I got the Bachelor Degree in Interior Architecture from University of Sedaya International, Malaysia. After graduation, I got the chance to work with Henry Leung, a famous Hospitality designer from CAP Atelier(former…
01Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
I got the Bachelor Degree in Interior Architecture from University of Sedaya International, Malaysia. After graduation, I got the chance to work with Henry Leung, a famous Hospitality designer from CAP Atelier(former company name was Chhada Siembieda Leung Pte. Ltd in Hong Kong). Henry has been my great mentor in my design life.
02What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
I in fact wished to be a building architect, but I end-up to be an interior architect due to the Interior Architecture course takes shorter time to graduate. Now, I am glad that I could get the balance as being an Interior Architect. Ha-ha
03Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
It was surely my choice, a passionate choice for aesthetic building and space
04What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
I do design for Hospitality space,School/Academy space, Commercial retail/ corporate offices and also some private residences. I love for projects that are seeking for new thoughts and direction, that challenge more creativity.
05What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
To have persistence in the right position. Design is a long process, we need to keep learning and explore to get different experience
06What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
Vision and practice, a different way in seeing and doing things
07What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
The intention and approach based on the medium and context on the design, that carry out well-functional, aesthetic and wow factor.
08What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Good design generates economic and social value, and could enhance our lives.
09What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
Projects that are seeking for new thoughts and direction; Client who are willing to try and go for something unique with their own personality.
10What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
I dream of creating furniture and decorative products of my own brand. This is a very big project.
11What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
OK, I tell you secretly... keep passion, and stay out of the box.
12Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
Avel Verdvoot, Carlo Scarpa, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Christian Liaigre etc.
13What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
I like design that somehow got the shadow of Japanese Zen Influences that speaks to the universe and nature, which is soothing and poetic. But i also like wild and fascinating design from Philip Starck.
14What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
Salon De Ning Jazz Bar in The Peninsula Shanghai. Its every single detail tells a fantastic story and memory.
15How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
Keep the passion, keep trying and exploring.
16If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
Architect.
17How do you define design, what is design for you?
Design is a language to connect people, the body and soul to the environment. It makes the world better.
18Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
My business partner Samme Goh, and my family who always support me.
19What helped you to become a great designer?
Learning and Exploring, and importantly listening the inner voice of myself.
20What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
Learning to organize myself in between lots of different thoughts.
21How do you think designers should present their work?
With confidence and conviction.
22What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
We are creating an office space for an Airline company. We inject lively and vibrant spirit into the office with the charm of flying. It's very interesting and totally different style from this kindergarten project.
23What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
To make lives and world better.
24What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
Better understanding about what they need.
25How does design help create a better society?
Design influences people and, anything that can influence people can make an impact on society.
26What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
I am now designing some product with Agar wood.
27Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
The office for Universal Music Malaysia. Design and music are inherently connected. They are both forms of calculated expression. I am glad to put them together.
28What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
Design that embrace technology, but sustainable design.
29Where do you think the design field is headed next?
AI based future.
30How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
It depends. Few days to few months.
31When you have a new design project, where do you start?
I will first do research on the client background, specificities of program, site, function, and history which is essential to the creation of rigorous design work. From there, I will come out with a concept or story for the design.
32What is your life motto as a designer?
What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.
33Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
They both goes together proportionally, like "Chicken and Egg" Theory.
34What is the role of technology when you design?
The usage of modern technology performs the tasks in effective time and reasonable cost.
35What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
Photoshop, Autocad, 3d max, Microsoft Words/ Powerpoint.
36What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
They are the key to express design intention.
37What do you wish people to ask about your design?
I hope design can speaks by itself without questions. but I would still love to share the story behind.
38When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
I would appreciate it and wonder how did he/she came out with this idea?
39Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
My business partner Samme Goh, who complementary and challenge me. There must be chemistry occurs for co-design.
40Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Someone who are extraordinary and have great vision.
41Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
Kengo Kuma .
42How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
Practicing and cultivating appetite for discovery. Never give up.
43How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
I feel honored and it gives encouragement to produce more great works.
Yes it is difficult to be famous. We need to work hard for it.
44What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
Grey and white.
Malaysia local flavor food.
I love Autumn.
I love my British shorthair cat
45Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
I tried to gain more inspiration when I drank wine. But normally I would fall asleep directly.
46What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
I always like this quote to motivate myself in design: If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.
47When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
No. I thought I would be a teacher.
48What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
I see I will be still designing for a better life for all beings.
49Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
I always love to share the story of our Company name "Eleven To One" (ELTO). It paints a concept of a clock. To draw a middle line on the clock, 12 o’clock is the boundary. When hour hand straddles from 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock, it is beyond the boundary. It is just as design crossing different fields and creativity is always an essential. From 11am-1pm, or 11pm to 1am, there is neither ending nor beginning. It is a perfection of ever-lasting. It is beyond design through penetration and integration.
បទសម្ភាសន៍អ្នករចនា
40 សំណួរ
I always wished to be an architect, but end-up to be an interior architect, due to the Interior Architecture course takes shorter time to graduate for a Bachelor degree, while interior design is another field that i…
01Could 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 always wished to be an architect, but end-up to be an interior architect, due to the Interior Architecture course takes shorter time to graduate for a Bachelor degree, while interior design is another field that i would love to explore too. So, I am glad that I could get the balance as being an Interior Architect.
02Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
ELTO CONSULTANCY GROUP (ELTO) is a group of companies of which offers targeted services through the respective companies, to the intended clients. ELTO internationally provides architecture, interior, brand identity, art, and product design services.
Our Company name in full is "Eleven To One" (ELTO). It paints a concept of a clock. To draw a middle line on the clock, 12 o’clock is the boundary. When hour hand straddles from 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock, it is beyond the boundary. It is just as design crossing different fields and creativity is always an essential. From 11am-1pm, or 11pm to 1am, there is neither ending nor beginning. It is a perfection of ever-lasting. It is beyond design through penetration and integration.
03What is "design" for you?
Design is about an exploration into life, as if a play that could tell stories.
04What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I love interesting projects that could go wild and extraordinary concept, that could raise one's emotions and interactions.
05What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
This award winning project, Avenue Green International Kindergarten. It is a project surrounded with wonderful nature, that reminds me the importance to appreciate mother nature. It makes me feeling young again. It fuels my creativity, tickles my inner child and nurtures my soul for design, like a resurrection.
06What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Salon De Ning, a Jazz bar in The Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai.
07What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I am open to any materials. But I would like to promote sustainable materials in design, as I believe that we as designers/ architects play very important role in protecting our earth and environment through awareness in sustainability.
08When do you feel the most creative?
Every morning. I am not that kind of designer who seek for ideas at late midnight. I need sufficient rest.
09Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The conceptual stage which is the story-telling part
10What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I feel playful, and sentimental.
11What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel touched and proud of the teams.
12What makes a design successful?
It is passion and professionalism that drives the force and desire to create some good stuffs.
13When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The design intention, and how the intention turns into reality.
14From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
We need to increase our environmental sustainability and social responsibility efforts. We have the opportunity to infuse sustainability concepts into our lives through the products and spaces we design. For example, we can use only environmental friendly materials and try to promote awareness to the public through the design outcome. Let our design speaks our intention and responsibility.
15How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I believe there will be impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing and the future of work of design. We need to be well equipped to harness the challenges and explorations in design, to make meaningful contributions in the future. In which the design would be more humane and concern about the environment.
16When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Last exhibition was in Malaysia. Next I think might be end of 2020.
17Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Design inspiration is coming from everyday life and experience. I think meditation is a very good tool to keep mind calm and focus.
18How 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 do not own any specific style. I have very dynamic and daring approach towards different kind of project identity. Sometimes I can be very soothing, poetic and ZEN, while sometimes I am very playful and wild. I like to tell different story according to the personality I understand from each space.
19Where 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 was born and grew up in Malaysia where full of different culture and heritage. Then i start working and living in Shanghai, a very cosmopolitan city. The very different culture and lifestyle at both cities inspires me a lot. I see different effectiveness and mentality, that let me always consider a lot at humanity and the living philosophy.
20How do you work with companies?
I am the design director and i will gives design thoughts and directions.
21What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Companies need to encourage designers to think differently and also give them opportunity to try. I always judge on the passion, professionality and responsibility at work.
22Can you talk a little about your design process?
I will first do research on the client background, specificities of program, site, function, and history which is essential to the creation of rigorous design work. From there, I will come out with a concept or story for the design.
23What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Clock, incense holder, tea pot, table lamp and my cat's house.
24Can you describe a day in your life?
I will have meditation session in the morning, with my cat sitting next to me before I start working. After work,I will do exercise and reading. If not too busy, I will cook.
25Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
I would like to use this quote from Steve jobs : "stay hungry, stay foolish". Do not limit ourselves or to set any border.
26From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positives: young is always the best to have more opportunities to grow and learn.
Negatives: lacking of experience and people might not trust your ability of design.
27What is your "golden rule" in design?
keep trying and developing design to the max (if time allowed!)
28What skills are most important for a designer?
Communication and presentation skills
29Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Photoshop, Illustrator, Autocad, 3d Max, Pinterest, Frame, Dezeen etc
30Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Have a To-Do List and start with the most important tasks.
31How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It depends... few days to few months.
This project (Avenue Green International Kindergarten) took about 15 months from preliminary design to completion of site.
32What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
"what and where is your inspiration coming from?" I think this is a question that most people are curious about designer.
33What was your most important job experience?
Few years of time that I stayed with my mentor Henry Leung from CAP atelier ( company name previously was Chhada Siembieda Leung Pte. Ltd)
34Who are some of your clients?
Coca-cola, Universal Music, Air Asia.
35What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Projects that are seeking for new thoughts and direction; Client who are willing to try and go for something unique with their own personality.
36What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I am now doing some product design with Agarwood. I hope my career path is more diversified.
37Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
We work as a team.
38Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
We are creating an office space for an Airline company. We inject lively and vibrant spirit into the office with the charm of flying. It's very interesting and totally different style from this kindergarten project.
39How can people contact you?
I can be reached at my email: chloeliew@eltoconsultancy.com
40Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
A' Design Award គឺជាពានរង្វាន់រចនាល្អអន្តរជាតិដែលវាយតម្លៃដោយគណៈកម្មការ។ ចូលរួមក្នុង A' Design Award ដើម្បីទទួលបានឱកាសក្នុងការទទួលស្គាល់ដោយគុណសម្បត្តិ ទទួលបានកិត្តិនាម កិត្តិយស និងការផ្សព្វផ្សាយសម្រាប់ការងាររបស់អ្នក។ ដាក់ស្នាដៃរបស់អ្នកសម្រាប់ A' Design Award ហើយប្រកួតប្រជែងដើម្បីឈ្នះ A' Design Prize ដ៏គោរពរាប់អាន។