We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yu-Ting Chen ("YC").
Downshifting (lifestyle) also known as Simple living is what MUYU Design are Designed For. MUYU Design hope to use this method to customize the needs of each user, and at the same time use material textures and spatial proportions to allow customers to imagine the picture of living in it. By transforming complexity into simplicity and insisting on showing the original appearance of materials, let the occupants can downshifting to a simplified life.
Yu-Ting Chen Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yu-Ting Chen.
Yu-Ting Chen Design - Sunmoon Tea Shop
Designer Interview of Yu-Ting 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?
YC : I graduated from Tainan University of Technology, Taiwan. I have been interested in drawing since I was a child. When I was studying, I met a teacher who was engaged in interior design. At that time, I felt that good design can make a huge difference in life. I decided to become an interior designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YC : MuYu Interior Design Co., Ltd. was established in 2019. Downshifting (lifestyle), also known as simple living, is what we design for. In order to integrate the customer's imagination of the future into the design, we hope to simplify what they want through design, advocate the use of natural materials for construction, and let people's body and mind stay and rest in this space.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YC : For me, design is an integral part of listening, observing and integrating. It is the result of a series of dismantling, reorganization and simplification.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YC : Commercial space design can be more bold and unconstrained in conception. This is the type of design I want to do.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YC : Furniture design is my favorite. In addition to providing functional needs, it can also add artistry to the space.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
YC : It is a Zen space that sells Buddhist cultural relics, and it is a complex space integrating sales, coffee shop and meditation.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YC : Wood and metal are my preferred materials. It can add a gritty yet warm vibe.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YC : In the process of discussing with customers, it is easier to stimulate creativity through the resonance of recognition.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YC : We pay more attention to the design that meets the needs of users and can bring good changes to their lives, rather than designing for form.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YC : For most of the designs, I will let go of my emotions first, without prejudice. Without emotions, you are open to more thoughts.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YC : I will be very grateful when the design is realized. The completion of a design requires the cooperation and dedication of the team, which is something to be grateful for.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YC : The right time, place and people.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YC : Design is neither good nor bad. Applicable and non-applicable only. A good design can meet the needs, make users satisfied and relieved, and improve convenience.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YC : Designers use their professionalism and aesthetic awareness to enhance the public's design awareness, arouse the public's awareness from daily life to public places, and bring better convenience or services through design changes. This is a more important thing for the social environment.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YC : Virtual reality is rapidly changing the entire design environment. Future designs should be simpler.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
YC : September 16, 2022, iF Taipei Design Salon,Taiwan,.Looking forward to winning again in the next 3-5 years.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YC : In the process of discussing with customers, get inspiration from their imagination of life.
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?
YC : Natural, warm and organic style is the design concept we want to present. Predominantly natural materials are used to relieve the stress of modern life.
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?
YC : I live in Taiwan. 「Feng Shui」 is a unique custom in Asia, which has certain restrictions on design, and needs to meet the needs of customers through good design integration.
DI: How do you work with companies?
YC : Through communication, convey the design concept. Cooperate through running-in and coordination.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
YC : Only companies that agree with the designer's ideas rather than interests can resonate with the designer.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
YC : Usually I am used to draw the concept on the sketchbook first, then repeatedly disassemble the combined space, and then draw the material and color. Sometimes a 3D simulated scene is used to complete the case.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
YC : Meditate in the morning and take a walk in the garden after get off work to feel the sunshine and breeze.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
YC : Try the possibility of any material, break through the original framework, and maintain the design value without reducing the price.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
YC : Positive aspects: You can get in touch with various industries in various ways and expand your life. Cons: The design often doesn't fit the budget, which is a dilemma.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
YC : Listen to requirements and create integration.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
YC : In addition to the necessary sense of beauty, the designer is also a discoverer. He must discover more beauty and explore more possibilities for customers.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
YC : Most use Freehand, AutoCad and SketchUp.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
YC : In the stage of design thinking, the time is not limited and can be adjusted according to inspiration. In the drawing stage, it is necessary to arrange and adjust the design progress according to the time progress of the case.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
YC : It is difficult to define when design work is complete. Every project is unique and design times vary.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
YC : Where do you get your inspiration from? If the budget is insufficient, how to strike a balance with the design concept?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
YC : The EASE INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD team learned to design from the perspective of caring for the land and treating the environment well
DI: Who are some of your clients?
YC : Sun Moon Tea Shop and private houses entrustment.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
YC : Conceptual Design. This design phase is the most free and frameless.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
YC : In the future, in addition to interior design, I hope to expand to furniture design.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
YC : Teamwork.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
YC : At present, a 50-year-old house is being transformed into a compound space for art, culture and folk customs. The original building structure was damaged in many places, how to repair it is the focus of this case planning.
DI: How can people contact you?
YC : https://www.muyuinteriordesign.com