We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative TSAI DUNG LIN ("TDL").
Remove unnecessary decoration, pursue the essence of space, Follow the characteristics of space and cooperate with users to transform a better way of interacting with space. We believe that good space doesn't have to be extravagant It is the reintegration of people and space, interweaving each other's new vitality Emphasize the design concept, in accordance with the nature of the space and the needs of the owner, combine to create a story and interesting space
TSAI DUNG LIN Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by TSAI DUNG LIN.
TSAI DUNG LIN Design - Engawa Residential House
TSAI DUNG LIN Design - Meridian Massage
TSAI DUNG LIN Design - Fish Migration Residential
Designer Interview of TSAI DUNG 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?
TDL : Like ordinary people, I have no prominent design background. To meet the ideas and concepts in my mind, I naturally became a designer.
DI: What is "design" for you?
TDL : Broadly speaking, design is a way to communicate between designers and owners to solve problems.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
TDL : As long as I like the design, there is no particular categories. I also pay attention to the concept and the story behind, not only to the style.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
TDL : I like historical, narrative, and artistic designs, there is no specific category, because design to me is like a common language to an object. A design contains all three characteristics must be an irreplaceable classic work.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
TDL : Name the company in a way that is full of stories and humor.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
TDL : I like unprocessed materials that can express a sense of time, such as black iron, cement, and solid woods.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
TDL : I feel the most creative when I can transform a story into an object and be recognized.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
TDL : I concern about developing design in terms of concepts and storytelling. I have always believed that vitalize concepts and stories into design is like breath into a new life, which will make this work more irreplaceable.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
TDL : I usually feel anticipated but afraid to be hurt at the same time, because I am like an audience, I never how it will end before it is over.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
TDL : I mentally feel satisfied and full of accomplishment. These are the reasons that motivate me forward.
DI: What makes a design successful?
TDL : Passionate, persistent, and stay curious.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
TDL : I will consider the rationality of the design, because an unreasonable design has no matter how good the concept is.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
TDL : I think designs are created to solve problems. A designer’s responsibility is to improve the society and environment to a better level. If a design makes it worse, then there is no need for it.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
TDL : I think the boundary between man and nature is becoming more and more blurry. In short, there will be more natural elements in the interior space, because man and nature are inseparable.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
TDL : The inspiration for my design comes from the accumulation of life. Reading and experiencing brings me more creativity. Keeping my passion for life is the source of inspiration.
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?
TDL : I think my style contains more than its appearance looks like. My style focuses on the arrangement and division of spaces, creates smooth movements of light and flow. These are the easiest way to improve the quality of living.
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?
TDL : I live in Taiwan. Although our country has no long history, but we have a very diverse culture so I can see various design styles, but unfortunately I can’t find a style that truly present myself.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
TDL : Design is like telling a story, the design concept is like a story outline, and the subsequent development of design is just like the chapters of the story, which must fit the theme.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
TDL : Expecting and afraid of being hurt can describe my day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
TDL : Passion, persistence, curiosity~
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
TDL : Design has become a way of life for me. Any systematic completion of one by one should be considered a positive influence. On the contrary, it is easy to get rid of the horns and often make myself nervous because of small things.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
TDL : Discover the qualities of space and present them in the way that best highlights this trait; in short: according to one's aptitude.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
TDL : Enthusiasm, persistence, and curiosity. Without these fundamental qualities, I think it is difficult to last.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
TDL : Usually, I will use hand-painting to construct the ideas in my mind and then use computer software to complete the draft. I used software which are AutoCAD and SketchUp most commonly.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
TDL : Properly allocating the time for each to-do things is the most commonly used method, but the plan will never catch up with the changes.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
TDL : Depends on the size and complexity of the project.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
TDL : How to make guests understand and accept the story I gave to the space.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
TDL : I think every experience is important to me, because if any of one experience is missing, I may not be what I am now.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
TDL : A makeup brands.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
TDL : I like simple and clear design projects. I think the project is more concise, and the more the essence of space can be shown, the tension of the project is greater too.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
TDL : How to make the company move to the next stage, and then to another height.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
TDL : I develop and design by myself.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
TDL : I don't know where to start to talk about before I finish this project. because I am also like an audience, it is true to expect and fear of being hurt. (smile)
DI: How can people contact you?
TDL : Can be through IG, LINE or EMAIL, of course, domestic friends can directly contact via phone.