We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Camille Chung ("CC").
Devalo Design, founded by Camille Chung, is a design company that specialises not only in interior design but also in delivering enhanced living solutions that prioritise aesthetics. The firm provides integrated functions to create exquisite designs. ensuring that each bespoke projects is unique and tailored specifically to the needs of our clients. Camille Chung, as an interior designer director, has over 16 years’ experiences working in the residence, hospitality, commercial and professional sectors throughout Taiwan, China and Singapore. She collaborates with her team from design to deliverables to ensure the design exceeds client expectations. Her ability to translate a clients brand and vision has resulted in the successful delivery of many mid to large scale projects, working for clients such as the W Hotels, Westin resort and Amari Hotel.
Camille Chung Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Camille Chung.
Camille Chung Design - The Circadian Home Highrise Residence
Designer Interview of Camille Chung:
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?
CC : I was educated in Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan, it was top 3 of interior architecture in academic schools in Taiwan. After graduated from school then ever since I have been working in interior design industry. Thanks to my first design firm Mandartrch to having me participating in W hotels Taipei project, I later had the chance to work for one of the most well known design firm The Ga Group, specialized in hospitality design. The head quarter is London, I joined the training program in Budapest office then working in Shanghai office for 3years collaborating with Kuala Lumpur office. There I had the most exciting and diversified experiences to work with all sorts of professionals. Since I was little, I always know I’m interested in arts and music, later choosing to be an interior designer was meeting the joints of living and earning due to our traditionally thinking : art can’t make you live. However it was proven wrong nowadays. Art it is living.I have dreamed about many more things can be done and fulfilled if I’m more than just an interior designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CC : Devalo Design. It’s meaning from/ of light, the most important element of design. The fundamental of design is to make a better living, just like the light bring to human being, I want to always remember that and also to say Devalo sounding like develop, design is always a process of developing. We don’t need to be afraid of creating something new.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CC : To resolve problems and ease the stress of living. Most importantly to make our lives more beautiful more pleasant.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CC : To be honest, design space for kids, that’s maybe surprising but it’s only because that’s where allows you to use all the imagination like a child!
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CC : I have many appreciated designs (not by myself). If my own project, I like the sailing ship like bar/ open kitchen counter that I designed for my client. I do think it can be integrated better if we could have integrated induction system directly on the Ceasar stone counter top, I believe Boffi has achieved that concept.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
CC : The first thing I would say the welcome lobby, which is the soul and showing identity of a company space.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CC : I love stone and wood. They are just naturally beautiful to the eye and touch. I like to design everything that can be integrated, if as simplicities as it can be presenting. I won’t reject technology if that can make the design better, and user friendly.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CC : After traveling and visiting exhibitions, you can always find some inspiration out of it.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CC : It will depends on the use of space and clients. I used to focus on function and aesthetic. But ever since I have become a mom I would also care about safety especially for the kids and eldly.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CC : Both excited and anxious, as you might be creating something new and the client may not like it.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CC : Relieved and content.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CC : The continuous coordination and coherence at work to make sure it meets the level of production that you wished for, you can’t be relaxed until it has been completed.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CC : Does it serve the purpose? It can also just designed to be sitting there as long as it serves its purpose and people appreciate it.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CC : Never overly design and waste resources. Design industry can be seen luxury from the perspective of the consuming time and resources. I truly think as the designer it is important to always consider the life circle and sustainability of a design.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CC : I understand there will be more and more futurism being carried out in design. More AI will be integrated into design from design process to completion. I hope that means sustainability will be taken more seriously along with the evolution of design.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CC : I only have done my first one at graduation work, hope next time at 40 × 40 Design Exhibition.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CC : Every time when I get a project, I always start with my client, get to know them and do some research about the project so to find the inspiration and the story line. Natural elements, architecture, photography, movies, a show, an exhibition all can be part of my inspiring sources.
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?
CC : I don’t think I have developed to any specific style. More toward modern I would say. I want the design can be seen long lasting and not easily feel tired of it. I want people to feel comfortable when be in the 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?
CC : I currently live in Taiwan. The good thing about living in Taiwan is the accessibility to obtain price friendly products from China, but that also can be a downside, as the quality of products can be varied, and sometimes clients would search products by themselves but they don’t understand the consequences of using cheaper products. Even if using European products can be more pricy, I still prefer good quality materials and products.
DI: How do you work with companies?
CC : Find the right window, right people to talk to and work with.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CC : A good designer would try different layouts before proposing final.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CC : Do some research first, from imagery to actual case study of projects. A lot of hand skatches would be involve to develop ideas from abstract to functional items.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CC : Bar, dining table, lounge sofa, decorative lighting, artwork
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
CC : Morning routine for the kid, then get some exercise before start doing my itinerary for work. Late afternoon to pick up my child to be mommy duty again. Reviewing work before my own bed time, sometimes unwind by a nightcap.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CC : Don’t be afraid to try something new or to present your own ideas. Open your eyes and be open minded to embrace the opportunities of learning new things and grow skills. Don’t be afraid of making mistake but learn from it.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CC : Designers are creative. We can also be practical.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CC : Mind human scale for all, functional, beautiful.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CC : Insightful. You can only be a better designer through observation in living.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CC : Sketching paper, iPad, autocad. Pinterest and Design books.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CC : Being a mom has to be a time keeper master. Set up the routines and valence work and family life, try to finish work during my set-up working hours and be efficient.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CC : It depends on the scale and complex of it. It can be one day and it can be months.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CC : Who’s your favorite designer? What’t your favorite design?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
CC : Working with The Ga Group - Terry MacGinnity, he is admirable from his work, attitude and his personality. he is my model of being a great designer.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CC : From global medical business, high-tech company to IG influencer all different kind of clients.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CC : Luxury home and hotel, as the possibility of realizing it is high.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CC : make Devalo a well known design brand, create decorative products and living goods, to open showrooms with changeable concept of living.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CC : I do my own design, however I have partnership with 3D, technician and constructional team to work with.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
CC : It’s also a high-rise residential project, under construction.
DI: How can people contact you?
CC : Email: Camille.c221@gmail.com IG: Camillechung