We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Chiao-Yi, Tang ("CT").
Chiaoyi Tang specializes in both architectural and interior design. Holding a master’s degree in architecture from Taipei University of Technology, she is also a registered interior designer and training lecturer. With nearly 30 years of experience, she seamlessly blends innovation and technical expertise, ensuring projects embody brand identity and spatial harmony. Dedicated to creating healing environments, she obtained the Japanese SICK-HOUSE Level 2 diagnostician qualification in 2013 and later studied sustainable green buildings. Her works have earned multiple awards, including the A’ Design Silver Award and recognition from Sotheby’s International Realty. Now, she focuses on mentoring future designers.
Chiao-Yi, Tang Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Chiao-Yi, Tang.
Chiao-Yi, Tang Design - Motivator Factory Office Building
Chiao-Yi, Tang Design - Serenity Multifunctional Cultural Venue
Designer Interview of Chiao-Yi, Tang:
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?
CT : I believe this is related to my upbringing in the suburbs, which nurtured my sense of observation and allowed me to experience the joy of shared creativity with my playmates. Art classes further guided me to appreciate the energy conveyed by artists. These experiences inspired my later studies and creativity in the field of architecture and became a driving force behind my journey to becoming a designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CT : Founded in November 1991, RTD positions itself as the “magician of spatial aesthetics,” integrating interior functionality into architectural planning from the very beginning. With over 30 years of experience in design and construction, the company serves a wide range of sectors including clinics, senior housing, bank headquarters, tech factories and offices, as well as public amenities in residential communities. RTD has also participated in international projects such as the Antai Building in Shanghai, the Nichimen Factory and Office in Kunshan, and the St. Luke’s Health Screening Center in Tokyo, continuously expanding both its depth and breadth while building a solid foundation.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CT : Design, in simple terms, is the process of solving problems by identifying the most appropriate solutions. It generally refers to a purposeful and planned creative activity that encompasses both tangible objects and intangible ideas.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CT : I especially enjoy designing public spaces, where I can create connections between space and environment, extending the design concept much like cinematic transitions. This approach enhances the experience of the five senses and the six perceptions.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CT : In 2015, I had the privilege of visiting the Markthal indoor market square in Rotterdam, designed by the renowned Dutch architectural firm MVRDV. It was a truly immersive experience. The striking horseshoe-shaped arch and the vibrant interior murals seamlessly integrated with everyday life left a lasting impression on me. The way people interacted with the space vividly reflected a human-centered design approach—where people live, connect, and create enduring memories.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
CT : The entrance identity and landscape design of the bank headquarters.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CT : I enjoy working with natural materials and textures, and I’m also an avid user of Instagram. Currently, I’m very interested in the field of artificial intelligence, especially in how new technologies can help reduce design time. I believe AI is an excellent tool in the hands of designers.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CT : When I am alone, I enter a state of self-exploration, which often becomes the moment when design concepts are sparked.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CT : Starting from the client's preferences, I integrate functionality, aesthetics, and the realization of a healthy indoor environment.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CT : During the design process, I feel a sense of mission, and challenges often spark creativity and a deep sense of fulfillment.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CT : When my design comes to life, I feel a sense of achievement and fulfillment—much like the journey of a mother from conception to birth. That joy gives me greater confidence to embrace the next project.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CT : It effectively addresses the intended problem while meeting the aspects of practicality, aesthetics, and environmental friendliness.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CT : When evaluating a design, aside from aesthetics, I first consider its functionality, safety, sense of security, health aspects, and how well it fulfills its intended purpose or addresses the problem.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CT : The responsibility of a designer, in simple terms, is to be accountable to both people and the environment. Through professional knowledge and skills, designers not only create beautiful spaces but also care for social well-being and environmental sustainability.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CT : The design field is rapidly integrating with advanced technologies, evolving toward a user-centered approach that emphasizes human care and places sustainability at its core. Increasing value is placed on customer experience and the intangible aspects of products. With the empowerment of AI, immersive experiences and generative design are being introduced, deepening emotional engagement as well as inclusive and barrier-free design. At the same time, greater emphasis is placed on design ethics and social responsibility. As a result, designers are now expected to possess a broader vision, interdisciplinary capabilities, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CT : In 2021, I exhibited at the Lihpao Group Hotel showroom in Taichung, Taiwan, together with winners of the Taiwan Good Design Award. The next exhibition is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CT : The inspiration behind my work comes from a wide range of sources, including natural forms and patterns, material textures, films, museums, humanistic poetry, cultural diversity, art history, and everyday experiences. All of these spark creativity and serve as sources of inspiration. By maintaining an open mind and exploring different disciplines, I’m able to stay creative and innovative—often drawing insight from the ideas of predecessors and the spontaneous sparks that arise in discussions with peers.
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?
CT : My design style is rooted in minimalism, emphasizing clarity and purity. Through clean spatial forms, I express the spirit of the place or reflect the client’s brand identity. I aim to create spatial narratives that embody daily life—much like the Markthal indoor market square in Rotterdam, where human interaction with space powerfully illustrates a human-centered design philosophy. I draw on abstract aesthetics, natural light and shadow, and humble materials to evoke a poetic atmosphere. By embracing simplicity, I enhance both user experience and visual appeal, crafting spatial sequences that flow like cinematic transitions and bring the space to 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?
CT : I am from Taipei, Taiwan, and rather than being primarily influenced by local cultural heritage, I have found greater inspiration through collaborating with designers from various countries and experiencing diverse customs and cultures during business trips. These cross-cultural exchanges have made me deeply aware of the rapid and ever-changing flow of information, which in turn fosters a flexible and adaptive design mindset.
DI: How do you work with companies?
CT : I have been with RTD for over 30 years, currently leading the design team and actively promoting sustainable and healthy environments.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CT : Solid fundamentals are the foundation of creativity, and clear logic is the starting point of excellence.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CT : I thoroughly study the tasks defined by the client and communicate with them to understand their needs and preferences, in order to grasp the overall concept. Then, I define the spatial atmosphere and detailed arrangements based on materials, colors, furniture, and decorations. For me, it is crucial to ensure that the design meets the client’s expectations at every stage of the process. Once the basic design is confirmed, I proceed with the detailed design and integrate MEP functions to develop the construction documentation.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CT : I think it would be the table and chairs. Whether indoors or in the garden, their quality greatly influences my resting environment and the sense of happiness they bring.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
CT : My daily work usually follows the progression of departmental tasks, while a flexible schedule varies depending on the projects I’m working on, allowing me to balance creativity and productivity.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CT : The vision of a better future life has always been the soul of a designer. Find inspiration in stillness, feel life with intention, enrich the depth of your design, appreciate the beauty in everyday living, and always stay true to your original intention—let it guide your creativity and decisions.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CT : You may call them workaholics or even madmen—while most people might not understand, that is exactly where they find joy in life.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CT : User-centered design that integrates health, functionality, safety, security, and service.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CT : Fundamental skill development includes spatial concepts, design drawing, ergonomics, creativity, budget planning, and communication skills.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CT : As an interior designer, my toolbox is filled with both tangible and intangible tools that help me transform concepts into reality. It includes a variety of software and applications, project management and collaboration tools, presentation software, and more. With the advancement of technology and the evolution of design philosophies, I continuously learn and adopt new tools. However, no matter how the tools change, the core remains a deep understanding of space, aesthetics, and human needs.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CT : Indeed, design often requires a significant investment of time and energy, especially during the stages of refining details and making repeated revisions. Setting clear goals and breaking down tasks, creating detailed schedules and timelines, prioritizing and focusing on execution, leveraging tools and optimizing processes, as well as regularly reviewing and adjusting, are all key to improving efficiency.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CT : The timeline varies depending on the scale of the project. For instance, in the case of office design competitions, it typically takes an average of 30 days to deliver a design proposal.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CT : As a designer, one of the most frequently asked questions is: “What does your own home look like?” or “Did you design your own home as well?”
DI: What was your most important job experience?
CT : A significant work experience involved implementing fundamental design concepts through overseas material sourcing.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CT : CHIMEI, EPSON, gogoro, IBM, Intel, KWE, KIRIN, Mitsubishi Estate Taiwan, NetApp, PHILIPS, RICOH, SHISEIDO, Schneider Electric, TÜV Rheinland, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Takeda etc.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CT : Concept design. The starting point for giving space feelings.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CT : Motivate young designers. Combining design trends with the promotion of a sustainable and healthy environment.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CT : We work collaboratively as a team.
DI: How can people contact you?
CT : You can contact me via email:RT001780@mail.ruentex.com.tw