Ming-Ling Yang

About Ming-Ling Yang

The designer is specialized in restoration design projects. She challenges herself to reshape and bring new life and meanings to old or abandoned spaces. Through design and planning, the designer strives to keep and revive the embedded tracks of memories in old space, instead of abolishing and destroying all the old and abandoned. She has discovered her passion as early as in college years. As a professor, professional architect, and interior designer, she has a big heart to lead and envision a better world for younger generations in her community. Through different projects, the designer worked with younger generations from the Department of Architecture, the Department of Landscape, and the Department of Food and Tourism to accomplish restoration and design. Through limited resources, they build from scratch and achieved something greater than the younger generation could have ever envisioned. To bring power to people is what motivates her in the everyday life and where her passion points at. Kangwei Catering Consultancy Co., Ltd., established in the incubation center of Chung Hwa University, aims to integrate the human resources of the school to provide consulting services of total solution in the catering industry. Therefore, Lago Bistro, the company's first restaurant was established, while an old and abandoned house was restored. This restaurant project provided a chance for the younger generations in Chung Hwa University, enabling the designers to lead the students to put into practice their knowledge into this challenging project. The designers lead students from the Department of Architecture, the Department of Landscape, and the Department of Food and Tourism to work together on this unique project). While the restoration project of Lago Bistro creates a truly distinctive restaurant for its community by re-presenting a sense of nature and an elegant atmosphere, the designers integrate natural materials and maintains the original structure of the century-old house.

Winner of the A' Design Award.
Specialized in Interior Design.
Original Design.
Creative, Diligent and Innovative.

Interview with Ming-Ling Yang

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 have a Ph.D. from the Dept. of Civil Engineering-Arch. at Chung Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, a M. Arch. From the Dept. of Architecture & Urban Planning at Chung Hua University, Hsinchu/Taiwan, and a B.Arch. from the Department of Architecture at Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. I have been working as a designer for almost 20 years. In addition, I have a passion for the education for interior design and architecture. I firmly believe that the enlightenment and power that a professional designer and architect can bring to the younger generations is far more meaningful and influential than the accomplishment of self-fulfillment. With the community influence in the design field, I have always tried to pass on the professional influence in the field of education.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

Kangwei Consulting Co., Ltd. was established in the incubation center of Chung Hua University. It aims to integrate the human resources of the school to provide consulting services. The company's first project is Lago Bistro which is a brand restaurant established in 2019. This restaurant provides the university youth a chance to practice, everything was started from scratch, from building the space to the details of running a restaurant. The teacher led the students from the departments of architecture, landscape, and hospitality to apply their knowledge and put it into practice. It provides guests and alumni an opportunity to get close to nature and relax. The company's current plans include the development of international cooperation business opportunities, smart city consulting, smart city training course planning, and marketing the total solution plan of system integration.

What is "design" for you?

Design is to show beauty, function, and application value through careful planning.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

For me, in a certain moment, when an inadvertent combination of space resonates in my heart, I will take it as the most favorite space design.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

There is no such thing as favorite or dislike for me. If it is the most suitable material for the design, it will be the favorite. But in different situations, the answer may be completely different.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

First of all, the design must be safe. The second is functionality. The third is the pursuit of beauty. The most important thing is not to over-design.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

I believe that space is a reflection of human society. Designers are responsible to lead people, discover, and present the world in a special way to contribute to a better society and a world. Design is closely connected with the designer’s mentality and thought of the universe.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

Design continues to have a great impact on culture and society. The power of design continues to shape and curve the way of living.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Human beings come from nature. We are inspired by nature in many different ways. When it comes to interior design and architecture, the design of our living space can also be inspired by nature. When I don't work, I like to get in touch with nature to stimulate and open my 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 designers should design through perception. Designers must be sensitive. The main axis of space design should be space functionality. The designer completes the functional planning of the space through aesthetics. Space cannot be over-decorated.

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?

Taiwan. Yes, it is. The advantage of working in the design industry is that you can feel the meaning of life in the process of working as a designer. As for me, I don't think there is any disadvantage to being a designer. I do believe that It is a challenge to become a good designer. If one can't overcome it, it means she/he simply has to learn more.

How do you work with companies?

I think it is best to do it through in-depth communication and meetings before and during the co-operation.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

I think we should allow the designers to be more creative in conceptualizing the design projects. In addition to a positive personality and professional ability, the most important thing for a good designer is that she/he has to have a sense of responsibility and honor.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

I always treat design projects like my friends. In the design process, I try to get to know this friend in different ways. I try to understand the environment of the design projects. I learn from those special "friends." I have always been humbled in the process. It is a journey of humility. They all taught me a lot. I think they all have been a process of learning.

Can you describe a day in your life?

I go to bed late and get up early, but I never feel tired or bored.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

You should read more and see more. You should travel as much as you can. You should learn from nature. You should be humbled and listen to other people and know their needs while you can also be your own lead.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

After becoming a designer, I realized my influence on society. I, therefore, felt that I must avoid expanding my personal ego. Design is not about "me." It is about the clients and the society. I understand that I have to be more humbled and responsible. The disadvantage of being a designer is that I don’t sleep enough.

What skills are most important for a designer?

The following are important for designers: the concept of sustainability, philosophical thinking, aesthetic training, understanding and concept of structure, and communication skills.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

Whenever we start a new project, we always spend a lot of time in in-depth communication and meetings. To discuss the needs of the project is crucial.

Who are some of your clients?

2020, Chung Hua University, the interior design project of Room 715 (the intern hotel of Chung Hwa University College of Tourism). 2018, Chung Hua University, Architecture and Interior Design project for Lago Bistro. 2012, Mr. Wang, Interior Design of office and store project for DONG JIE Food Company. 2010, Mr. Wang, Residential Interior Design. 2009, Miss Yang, Residential Interior Design. 2007, Miss Yang, Residential Interior Design. 2004, Mr. Hsieh, Residential Interior Design. 2002, Providence University, First Place in the competition of design and planning of the gate and square of the university. 2002, Providence University, First Place in the design competition of the elevator extension project (School of Management, School of Science, Female Dormitory). 2002, Providence University, First Place in the design competition of the additional construction project (Faculty of Literature).

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

The designs with functionality and displaying of spatial balance and material characteristics are my favorite.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I'm thinking about the link between circular economy and design. I have no final idea yet.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

Through the teaching of design, I lead students to practice the knowledge they learn from the classroom. I also develop my own design.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

I am designing the room of 715 Camellia for the Intern Hotel of the Dept. of Tourism of Chung Hua University.

Extended Interview with Ming-Ling Yang

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I have a Ph.D. from the Dept. of Civil Engineering-Arch. at Chung Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, a M. Arch. From the Dept. of Architecture & Urban Planning at Chung Hua University, Hsinchu/Taiwan, and a B.Arch. from the Department of Architecture at Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. I have been working as a designer for almost 20 years. In addition, I have a passion for the education for interior design and architecture. I firmly believe that the enlightenment and power that a professional designer and architect can bring to the younger generations are far more meaningful and influential than the accomplishment of self-fulfillment. With the community influence in the design field, I have always tried to pass on the professional influence in the field of education.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I have always wanted to become a designer. I chose to become a designer.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I design residential, commercial space, office space, and etc. I don't limit myself.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

Good designers can provide beautiful and good designs. A great designer creates aesthetical and functional space with environmentally friendly materials.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

An outstanding design should show aesthetics and spatial functionality and focuses on environmental sustainability.

What is your day to day look like?

If I have time, I will design a residential space for my family and my dog.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Designers must be able to give vision. Designers must be able to plan and listen patiently.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I think that if you want to be a designer you will need to continue learning and reflecting on things.