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Han Lin Nelson Song

Taiwan (China)Interior

Interviews with Han Lin Nelson Song

Read the interviews with Han Lin Nelson Song: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Design Legend Interview

48 questions

I like art. I appreciate beautiful things. I also have a passion for design. To go further, I completed my master's diploma in interior design in 2019.

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

I like art. I appreciate beautiful things. I also have a passion for design. To go further, I completed my master's diploma in interior design in 2019.

2001-2021, Design Director, Yann Lin Interior Design, TAOYUAN/TAIWAN.

2019~, Lecturer, Department of Architecture, China University of Technology, TAOYUAN/TAIWAN.

2019~, Lecturer, Department of Construction Technology, Vanung University, TAOYUAN/TAIWAN.

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

My passion for design.

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

I chose to become a designer.

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

Commercial space, residential space, office space.

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

Explore the world.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

A good designer can provide a good design. A great designer uses environmentally friendly materials to create space through aesthetics and function.

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

Good design should show aesthetics, reflect perception and pay attention to environmental sustainability.

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

Good design will bring a better future for mankind.

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

If I have time, I will put my energy in design residential spaces for my loved ones.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

I would like to buy land and build the perfect houses for myself, my family, and my team members.

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

Dare to envision. Plan and listen patiently.

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

I like contemporary architecture. I love the design of Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, and Toyo Ito. The structure, the materials, and light and sun and light are inspiring. In the work of Tadao Ando, the combination of concrete and natural elements such as sun, light, and wind presents a beauty that is so peaceful.

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

To me, Church On The Water1988 and Koshino House 1981-84 are the two most inspiring projects from Tadao Ando. He uses concrete and natural elements such as sun, wind, and light to express his thought and design idea. I admire his vision. His works a so peaceful and inspiring in its form.

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

Tribute to Sensibility. The design is derived from the concept of Hygge. This is a great design that presents aesthetics and is loved by the clients.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

Keep learning. Stay humble.

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

Operate a restaurant. It is also a design-related industry.

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

Design is about how to express perceptuality. I expect my design can show both aesthetics and functionality.

What helped you to become a great designer?

Perseverance.

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

I learned to lead. It is the knowledge that needs learn and practice.

How do you think designers should present their work?

We submit our design projects to different awards and competitions.

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

The next project will be a residential design project. All the soft furnishing, lighting, and colors will be trendy.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

I hope to give myself time to plan my life and design a perfect home for myself and my team members.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

People expect me to provide solutions for their living space, office space, or commercial space.

How does design help create a better society?

Designers should pay attention to sustainability and environmental issues. In the construction industry, in our society, we are developing to a stage where we need to look at our own working environment and working procedure. How to provide solutions by design to benefit our own industry will be something we need to think about.

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

Residential design project.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

Tribute to Sensibility. The design is derived from the concept of Hygge. This is a great design that presents aesthetics and is loved by the clients.

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

I expect to see younger generations joining the interior design industry.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

I expect designers in the industry to pay more attention to materials and the issue of sustainability.

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

6 months minimum is required, but it all depends on the projects.

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

I will start to study the background information of the space and understand the needs of customers.

What is your life motto as a designer?

Determination and perseverance will lead you to your promised land.

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

Design determines the trend.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Depending on customers' needs, technology can be the protagonist or supporting role.

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

AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Illustrator, Office.

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

This design has an excellent form, proper functionality, and environmentally friendly materials.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

I hope people will say that my design has an excellent form, proper functionality, and environmentally friendly materials.

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

I will ask myself a question: Can this project be used in any of my interior design projects?

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

My team. I believe in co-design.

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

My clients and my team.

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

"Thoughts on Man" is a great book published by Matsushita Konosuke in 1973. This book talked about nature and the changing character of humanity.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Keep learning.

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

I would love to spend time and talk to myself.

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

It takes a lot to get the awards and recognition. It is all about the process of preparation for any design project. I feel definitely honored for myself and my team. I can be proud of myself and my team. I am happy for my clients that I delivered an honorable design project for them.

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

I love all the colors, places, foods, seasons, and all things in Taiwan.

Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

An interior designer in our industry asked me to design for his house. Although I thought he was kidding when I heard his words, I accepted it. When he said to me "I meant everything I said to you," I finally realized that he was not kidding.

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

The praise that is given by customers.

Team centripetal force which makes everyone in our team working in the same direction.

An open mind allows us to accept new things and be open to learning.

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

I am good at mathematical Geometry, colors, and pinch pottery.

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

Take care of everyone's health. Face the pandemic. Grasp the present.

Designer Interview

34 questions

I like art. I appreciate beautiful things. I also have a passion for design. In 2001, I started my own team for interior design. To go further, I completed my master's diploma in interior design in 2019.

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 like art. I appreciate beautiful things. I also have a passion for design. In 2001, I started my own team for interior design. To go further, I completed my master's diploma in interior design in 2019.

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

Yann Lin was founded in 2001 and has a history of 20 years. Yann Lin designs residential space, office space, commercial space, and Villa.

What is "design" for you?

Present beauty, functionality, and value with careful planning.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I love the design that is in line with aesthetics and functionality.

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

Tribute to Sensibility. It is a design with the concept of Hygge. There are a lot of materials used in this project. It placed a challenge on our design team. But we managed to match all colors with coherence to create equilibrium.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Environmentally friendly materials.

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

Communication with customers before starting the project.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

Cheerful.

What makes a design successful?

Customer satisfaction.

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

Aesthetics and functionality.

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

Human society has an impact on the form and display of interior space. The designer as the master who makes plans for space is responsible to envision a better solution for the client.

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

The design industry and society are closely connected. Designers have a great impact on the world.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

We had a design exhibition in 2022 in Taipei Taiwan. The next will be in 2022.

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

We come from nature. When I am free, I spend as much time as possible in nature. I put myself in nature to open up 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 start a design through perceptuality. I see space as a place to express our thinking. We need to look after the need of our clients.

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?

Taipei, Taiwan. Our society has diverse cultures and customs. We appreciate different cultures and customs here. Therefore, we need to develop diverse abilities and skills to serve our clients who have different preferences.

How do you work with companies?

Through in-depth 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?

We should always try to get to know your partner before starting a business co-operation. What is the philosophy they truly believe both as a designer and as a human being?

Can you talk a little about your design process?

We communicate and discuss with our clients. We provide proposals and breakdown of all materials and design elements to meet with our clients before finalizing all detail regarding the project.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Designer wooden cabinet, Designer Sofa, Designer Dining table and chair, carpet, Designer lamps.

Can you describe a day in your life?

I work over 12 hours almost every day. Usually, I start my day early at 6 am and finish by 6 pm. I balance my personal life with my work at university as well as my design projects. I keep weekends available for my family.

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

Read as much as you can. Travel and visit as many cities and cultural sites as possible. Learn to be your own guidance. Learn from nature. Try to listen to other people and know their needs.

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

Always be positive. Keep learning. Go to the exhibition for construction and building materials.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Client relation, Professional knowledge, perseverance.

What skills are most important for a designer?

To be a designer, the ability to envision and communication skill are crucial.

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

AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Illustrator, Office, 3D MAX, SKETCHUP.

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

Before we start a new project, we spend a lot of time in in-depth discussions and meetings. Discussing the needs of the project is crucial.

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

6 months minimum.

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

Can it be executed in time?

What was your most important job experience?

Design Director

Who are some of your clients?

2020, Innolux Corporation, Office Space Interior Design project.

2019, Delta Electronics, Inc., Office Space Interior Design project.

2018, Gintech Energy Corporation, Office Space Interior Design project.

2017, Macronix International Co., Ltd., Office Space Interior Design project.

2016, Full Tide Enterprise Co., Ltd., Office Space Interior Design project.

2015, Zyxel Communications Corp., Olia Coffee Store.

2015, Taoyuan City Parent-child Center, Interior Design project.

2015, I DO Motel, Presidential Suite Interior Design project.

2015, Linkou Bamboo Forest Temple, Interior renovation project.

2015, Longtan Nantian Temple, Interior renovation project.

2014, Taiwan Tokkin Co. Ltd., Interior renovation project.

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

I love those designs that present the spatial balance and show material characteristics.

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

Passing on the knowledge and know-how to my team. I also organized a new organization in order to create a platform for sharing information and professional knowledge for designers.

How can people contact you?

https://yann-lin.com.tw/

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The designer interview questions and answers published in our interview page with Han Lin Nelson Song come from Designer Interviews, the international platform where world's top designers, star architects, creators and innovators are interviewed.