a professional qualified architect, graduated from the Architectural Association School with awarded Alvin Boyarsky Scholarship and Nicholas Boas Travel Award. He went on working for UK famous practices such as Wilkinson Eyre Architect, Populous and Foster and Partners on several prestigious projects, including winning the competition of 440m tower of Guangzhou International Finance Centre, the design of London Olympic 2012 Stadium from inception to completion and Apple Campus 2. Despite the success in UK, as Principal Architect he took on the challenge back to China leading the team on managing Wanda Group’s overseas projects including Wanda One Nine Elmes, Wanda Sydney One, Paris Europacity and Wanda Vista Tower project in Chicago. Alongside the big projects, as founder of Creative Prototyping Unit he is leading a research team on digital fabrication of various small experimental projects. William teaches part time at the Southeast University in Nanjing and is setting up an urban regeneration research program in relation to sports sector.
William Hailiang Chen Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by William Hailiang Chen.
William Hailiang Chen Design - Pinkbox Club London Karaoke Entertainment Venue
William Hailiang Chen Design - Moonlight Huotang Fireplace for Dong Ethnicity
Designer Interview of William Hailiang Chen:
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?
WHC : I began my career with training in oil painting at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and pursued architecture at the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA School) in London. This dual background ignited my interest in creating light art installations and working with 3D objects, leading me into design. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's multifaceted genius, I am driven by a passion for blending artistry with problem-solving in my design journey.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
WHC : Creative Prototyping Unit Limited is a multidisciplinary design studio based in London and Beijing. The studio aims to develop trans-disciplinary dialogue at the intersection of art, science, technology, and culturally conscious research. Projects range from small furniture and product design to medium-sized spatial and hotel design, and large-scale stadium and cultural tourism master plans. CPU Studio has been ranked among the top 21 best architecture firms in London, alongside top firms like Heatherwick Studio, by Architizer.
DI: What is "design" for you?
WHC : Design is the process of envisioning and planning the creation of objects or solutions.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
WHC : I enjoy designing projects of any scale, not just buildings, especially those that challenge constraints.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
WHC : It is James Turrell’s Skyspace. It combines visual simplicity and phenomenal experience with technical complexity.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
WHC : A small folding canopy for School Future project.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
WHC : There is no favourite. It depends on the situation and what interests me at the time.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
WHC : either when I'm relaxed or under extreme pressure from a tight deadline.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
WHC : User experiences
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
WHC : From excitement and curiosity to satisfaction and sometimes frustration
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
WHC : Enjoyment and satisfaction
DI: What makes a design successful?
WHC : when it effectively solves a problem, meets the needs of its users, and inspires or evokes an emotional response. It should balance functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
WHC : Innovation and uniqueness
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
WHC : Designers have a responsibility to create sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions that positively impact communities and the planet.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
WHC : The design field is increasingly embracing sustainability, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The future of design will likely focus on eco-friendly practices, innovative use of technology, and solutions that address global challenges, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics while improving quality of life.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
WHC : Beijing Design Week, next year in Norwich, UK
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
WHC : My design inspiration comes from observing daily life. Creativity and inspiration come from various sources, including professional media and casual conversations.
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?
WHC : I don't adhere to a particular style; my approach depends on the specifics of each project. This flexibility allows me to tailor my designs to meet unique needs and challenges.
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?
WHC : Current in London and occasionally in Beijing. The cultural heritage of my country does influence my designs, providing a rich tapestry of traditions, aesthetics, and craftsmanship that often find their way into my work. The pros include a deep cultural resonance that can enhance authenticity and uniqueness in designs. However, there can be challenges, such as balancing traditional elements with modern innovation or navigating regulatory frameworks that may impact creative freedom.
DI: How do you work with companies?
WHC : Our process typically begins with extensive discussions and building a close relationship with clients to understand their preferences. We then present sketches and references to initiate discussions and debates. Once a general direction is agreed upon, we refine the initial concept designs into a final proposal.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
WHC : Effective design results from a deep understanding and mutual resonance between the company and designer, where communication is crucial. Rather than solely evaluating past project experiences, prioritize assessing their innovative design process and approach. A skilled designer can consistently achieve impressive results right from the start, regardless of the project type.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
WHC : Building upon my answer to question No. 20, I typically let project information marinate in my mind for a few days. This allows my creative brain to stay active, drawing inspiration from everyday experiences. Often, ideas naturally emerge when sparked by something I've observed.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
WHC : Power ball, Luban Lock Puzzle, Automatic robot cleaner, Lego and iphone
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
WHC : I start with catching up on the early morning news, then I tackle urgent tasks on my schedule. In the morning, I give instructions to employees and spend time on initial concept thinking and sketches. By late afternoon, I focus on detailed production work. Finally, I review potential competition and opportunities before wrapping up my day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
WHC : Focus on your strengths and interests while working to improve your weaknesses. Don't be discouraged by setbacks. Always strive to learn and grow from every experience, even if it's not your favorite. Remember, one opportunity often leads to another.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
WHC : being a designer offers the chance to make meaningful contributions through creativity and problem-solving, but it also comes with challenges that require resilience and adaptability.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
WHC : Positives and negatives often coexist, and their interpretation can vary depending on one's perspective.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
WHC : Critical thinking
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
WHC : Pan and papers, ipad sketches.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
WHC : I rely on a well-structured work schedule and reminders from my personal time management tools.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
WHC : It varies depending on the specific project.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
WHC : How much and how long it can be done.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
WHC : Designing London 2012 Olympic Stadium from inception to completion
DI: Who are some of your clients?
WHC : Air China, Beijing Sinobo Guoan Football Club, Arts Council England, Wanda Group, Sinan Mansions and other private clients
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
WHC : A client appreciate the design and supportive for your exploration
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
WHC : I aim to expand our practice into a fully multidisciplinary studio that prioritises impactful design. Currently, I'm engaged in sustainable material research linked to 3D printing technology.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
WHC : I collaborate with a team to develop designs, although I typically generate the initial ideas independently.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
WHC : I'm currently working on a Paludiculture Research project involving organic materials aimed at reducing carbon emissions from peatlands.
DI: How can people contact you?
WHC : My company website www.designbycpu.com