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Tsai Dung Lin

Taiwan (China)Interior

Interviews with Tsai Dung Lin

Read the interviews with Tsai Dung Lin: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Design Interview

Fish Migration Residential · 18 questions

Migration was come up from a Chinese idiom-“like a fish in the water”. It’s a metaphor we use that home is the only place makes people feel at ease and peace.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

Migration was come up from a Chinese idiom-“like a fish in the water”. It’s a metaphor we use that home is the only place makes people feel at ease and peace.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

Infinity, the mathematical symbol, is an idea of interior flow that people can strongly feel like Fish Migration with the flow. With the use of black iron, concrete, and old woods to create different air flow, light and extension of vision. Migration conveys the sense of simplicity and silence which also are represented the households’ lifestyle and living philosophy.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

Plan and promote the initial successful experience and share it with existing and future customers。

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

The formulation of the concept can be very long or very short. For me, it is only through the accumulation of life and literature for a long time that I have such a view of things, and it can also be said that is my design philosophy, so the creation of the concept is determined in a moment like a flash of aura.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

The physical conditions of the project, customer needs, and my own views on the design, through the mutual agitation of these three, the concept naturally formed in this way.

What made you design this particular type of work?

The conditions and characteristics of the project itself, of course, there must be an owner who believes in me and has good taste.(smile)

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

The design culture and connotation of different countries, literary classics have a great impact on me, especially these invisible cultural connotations, maybe these are my spiritual food.

Who is the target customer for his design?

Our design is specially customized for each different customer, so there will not be the same target customer.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

This design concept combines the life philosophy of the owner and the physical conditions of the house itself. Whether it looks similar or not, it will be fundamentally different in the meaning.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

The name of traveling comes from the Chinese idiom "like a duck to water".

People means the duck, water means the home. It implies that the home is a place where people can feel ease and settle, and the movement in the house also echoes the form and meaning of traveling.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

Hand Painted, AutoCAD SketchUp Photoshop.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

Keeping the original wall will be regarded as a shortcoming, but for me it is full of features and stories.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

Although it was designed independently, but it is an honor to work with a humorous and technical construction team.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

It requires excellent technical skills to present the imaginary design perfectly.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

Due to the old age of the house, the original organic energy and structure can no longer meet the needs of modern use. We must perform precise calculations on the existing structure and carry out the construction without damaging the existing structure, just like a doctor performing a surgical operation on the house.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

In this case, the house is old and in poor condition. In order to meet the needs of the newly added functions, there are various challenges in engineering construction, structural reinforcement, and space design. Although the process is full of challenges, it is finally completed the design project through accurate design and planning.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

I Hope to prove and test myself in the international design platform.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

Getting full research and preparation in advance is always right. Through this opportunity of this project, I got a good experience and tested the experimental approach successfully.

Design Legend Interview

43 questions

I am into formative art and painting since I was kid, and actually with my enthusiasm about painting and design I won lots prize while I was in school.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I am into formative art and painting since I was kid, and actually with my enthusiasm about painting and design I won lots prize while I was in school.

Interior design is a way to turn my art paper into three-dimensional.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

I would like to be a designer because I want to make my ideas and concepts to be reality.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

I would say both. I really like to turn imagination into reality, and being a designer is a best way to do that.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

Any types of design only they are interesting.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

Be passion, be curious, and be insistent.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

Good designer can make sure everything is OK, but just Ok not special.

Great designer can not only make everything in perfect but also widen your eye and lead you to another class.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

It should be trending, be art, and withstand the test of time.

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Good design can give you much value more than you can think about. Why we shouldn’t invest in good design?

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

Furniture, light, and vehicle design. People we have fate.

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

Be passion, be curious, and be insistent.

Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

Tom Kundig. I think he is cool.

What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

Tom Kundig, his design is not just design, it includes lots functional structure.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

For interior design, I would make a space in a unique function depends on the feature of the space. The space becomes a storyteller, and you can read the story through the interior design. I think it is amazing that interior design gives the space a new life.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

I think I would be an artist or a painter.

How do you define design, what is design for you?

Design is a way to solve problems and also is an exclusive communication process between designer, client, and problems.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

My family, especially my wife.

What helped you to become a great designer?

Passion and insistence.

What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

Complete the ideal design in limited budget.

How do you think designers should present their work?

Present your work like you are telling a story to people.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

A unique design chain brand.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

Hope one day, my company will be the classic interior design brand in the world.

How does design help create a better society?

Design can create a society more civilized, more convenient, and more comfortable.

What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

A private living design. I am so excited that the work is better than I expected.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

I am satisfied with all the projects that I make the space to be a storyteller. Because the space, the story is special, just like my kids, they are so unique.

What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

Wish I can see something interesting cross-industry cooperation.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

The border between human and nature will be unclear which means we will add more natural elements into interior space.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

It depends on how big and complicated the project is.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

Find the feature in this project and give it a suitable concept, and develop design from the concept.

What is your life motto as a designer?

Find the feature of this space, let the space tell story.

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

Trends can set design, and design can make trends move on.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Technology makes work much perfect and it can combine two different materials or surface.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

AutoCAD SketchUp Photoshop

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

They can show the style and be functional.

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

I want to know their concept and if I can use them to my projects.

Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

I believe everyone is good at something that is why I think teamwork can maximize people’s advantage and make a project perfect.

Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

The users and clients.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Be passion, be curious, and be insistent.

How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

It’s really my honor to be acknowledged, which means my design direction is right “interior design can let a space tell a story and give it a new life.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

Achromatic. Taiwan. Spaghetti. Autumn. Excellent mechanism. Porsche.

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

A sense of achievement when the project is done and see the client’s face with satisfaction.

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

Honestly that I did not think so much when I was a kid, but I really love drawing. I think I had lots to do if I want to be a great designer then.

What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

A lot of possibility in the future but I believe human will connect with alien one day.

Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

I have a lot passion and thoughts about design, I would like to discuss with guys directly and you can search @doitstudio215 on Instagram and contact me.

Designer Interview

34 questions

Like ordinary people, I have no prominent design background. To meet the ideas and concepts in my mind, I naturally became a designer.

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?

Like ordinary people, I have no prominent design background. To meet the ideas and concepts in my mind, I naturally became a designer.

What is "design" for you?

Broadly speaking, design is a way to communicate between designers and owners to solve problems.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

As long as I like the design, there is no particular categories. I also pay attention to the concept and the story behind, not only to the style.

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

I like historical, narrative, and artistic designs, there is no specific category, because design to me is like a common language to an object. A design contains all three characteristics must be an irreplaceable classic work.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

Name the company in a way that is full of stories and humor.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I like unprocessed materials that can express a sense of time, such as black iron, cement, and solid woods.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative when I can transform a story into an object and be recognized.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

I concern about developing design in terms of concepts and storytelling. I have always believed that vitalize concepts and stories into design is like breath into a new life, which will make this work more irreplaceable.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

I usually feel anticipated but afraid to be hurt at the same time, because I am like an audience, I never how it will end before it is over.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

I mentally feel satisfied and full of accomplishment. These are the reasons that motivate me forward.

What makes a design successful?

Passionate, persistent, and stay curious.

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

I will consider the rationality of the design, because an unreasonable design has no matter how good the concept is.

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

I think designs are created to solve problems. A designer’s responsibility is to improve the society and environment to a better level. If a design makes it worse, then there is no need for it.

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

I think the boundary between man and nature is becoming more and more blurry. In short, there will be more natural elements in the interior space, because man and nature are inseparable.

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

The inspiration for my design comes from the accumulation of life. Reading and experiencing brings me more creativity. Keeping my passion for life is the source of inspiration.

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 think my style contains more than its appearance looks like. My style focuses on the arrangement and division of spaces, creates smooth movements of light and flow. These are the easiest way to improve the quality of living.

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?

I live in Taiwan. Although our country has no long history, but we have a very diverse culture so I can see various design styles, but unfortunately I can’t find a style that truly present myself.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

Design is like telling a story, the design concept is like a story outline, and the subsequent development of design is just like the chapters of the story, which must fit the theme.

Can you describe a day in your life?

Expecting and afraid of being hurt can describe my day.

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

Passion, persistence, curiosity~

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

Design has become a way of life for me. Any systematic completion of one by one should be considered a positive influence. On the contrary, it is easy to get rid of the horns and often make myself nervous because of small things.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Discover the qualities of space and present them in the way that best highlights this trait; in short: according to one's aptitude.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Enthusiasm, persistence, and curiosity. Without these fundamental qualities, I think it is difficult to last.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Usually, I will use hand-painting to construct the ideas in my mind and then use computer software to complete the draft. I used software which are AutoCAD and SketchUp most commonly.

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

Properly allocating the time for each to-do things is the most commonly used method, but the plan will never catch up with the changes.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

Depends on the size and complexity of the project.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

How to make guests understand and accept the story I gave to the space.

What was your most important job experience?

I think every experience is important to me, because if any of one experience is missing, I may not be what I am now.

Who are some of your clients?

A makeup brands.

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

I like simple and clear design projects. I think the project is more concise, and the more the essence of space can be shown, the tension of the project is greater too.

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

How to make the company move to the next stage, and then to another height.

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

I develop and design by myself.

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

I don't know where to start to talk about before I finish this project. because I am also like an audience, it is true to expect and fear of being hurt. (smile)

How can people contact you?

Can be through IG, LINE or EMAIL, of course, domestic friends can directly contact via phone.

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The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Tsai Dung Lin regarding Fish Migration Residential comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.