We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yu Lin Hsu ("YLH").
IANMU Architects is a young architectural firm, primarily serving clients in Taiwan and New York. Led by architects with a profound concern for people and society, they believe that all designs should start from a human perspective. They see architecture as a means of responding to social issues through the intersections of aesthetics and culture. In all their executed cases, they aspire to create spaces that not only meet clients' needs but also enable users to experience the positive impact that beauty and intricate spatial arrangements can bring to human society.
Yu Lin Hsu Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yu Lin Hsu.
Yu Lin Hsu Design - Green Nest Residential Apartment
Designer Interview of Yu Lin Hsu:
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?
YLH : Because I have been learning calligraphy since childhood, I have a great passion for art and aesthetics. Additionally, I believe that good design can lead to a better life for people, which is why I decided to become an architect.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YLH : The core concept of our studio is to value our clients' needs and budgets, boldly try new materials, and provide comfortable and elegant spaces.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YLH : For me, design is the medium and perspective through which we, as architects, can make the world a better place.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YLH : Mainly residential spaces, but in recent years, we have also started working on clinics and commercial spaces.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YLH : The award-winning project 'Green Nest' is my favorite recent project. Not only was the design process very enjoyable in collaboration with the owners, but because the owners are my good friends, seeing them comfortably living in it after completion made me feel, 'This is the best wedding gift I could give them, and it will accompany them for a very, very long time.'
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
YLH : Understand their brand history and future development.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YLH : Any high-quality, natural materials.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YLH : During travel and hiking, especially while immersing in nature.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YLH : User comfort, spatial aesthetics, and human scale.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YLH : Full of futuristic imagination.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YLH : It feels very touching, especially when I see the owners actually using it and their satisfied expressions. For me, every project has a deep emotional connection with myself.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YLH : Empathy and care for humanity and the environment.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YLH : Whether it meets the users' needs and whether it can inspire those who come into contact with it aesthetically.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YLH : Understanding that what we do consumes a large amount of Earth's resources and the clients' money, we handle every decision with care.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YLH : For me, design is a medium to make life better, and of course, it is also a way for an architect to express their views on the world. But for me, every architect and designer should understand that all we do relies on a significant amount of resources, and we must approach it with a humble attitude.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
YLH : I have not yet held an exhibition of my own works. Or rather, in this era of advanced internet, holding a physical exhibition might require a greater motivation.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YLH : I usually draw inspiration from nature, often starting with materials and the spatial atmosphere.
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?
YLH : Comfortable, elegant, and full of natural texture.
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?
YLH : I grew up in Tainan, Taiwan, then moved to Taipei for work, and now I am in New York. These are three completely different cities. I am very grateful for my upbringing in Tainan, which is Taiwan's most important cultural ancient capital, with many historical sites from different periods. Observing how materials change over time and through the use of different ethnic groups has deeply influenced my ideas about architectural design.
DI: How do you work with companies?
YLH : Understanding the other party's work culture and extensive communication.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
YLH : First, understand the other party's design approach and whether their work and company culture can complement your own. Once decided, trust your architect and designer.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
YLH : Understand the other party's needs and culture, envision the spatial atmosphere and texture, practically test materials and spatial conditions, and engage in extensive discussion.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
YLH : Lighting fixtures, ceiling, materials, storage cabinets, chairs.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
YLH : Extensive communication, making coffee to relax and think, walking, sketching and testing on the computer, and searching for new materials.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
YLH : I think I also belong to the category of young architects, haha. But if I have to say, I believe it's very important to find what matters most to you in your design.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
YLH : The advantage is that if you have a strong connection with people, the moment the work is completed, you'll feel very touched and accomplished, which is a rare experience in other jobs. The downside is that it's really tiring.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
YLH : From a human perspective.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
YLH : Care for humanity and the environment, and an intuition and talent for aesthetics.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
YLH : Drawing pens and sketch paper, and the main computer program is Revit.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
YLH : This requires experience and continuous adjustments.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
YLH : Not necessarily; it usually depends on how much time the client has. However, we definitely cannot accommodate very rushed projects.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
YLH : How is the design fee calculated?"
DI: What was your most important job experience?
YLH : I once had the opportunity to work with Álvaro Siza. What impressed me the most was that he personally drew many sketches and worked on the design. There would still be some proposals along the way, but in the end, he would only show the client one version, rather than giving multiple versions for the client to choose from. This requires very precise design skills and confidence.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
YLH : Former colleagues, friends, and people who have made introductions.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
YLH : Spaces that can be designed to be very simple and serene.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
YLH : I am currently pursuing an MS in Architecture and Urban Design at Columbia University, and I hope to develop global markets in the future.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
YLH : Usually developed independently.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
YLH : There is currently an ongoing residential project.
DI: How can people contact you?
YLH : Through Instagram or email.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
YLH : No, thank you.