We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Fu Mei Chiu ("FMC").
The designer explores the internal and external conditions of the design project, responding to the real needs of the occupants, emphasizing the integrity of the structure, the form, building the aesthetics through the choice of the texture of materials and the furniture. The designer expects to create a work embellished with contemporary spirit through the use of exquisite materials and authentic construction methods.
Fu Mei Chiu Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Fu Mei Chiu.
Fu Mei Chiu Design - Ink Black Lightness Residence
Fu Mei Chiu Design - Marbled Infinity Sales Center Reception
Designer Interview of Fu Mei Chiu:
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?
FMC : It has been more than ten years that I entered the interior design industry after graduating from the Department of Interior Design at National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. The experience and expertise I accumulated in my career have become a force that combines rigidity and flexibility with which I can constantly seek innovation in design and am firm in my original intention. I search for an expression of aesthetics and do not follow the trend. I challenge myself to create a unique and extraordinary taste in my search for perfection. In space design, I always look after functionality and strives to create spatial aesthetics consisting of delicate, unique, and warm elements in a space that should only exist for the clients' needs.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
FMC : Reason Design believes that "design is shaped by real user feedback and needs.” It is the principle that the design team adheres to when performing each design work. We use the simplest design vocabulary to create a happy home for users. In each design operation, we carefully put the customer's entrustment in our hands. We carefully consider the internal and external conditions of each space. We respond to the needs of the clients, realize the design concept, and at the same time emphasize the integrity of structure and form. We pursue the texture of materials and furniture, creating unique works with materials of quality and reliable construction methods.
DI: What is "design" for you?
FMC : I think design should emphasize the integrity of structure and form, and pursue the texture of materials and furniture, and create unique works with real materials and precise construction methods.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
FMC : Residential decoration planning and design, commercial space and store planning and design
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
FMC : Ink Black Lightness.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
FMC : Show Flate.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
FMC : The materials of the natural texture of wood. The official websites of major brands. Metal combines stone and wood.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
FMC : When I am alone.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
FMC : I pay attention to the integrity of structure and form. In addition, I pursue the texture of materials and furniture and precise construction methods, creating unique works with materials of quality.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
FMC : I feel nervous and uncertain when designing. In order to express my original design, I will repeatedly overturn planning and design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
FMC : Perfection is what I pursue. I feel happy most of the time. But I always feel annoyed if I find a minor imperfection.
DI: What makes a design successful?
FMC : It is necessary to consider the simple needs of people and to design the space accordingly. At the same time, the design still has to be delicate, unique, and warm, presenting aesthetics.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
FMC : I am cautious about the entrustment of customers. I carefully consider the internal and external conditions of each space. My works are pragmatically responding to the needs of residents and making sure that the design concept comes true.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
FMC : The responsibility of the designer is to allow customers to live their lives in a more ideal way. And the designer must avoid the design that produces heavy pollution.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
FMC : Interior design will be developing toward both sides of the spectrum, either a complicated deco to the extreme or a minimalist to the extreme. In the future, designers have to create designs that are suitable for people of all ages.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
FMC : My latest exhibition was at the National Taichung University of Science and Technology.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
FMC : I like to expose myself to all new things. We often have activities such as movie appreciation, flower art courses, theme food catering, and others in our lunchtime or specific afternoon teatime in our company, so that all colleagues can explore life together, share experiences, care for each other, and feel the warmth and happiness.
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?
FMC : I would say that my design style is more of a contemporary design. I like the form and line of this kind of style. But I also think that furnishing is an important part. I think that the more you understand each brand, the more you feel that they are like accessories. Only when you patiently search for the right pieces for the project you create can you induce the appropriate atmosphere for each home space.
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?
FMC : I live in Taichung, Taiwan. There are plenty of refurbishment cases of historical sites that emanate new sparks in the elements of the old era. In Taiwan, it is easy to emphasize the CP value or efficiency of design, but I think design is a work item that cannot be quantified. Only by taking time to brew can there be more far-reaching and ideal results.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
FMC : I expect myself to be innovative in design and be firm in my original intention. I value the details and form and aesthetics of design and do not follow the trend
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
FMC : 6 months.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
FMC : Is there any way to do better?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
FMC : Design Director.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
FMC : 2019, Golden Jade Taichung, Designed for Headquarters and Sales Center. 2019, Mr. B. in Sky Green Taichung, Designed for residential space. 2019, JYT Design Flagship Store Taichung, Designed for commercial space. 2017, Golden Jade Cloud Place, Designed for residential space. 2015, Sky Green Taichung, Designed for Show Flat. 2014, Kristalia, Commercial Space. 2014, JYT Design161, Commercial Space. 2013, Ayers innovation incubator limited, Office Space. 2013, Golden Jade Construction & Development, Designed for clubhouse and office space.