We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Dun Ada Zhang ("DAZ").
Dun Ada Zhang is a passionate jewelry designer, inspired by the themes of acceptance and adaptation. Since 2019, her creations embody resilience, simplicity, and boldness, reflecting life's challenges and the journey towards maturity. A graduate of JDMIS with a diploma in Fine Jewelry. Also have Bachelor in Business Studies from CSU, she blends artistry with business acumen. Her pieces not only adorn but tell profound stories, fostering emotional connections. Ada contributes to society by promoting self-expression through her unique jewelry, making each design a symbol of personal growth and understanding.
Dun Ada Zhang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Dun Ada Zhang.
Dun Ada Zhang Design - Harmonic Honeycomb Fine Jewellery
Dun Ada Zhang Design - Celestial Voyage Spinning Ring
Designer Interview of Dun Ada Zhang:
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?
DAZ : I've always been drawn to design, particularly jewelry design. However, due to prior commitments such as education and family responsibilities, I wasn't able to pursue it until 2019. That's when I finally had the opportunity to start my fine jewelry Design learning journey, and I'm excited to continue growing and developing my skills.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
DAZ : I'm the founder of Royada Jewellery, which I established in 2023 after completing my diploma in fine jewelry design. Through collaborations with various jewelry manufacturers across different countries, I've gained invaluable experience. Every piece requires meticulous attention to detail, extensive communication, and often multiple revisions to meet the highest standards of craftsmanship. I'm proud of the hard work and dedication that goes into each creation.
DI: What is "design" for you?
DAZ : For me, design is about crafting harmony through acceptance and adaptation, ultimately leading to blissfulness. My jewelry embodies the values of resilience, boldness, simplicity, humility, and loyalty. Each piece tells a story of life's challenges and the transformative journey that shapes us. Through design, I aim to capture the beauty of growth, maturity, and broader perspectives.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
DAZ : I'm passionate about designing fine jewelry pieces that tell a story and evoke emotions. I enjoy creating intricate, detailed designs that showcase exceptional craftsmanship. My favorite projects often involve combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, resulting in unique and timeless pieces. I'm particularly drawn to designing jewelry that reflects themes of resilience, harmony, and personal growth, as these resonate deeply with my design philosophy.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
DAZ : My favorite design for Royada Jewellery is the Homonic Honeycomb series, inspired by the honeycomb patterns I discovered in my daughter's National Geographic book. The hexagon shape fascinated me for its strength and symbolism of sweet love. I sketched a single-band ring featuring the honeycomb motif, but soon realized I wanted to capture the diversity of love's forms and shapes. The series evolved to represent the simplicity and sincerity of love, using clean lines and minimalism. Through creative sketching and digital drawing techniques, I brought the Honeycomb series to life, showcasing love's resilience amidst life's ups and downs.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
DAZ : The first piece I designed for Royada Jewellery that gained significant recognition was the award-winning Hormonic Honeycomb Ring. This design not only showcased my passion for intricate details but also marked a milestone in my design journey. The ring's unique blend of simplicity and symbolism resonated with many, and its award-winning status was a testament to the design's impact.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
DAZ : For most of my jewelry designs, I prefer working with 18K gold due to its luxurious feel and durability. I often pair it with diamonds and various gemstones to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. The combination of 18K gold and precious stones allows me to create timeless, high-quality pieces that exude refinement and style.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
DAZ : I feel most creative when I'm surrounded by people with positive energy and in a quiet, clean environment. Being around like-minded individuals who radiate enthusiasm and optimism helps stimulate my imagination and inspires me to think outside the box. The calm and serene atmosphere also allows me to focus and channel my creativity into designing unique and meaningful pieces.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
DAZ : When designing, I focus on several key aspects: beauty, comfort, simplicity with uniqueness, quality, and affordability. I strive to create pieces that are not only visually stunning but also comfortable to wear. I believe in simplicity with a twist, making each design unique and distinctive. Additionally, I prioritize quality craftsmanship and aim to make my designs accessible to a wide range of people without compromising on excellence.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
DAZ : Designing jewelry is a therapeutic experience for me. It brings a sense of healing, encouragement, motivation, and satisfaction. The creative process allows me to express myself and channel my emotions into crafting meaningful pieces. Seeing my designs come to life and knowing they'll touch someone's life is incredibly fulfilling.
DI: What makes a design successful?
DAZ : Here's a more conversational version: For me, a design is successful when it's not just visually stunning, but also meaningful and functional. It's about creating something that resonates with people, tells a story, and leaves a lasting impression. When a design is both beautiful and purposeful, that's when I know it's truly successful. It's all about striking the right balance between aesthetics, quality, and emotional connection.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
DAZ : When judging a design, I consider creativity, originality, and how well it aligns with its intended purpose. I also look at the attention to detail, craftsmanship, and overall aesthetic appeal. Most importantly, I think about the emotional connection it creates and whether it resonates with the wearer or viewer. It's a combination of these factors that helps me determine if a design is truly exceptional.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
DAZ : As a designer, I believe our responsibilities to society and the environment include being honest in our craft, staying humble and open to feedback, and continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity. It's also about being generous and willing to take risks, embracing challenges, and learning from failures. By doing so, we can create designs that not only inspire but also contribute positively to the world around us.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
DAZ : I believe the design field is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements that open up incredible creative possibilities. However, this progress also brings challenges, such as maintaining originality and staying grounded. Additionally, the industry's increasing focus on commercial strategy can sometimes overshadow the artistic and emotional aspects of design. Despite these challenges, I'm excited to see how designers will continue to innovate and push boundaries.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
DAZ : I'm thrilled to share that I currently have an exhibition showcasing my creations at Design Orchard in Singapore, and it will run until next year, 2026. As for future exhibitions, I'm focused on the present showcase for now, and I don't have any upcoming schedules announced yet. I'm excited to connect with visitors at Design Orchard and look forward to future opportunities.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
DAZ : As a designer, I find inspiration everywhere. I observe the world around me, and everything sparks ideas - shapes, textures, and forms. I see potential in everyday objects and imagine how they could be transformed into unique jewelry pieces. My creative process often starts with sketching out these ideas, allowing me to bring my visions to 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?
DAZ : My design style is contemporary and minimalist, with a focus on clean lines and simple outlines. I believe in stripping away unnecessary elements to reveal the essence of the piece. I prefer a straightforward approach, letting the design speak for itself without overshadowing the main point. This style allows me to create timeless and elegant jewelry that exudes sophistication.
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?
DAZ : Growing up in Singapore and having Chinese roots, I've been fortunate to be influenced by both cultures. My life experiences, shaped by this blend of Eastern and Western perspectives, have profoundly impacted my artistic vision. I draw inspiration from both my heritage and surroundings, allowing me to create unique and meaningful designs that reflect my diverse background.
DI: How do you work with companies?
DAZ : When working with companies, I take a collaborative approach to understand their specific requirements and goals. By considering every aspect, including cost control, market value, brand image, and design trends, I create jewelry designs that meet their needs and target customer preferences. My aim is to deliver designs that not only reflect the company's brand identity but also drive value and stay on-trend.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
DAZ : I think when companies work with a designer, they should look for someone who really understands their perspective and customer needs. The designer should also have a sharp sense of design trends and be efficient in their work. Plus, being open-minded is super important. A good designer should be able to take feedback and iterate on their designs. And, of course, they need to have a solid grasp of workmanship and technical skills, so the designs are realistic and feasible to produce. After all, we're creating real wearable pieces, not just conceptual art – it's gotta be functional and well-made!
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
DAZ : My design process typically starts with sketching out my ideas and conceptualizing the story behind each piece. Next, I create technical drawings with estimated measurements to refine the design. I then use Matrix to create 3D CAD models, which allows me to visualize and fine-tune the design. After that, I print out wax samples to test the design's feasibility. Finally, I work with skilled craftsmen to bring the design to life and create the final piece.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
DAZ : For a designer, one of the most important skills is being able to visualize and bring designs to life in 3D. This skill allows me to effectively communicate my ideas and ensure that the final product meets my vision. It's crucial in creating intricate jewelry designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
DAZ : My toolbox is quite versatile! I use my Samsung Galaxy Note to sketch out designs on-the-go, which is super convenient, especially during daily routines with my kid or when meeting with clients. For more detailed work, I switch to my Apple Notebook and use Procreate to bring my ideas to life. For 3D modeling, I rely on Matrix. These tools help me streamline my design process and stay organized.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
DAZ : Time management is crucial in design. I break down my process into stages, starting with observation and idea gathering, which typically takes 1-2 weeks. This stage is critical in clarifying the concept and requirements. Once that's settled, I move on to sketching and technical drawing, which usually takes about a week. Then, I spend around a week on 3D modeling. Overall, it takes me about 4-6 weeks to complete a design from concept to finalization.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
DAZ : One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a designer is 'Can you make it a multi-functional piece?' Clients often want jewelry that serves more than one purpose, such as a necklace that can convert into a ring or earrings. I love the challenge of creating innovative designs that meet these requests while maintaining style and functionality.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
DAZ : My clients come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. I've worked with individuals, couples, professionals, businessmen, and even housewives looking for custom pieces for special occasions, like baby gifts. I enjoy understanding their unique stories and preferences to create personalized jewelry that resonates with them.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
DAZ : I find the most joy in design work when I get to listen to clients' stories and bring their emotions to life through jewelry. It's heartwarming to be a part of their special moments and create pieces that hold sentimental value. Being involved in this process brings me such honor and joy, knowing that I'm contributing to happy and loving moments in people's lives.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
DAZ : My future plans are to continue creating bespoke jewelry pieces that tell unique stories. I'd love to showcase my designs to a wider audience, allowing more people to appreciate and recognize my brand. Ultimately, I aim to establish myself as a renowned jewelry designer, known for my attention to detail and ability to craft meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
DAZ : I develop my designs independently, bringing my own creative vision to life. However, I collaborate with skilled jewelry manufacturers to bring my designs to fruition. This partnership allows me to focus on the design aspect while leveraging their expertise in crafting high-quality, final products.
DI: How can people contact you?
DAZ : "People can contact me or visit my showcase at Singapore Design Orchard, located at 250 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238905. You can also explore my designs on my website: https://royada.jewelry. follow me on Instagram: @ada_jewel_blog (designer page) and @royadajewelry (official page)."