David Chang Design Associates Intl

Specialized in Luxury Design.

David Chang Design Associates Intl

About David Chang Design Associates Intl

Form not only follows functions, but also should have a touch of sensibility derived from art and emerged from culture. This gives the design a human touch.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Luxury Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Luxury
Loong Palace 480 Residential

Loong Palace 480 Residential

Luxury Design


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Interview with David Chang Design Associates Intl

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?
I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and studied Inteior Architecture in the U.S. and Canada obtaining degrees in Fine Art at El Camino College in Los Angeles, a honor degree at Kwantlen Polytech University in Vancouver Canada and studied Interior Architecture at the California State University in Long Beach, California. I have been a Registered Interior Designer in North America with NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certified since1999. I started working with Traditional Interior Architectural practices on various projects from large bespoked private residential developments to hospitality and restaurant projects. In that period I discovered my passion for private residential projects and have made this my focus since early 1995. I was very fortunate to advance my career by working on many luxury homes in Vancouver, Canada which enhanced my reputation as one of the top residential interior architects in this city and then beyond. In 2003, I went to Guangzhou, China to design 2 display villas for a residential developer which lead to setting up a design firm in Guangzhou in 2004. In 2007, I expand my design practice to Beijing, China, and expanded our projects to include large scale residential, display apartments, villas and clubhouses.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
The firm was originated as a small design studio in Vancouver, Canada in 1998, later incorporated in 2004, and established offices in Guangzhou in 2006 and Beijing in 2009 to provide space planning, interior design and soft furnishings services for major real estate developers in China. Completed real estate projects in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenyang, Kunshan, Dalian, etc. are well received by the industry and has been setting as the design standards for development and design collection. DCDA has a design team of more than 90 professional designers and an experienced project management team. Type of projects encompasses villa, apartments, sales centers, clubhouses, and hotels for developers as well as private client projects, etc. Locations of projects are spread out throughout North America and Asia. Innovative designs have won numerous honorary awards from Canadian design associations and other perspective areas. DCDA’ s team of passionate and inspired professional design team consistently adheres to a system of quality, consistently discovering the significance of the practicality of space and revelation of details, and with the same enthusiasm for arts creating the ideal living space.
What is "design" for you?
I believe that you could liken the role of an Interior Designer to that of a movie director. With our Clients as the producers, we take their personal vision, be it classical, modern, contemporary, art deco or neoclassic, and synthesize this with all the other actors, from artisans, suppliers and trades, to create a bespoke design that narrates their personal story. Designers should be like water, easily flowing and versatile enough to fit within any container. Bespoke designs cannot be mass produced if they are to be informed by the Clients’ individual tastes, needs and influences. This continuous dexterity of inspirations is the flame that keeps the passion for design burning.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Hard to tell which is my favorite since I love any style that is beautiful from ultra modern to traditional classical. But for my own personal living, North European style will be my choice since its functional as well as super clean and mostly beautiful.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Focusing more on space planning, detailing, and artistic concept development.
What makes a design successful?
function, usability, environmental, artistic and with historical cultural detailing in the space.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Good design is part of human civilization. Designers should create better design for mankind as well as for the environment and every living species on mother nature.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Design is moving towards an environmental conscious approach through the use of recycled materials, renewable products and a concerned populace. The second true motivator and influencer is technology both in how we interact with our “smart homes” and the products being evolved and invented. Classical design from all eras, as well as eclectic style, will continue to be valid as they allow us to express our love for different cultural objects, our passion to explore our world beyond our personal spaces and the touchstones that ground us to our histories.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
All design for me is inspired by the 5 senses and effectuated with 3 tools. Our living environments provide a cornucopia of stimulations that influence my designs. Smell, our first and strongest memory, can be aroused by a simple flower or a particular fruit. Vision is imprinted with the sand patterns on the dunes of the Sahara Desert, the dense forests of South America to oil settling in a rain puddle. The touch of a rock or metal sculpture can foster inpressions. Sounds such as hearing a particular classical musical score or a pop hit, can pique a feeling that can inspire a concept. And finally, taste, this influencer of cusines, can strike a cultural reference that can radiate through a design. The effectuating tools of design for me are Colour, Texture and Form, used in harmony to stimulate all our 5 senses.
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?
I believe that you could liken the role of an Interior Designer to that of a movie director. With our Clients as the producers, we take their personal vision, be it classical, modern, contemporary, art deco or neoclassic, and synthesize this with all the other actors, from artisans, suppliers and trades, to create a bespoke design that narrates their personal story. Designers should be like water, easily flowing and versatile enough to fit within any container. Bespoke designs cannot be mass produced if they are to be informed by the Clients’ individual tastes, needs and influences. This continuous dexterity of inspirations is the flame that keeps the passion for design burning.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Respect and value designer's service. Due diligence such as previous projects visits and client interviews are essential.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
Function, Concept Development, Design Development, Contract Documentation, Site Follow Up.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Do not ever complains about the overtime and you have to love the design and living in different time zone from normal career. Mostly importantly you got to love what you do or else it will not last long for taste sweetness of endeavor. You need to have certain degree of insanity to pursuit perfection in every design.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positive of being a good designer is fortune and fame. Negative of being a good designers is irregular hours of sleep.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Good designer satisfy people's needs or requests whereas a great one not only satisfy people's needs or requests but also lead people to another horizon and exceed people's expectation.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It depends on the size and complexity of the project. Usually between 2 months to 2 years.
What was your most important job experience?
working in a design firm which is only targeted to rich and famous private residence.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I always work as a team. Interior Design shares many aspects and needs different expertise from all talents. Interior Design is not just a one single sculpture or a painting. It involves different materials, wide range of color pallet, various techniques, and multiple level of coordination.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Two nearly 2000 square meters show villas in Chinoiserie style. One is simple and modern whereas the other is magnificent and classical.
How can people contact you?
People can either email me @ david.chang@dcida.com or contact me @ our company address or phone numbers listed on our company web site @ www.dcida.com
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
I am open to any questions. Please email me @ david.chang@dcida.com. I would make may best effort to reply.

Designer of the Day Interview with David Chang Design Associates Intl

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and studied Inteior Architecture in the U.S. and Canada obtaining degrees in Fine Art at El Camino College in Los Angeles, a honor degree at Kwantlen Polytech University in Vancouver Canada and studied Interior Architecture at the California State University in Long Beach, California. I have been a Registered Interior Designer in North America with NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certified since1999. I started working with Traditional Interior Architectural practices on various projects from large bespoked private residential developments to hospitality and restaurant projects. In that period I discovered my passion for private residential projects and have made this my focus since early 1995. I was very fortunate to advance my career by working on many luxury homes in Vancouver, Canada which enhanced my reputation as one of the top residential interior architects in this city and then beyond. In 2003, I went to Guangzhou, China to design 2 display villas for a residential developer which lead to setting up a design firm in Guangzhou in 2004. In 2007, I expand my design practice to Beijing, China, and expanded our projects to include large scale residential, display apartments, villas and clubhouses.
How did you become a designer?
I have over 20 years of experience in hospitality and residential interior design and management in North America and Asia Pacific. I was educated both in the United States and Canada. Majored and received bachelor degree of interior design at both California state university long beach and Kwantlen polytechnic university in Vancouver British Columbia, and studied "Green Building and Community Sustainability Professional Certificate" at Harvard University. Deeply influenced by eastern and western culture, I emphasize on attention to culture and history as source of inspiration thereby creating vitality and rich artistic essence for each project.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I believe that you could liken the role of an Interior Designer to that of a movie director. With our Clients as the producers, we take their personal vision, be it classical, modern, contemporary, art deco or neoclassic, and synthesize this with all the other actors, from artisans, suppliers and trades, to create a bespoke design that narrates their personal story. Designers should be like water, easily flowing and versatile enough to fit within any container. Bespoke designs cannot be mass produced if they are to be informed by the Clients’ individual tastes, needs and influences. This continuous dexterity of inspirations is the flame that keeps the passion for design burning.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
All design for me is inspired by the 5 senses and effectuated with 3 tools. Our living environments provide a cornucopia of stimulations that influence my designs. Smell, our first and strongest memory, can be aroused by a simple flower or a particular fruit. Vision is imprinted with the sand patterns on the dunes of the Sahara Desert, the dense forests of South America to oil settling in a rain puddle. The touch of a rock or metal sculpture can foster inpressions. Sounds such as hearing a particular classical musical score or a pop hit, can pique a feeling that can inspire a concept. And finally, taste, this influencer of cusines, can strike a cultural reference that can radiate through a design. The effectuating tools of design for me are Colour, Texture and Form, used in harmony to stimulate all our 5 senses.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Do not ever complains about the overtime and you have to love the design and living in different time zone from normal career. Mostly importantly you got to love what you do or else it will not last long for taste sweetness of endeavor. You need to have certain degree of insanity to pursuit perfection in every design.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
I believe that you could liken the role of an Interior Designer to that of a movie director. With our Clients as the producers, we take their personal vision, be it classical, modern, contemporary, art deco or neoclassic, and synthesize this with all the other actors, from artisans, suppliers and trades, to create a bespoke design that narrates their personal story. Designers should be like water, easily flowing and versatile enough to fit within any container. Bespoke designs cannot be mass produced if they are to be informed by the Clients’ individual tastes, needs and influences. This continuous dexterity of inspirations is the flame that keeps the passion for design burning.
What is your day to day look like?
Good Breakfast with family members, Espresso, work hard, work smart and play hard.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Travel, and attend design exhibition like Mansion Object in Paris and Salone Mobile in Milano to obtain the newest trends.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
form and material not only to be meticulously made but must serve the function well.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Design will never be ready since all design idea is always running like stream. You need to tell yourself its time to let go of your idea and meet the deadline.
What is your biggest design work?
Neo Classical Chinoiserie style show villa and new Chinoiserie style show villa in Beijing.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Deeply influenced by eastern and western culture, I emphasize on attention to culture and history as source of inspiration thereby creating vitality and rich artistic essence for each project. Moreover, my insistence of functionality creates soul in design, emphasize on the comfort of Interior space.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I always admire those designers who has the time and the extra financial power to involve themselves with humanitarian projects. Thus, each year I sponsor a none profitable company who specializing in making documentary films about the Chinese culture and society.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Feeling that each individual project is recognized, respected and judged independently within itself for its merit in design for function and aesthetic.

Extended Interview with David Chang Design Associates Intl

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and studied Inteior Architecture in the U.S. and Canada obtaining degrees in Fine Art at El Camino College in Los Angeles, a honor degree at Kwantlen Polytech University in Vancouver Canada and studied Interior Architecture at the California State University in Long Beach, California. I have been a Registered Interior Designer in North America with NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certified since1999. I started working with Traditional Interior Architectural practices on various projects from large bespoked private residential developments to hospitality and restaurant projects. In that period I discovered my passion for private residential projects and have made this my focus since early 1995. I was very fortunate to advance my career by working on many luxury homes in Vancouver, Canada which enhanced my reputation as one of the top residential interior architects in this city and then beyond. In 2003, I went to Guangzhou, China to design 2 display villas for a residential developer which lead to setting up a design firm in Guangzhou in 2004. In 2007, I expand my design practice to Beijing, China, and expanded our projects to include large scale residential, display apartments, villas and clubhouses.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Of course I chose to become a designer. My parents have always want me to become a dentist since I was in high school. In fact, I was accepted by University of Southern California as biochemistry major/pre-dentistry major when I was in senior year at high school. But I declined the acceptance, then I went to California State University Long Beach to major in Interior Architecture. I was a run away Pre-Dentistry student who wanted to be a designer.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design mostly residential projects for developers, wish do design more restaurants and bar.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Do not ever complains about the overtime and you have to love the design and living in different time zone from normal career. Mostly importantly you got to love what you do or else it will not last long for taste sweetness of endeavor. You need to have certain degree of insanity to pursuit perfection in every design.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Good designer satisfy people's needs or requests whereas a great one not only satisfy people's needs or requests but also lead people to another horizon and exceed people's expectation.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
function, usability, environmental, artistic and with historical cultural detailing in the space.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design is part of human civilization. By investing in good design, designers are encourage to create better design for mankind as well as for the environment.
What is your day to day look like?
I would design furniture, lighting, anything is product related which can be mass produced.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
You need to have certain degree of insanity to pursuit perfection regardless of time.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Alexander Mcqueen, Frank Lloyd Wright, Andrea Palladio, Arthur Gensler
What is your biggest design work?
Gensler. Because they don't do just one style of design. There is no individualistic signature on every design they do.
Who is your favourite designer?
A design not only satisfy the function and facilitate the traffic flow but also never forget about the artistic and historical side of the design.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Go travel globally when you have time. Ideally work and live in a city no less than 3 years while you travel. Practice, patience, and passion, with these 3 will never let you down in whatever you do.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I would want to be a Pianist, Cellist, Michelin-starred chef if I had the time to develop my talent well enough to do them professionally.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I believe that you could liken the role of an Interior Designer to that of a movie director. With our Clients as the producers, we take their personal vision, be it classical, modern, contemporary, art deco or neoclassic, and synthesize this with all the other actors, from artisans, suppliers and trades, to create a bespoke design that narrates their personal story. Designers should be like water, easily flowing and versatile enough to fit within any container. Bespoke designs cannot be mass produced if they are to be informed by the Clients’ individual tastes, needs and influences. This continuous dexterity of inspirations is the flame that keeps the passion for design burning.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
The biggest supporter is my wife Rita and my brother Clyde followed by all those staff who has been with my company for over 10 years.

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