We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Pengfei He ("PH").
As a professional who has been deeply engaged in the architectural design industry for 17 years, Mr. He Pengfei possesses profound professional knowledge and keen industry insights. He always adheres to the pursuit of excellent design and is committed to promoting the deep integration of architecture and art. In his career, he has presided over and completed approximately 60 architectural projects, covering multiple fields such as community centers, commercial, cultural, residential, and urban complexes. His design works have won many domestic and international authoritative awards, including the Muse Design Awards in the United States, the Good Design Awards in the United States, as well as the Excellent Engineering Design Award of Jiangsu Province, China, and the Excellent Engineering Design Award of Nanjing City, China. With his rich industry practice and a deep understanding of international design standards, he contributes his professional strength to the innovative development of the architectural design field.
Pengfei He Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Pengfei He.
Pengfei He Design - Dongtou Passenger Port Cruise Terminal
Pengfei He Design - Xinhe Group HQ Office
Designer Interview of Pengfei He:
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?
PH : When I was a child, I watched an interview with the renowned Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei. I was deeply impressed by the Louvre Pyramid designed by Mr. Pei, and since then, I have been fascinated by architectural design. I hope to become a great architect like him in the future. When I went to college, I chose to major in architecture at Zhengzhou University.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
PH : Simo Architectural Engineering Design Co., Ltd. is a pioneering Chinese design firm with global vision, anchoring its architectural philosophy in the diversified lifestyles of contemporary society and the emotional essence of place. Committed to human-centric values, the studio harmonizes rational analysis of land with sensitive interpretation of cultural narratives, dedicated to creating enduring architecture that responds to human needs and withstands the tests of time and urban evolution. works have garnered international accolades including the MUSE Design Awards Gold Prize (USA), American Good Design Gold Award, and French Design Award Gold Prize.
DI: What is "design" for you?
PH : Design is a process of solving problems such as those related to the site and requirements. It is a means of communication that conveys stories and emotions, and it has the ability to create spaces that enhance people's quality of life.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
PH : Buildings that combine tradition and modernity in a natural way and can blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
PH : My favorite work is the Louvre Pyramid designed by I.M. Pei. It has a modern appearance, combining glass and metal, with smooth lines and transparent light. Although its style contrasts with the ancient Louvre, it is magically integrated, setting off the elegance of the historical building. As the main entrance, it optimizes the flow of people. The underground space creates rich light and shadow effects through the light. It is extremely charming both during the day and at night, and it is a model in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and cultural integration, having a profound influence.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
PH : The collision between traditional building materials produced locally and modern glass, such as rubble stones, bamboos and so on.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
PH : When one is alone in the dead of night, it is at this moment that inspiration is most likely to strike.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
PH : How can a building blend naturally with its surrounding environment?
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
PH : When my design comes to life, my heart is filled with excitement and pride. From the initial concept to the lines on the blueprint, and then to the building that stands tall in reality, I have poured my heart and soul into every step of the process. Seeing it blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment and being used and recognized by people, I experience a joy of having my dream come true. I also deeply feel that all my efforts have been meaningful.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
PH : When judging whether a design is good or bad, I will first consider its functionality, that is, whether it can meet the actual needs of users. For example, whether the spatial layout is reasonable and the circulation flow is smooth. Secondly, I will consider its degree of integration with the environment, to see if it can coexist harmoniously with the surrounding natural and cultural environments. Moreover, I will consider its innovativeness, that is, whether it has unique concepts and forms of expression. At the same time, I will take into account its sustainability, evaluating the utilization of resources and the impact on the environment.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
PH : At the social level, designers should meet the needs of different groups of people through design, improve the quality of life of the public, promote social equity and inclusion, and inherit and carry forward culture. In terms of the environment, it is necessary to adopt sustainable design concepts, make rational use of resources, and reduce waste and pollution.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
PH : The design inspiration for my works comes from a wide range of sources. The breathtaking natural landscapes, the unique cultural customs of different regions, the distinctive charm of historical buildings, and even the little details in daily life can all inspire me. To stimulate my creativity, I will travel more to personally experience the charm of different environments. I will also read various books to draw nourishment from knowledge, and communicate with people from different fields to broaden the boundaries of my thinking.
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?
PH : My design style is the integration of tradition and modernity, as well as the symbiosis of nature and architecture. The exploration of this style stems from my love and reverence for traditional culture, as well as my firm belief in the harmonious coexistence of architecture and nature. The main characteristics of this style include concise and dynamic lines, the use of natural materials, and open and fluid spaces.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
PH : My design process first involves in-depth research on the project site conditions and user needs, covering aspects such as the surrounding environment, climate, and functionality. Subsequently, I collect a large amount of information, draw inspiration from historical, cultural, artistic and other fields, and find an entry point. Then, I use sketches and models to conceive the design scheme, and continuously deepen and optimize it until an ideal plan is determined. Throughout the entire process, I maintain close communication and collaboration with team members, clients, and relevant professionals to ensure that the design can be smoothly implemented and achieve the expected results.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
PH : The most important skills for a designer include creativity and innovative thinking, which are used to propose unique solutions; the ability to solve practical design problems; a good sense of aesthetics to create visual beauty; communication and collaboration skills to ensure the progress of the design scheme; and research and analysis skills to provide a basis for decision-making. All these skills are interrelated and jointly support excellent design.