Less is more. I really wanted to make good use of the negative space in this design.
01What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
Less is more. I really wanted to make good use of the negative space in this design.
02What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
I wanted to create a chair that feels like it does not take up much space in the room, but at the same time makes a huge statement.
03What are your future plans for this award winning design?
I would like to sell it. It will be available on my website for purchase soon and every unit is made to order.
04How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
It took me about a day to design and another 2 to build. I made changes along the line till I was happy with the final result.
05Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
This was purely inspiration based. I had some old wood flooring that I just ripped out of my house and I wanted to make something special with it.
06Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
This is still the only one of it's kind. I do plan to sell this and it will be produced in house by myself. I would however
be open to any Licensing opportunities.
07What made you design this particular type of work?
I haven't made an indoor arm chair yet and it's something I have been wanting to do for a while now.
08Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
Not specifically, but I take a lot of inspiration from Japanese minimalism.
09Who is the target customer for his design?
People who love minimalist design and precision craftsmanship. I take great pride in building my furniture to the highest standard and I want it to last a long time!
10What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
I found that there are not many arm chairs out there made purely out of steel and hardwood. They all have cushions for comfort.
My chair has none of that. It's basic yet is still comfortable.
11How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
I am a huge fan and maker of electronic music. Black is the color of techno in my opinion and this chair screams minimal techno. I also plan on having a line of music
themed pieces down the road.
12Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
I usually only use my brain. Rarely a pen and paper. I design everything in my head and then adjust the design as I build it.
13What is the most unique aspect of your design?
I think that it looks like it cant hold much weight, yet it can hold well over 250lbs. Of course the clean sexy lines and how photogenic
this piece is, is unique in its self.
14Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
I made this all by myself with the tools I have in my shop.
15What is the role of technology in this particular design?
I don't think there is any technology in this design really.
16What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
Making sure it would be able to hold weight with out breaking was my main concern. The hardwood is very thin, yet extremely strong.
So because of the materials I chose, it ended up being stronger than I expected.
17How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
My girlfriend and I felt this was a really nice design and that it might stand a chance in a competition. We never thought I would get a gold medal though!
18What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
Every time I create something I grow from it a lot. It widens my perspective on design, whether it's from spending so much time
looking for inspiration or learning new ways to build things.
បទសម្ភាសន៍ទេវតារចនា
44 សំណួរ
I do not have any education in design. I have always done my own thing. I just recently decided to pursue my passion of furniture design and try to make a living out of it.
01Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
I do not have any education in design. I have always done my own thing. I just recently decided to pursue my passion of furniture design and try to make a living out of it. This is the first ever competition I have entered in and with my first ever chair.
02What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
I see design in everything and my mind is constantly trying to improve on designs i see around me. It was only natural that eventually I would take the step to follow this dream professionally.
03Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I was always a designer, drawing, painting and just creating since a very young age. Unfortunately life doesn't always go as planned and I was not able to pursue a career in design as I wanted to until now.
04What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
I sculpt, paint, produce music and design and build furniture and lighting. I want to spend more time designing and building lighting installations. I would also very much like to design new permanent furniture and objects for the city I live in.
05What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
I would hardly classify myself as a legend... I just have a deep love for design and creation and to take what's in my head and make it a reality. I love creating things that help uplift people and inspire them to create. Work hard, work your ass off!! I f you start something, finish it. Even if you have to put it aside for a while and work on something else. I find it's always great to have many projects at once on the go as something you design for one thing might fit better on another project. Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to put yourself and your work out there for people to see. You need feedback to grow.
06What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
That's a hard question. There are many designs that at the time were not great, but later on became great. Just because something is not great right now, it can be. I think work ethic and attention to detail make a big difference between the good and the great.
07What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
Craftmanship, precision, use of materials and how they work together to create the ever so important flow. Everything must flow. A truly great design will fit in any surrounding.
08What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
Good design is art. No one can tell you what you should think is good design. If a design moves you and you want to see it often as it will bring value to your every day life, then only you can decide the value of that design to you. As for everyone investing in good design, well, design is everything around you. Whether its man made or natural. Everything is designed and with out design, there would be nothing.
09What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
I have the time now to design anything I want. If the materials I want to use are too expensive, I switch to something more cost affective. I would love to design for other designers, I don't think there's a higher appreciation than that of another designer.
10What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
I want to design and build my own house somewhere in nature. I want it to compliment the surroundings.
11What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
Be bold. Do what you want. Don't conform to "what's hot" right now. Design to break the boundaries. Set out to create the trend. You might just hit a home run and be the next great designer!
12Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
This might sound weird, but I don't really follow any designers. I live in my own little design world. I often run through google images to get some inspiration, but never delve much deeper than that. I am a fan of Christian Woo and his daring minimal designs. It takes a minute to get used to what he makes before you can appreciate it and I like that. It makes you think and and try to look at it from different perspectives and thus actually helps grow your pallet.
13What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
I am a huge lover of architecture and Bjarke Ingels is one of my favorites. He just recently designed "The Vancouver House" here in my city and it is something to behold. I love his designs as they push the boundaries of what is possible in architecture.
14What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
I would have to say the "minimal techno arm chair" and in my opinion, the greatest park of it, is the negative space and how the chair uses it.
15How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
Keep a sober mind. As much as you think substances like alcohol and drugs might help elevate your design process, they don't! Practice every day, fail a ton, learn from it and move on.
16If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
Worked a job I hated and been unhappy I guess...
17How do you define design, what is design for you?
It is my life.
18Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
With out a doubt my mother and my girlfriend. None of this would have been possible without them.
19What helped you to become a great designer?
I still don't see myself as a great designer. I make some nice things and I am happy with that and that other people like them too, that's fantastic!!!
20What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
I don't think there are "design masters".. That would mean that everything a master would make would be perfect and we all know that not everything we designers come up with is great or should ever even see the light of day. Don't worry about all these labels. Just create and push it out into the world to be seen.
21How do you think designers should present their work?
In the best way possible for them.
22What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
I am currently working on a line of furniture with neon acrylics. So I am going to step outside the norm of what is right now and take a few risks. Fun minimal designs!
23What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
To have a successful company and have the ability to help young designers grow their talent. I Also want a boat, a nice boat hahaha
24What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
Winning 1 award hardly makes you an esteemed designer, but it definitely helps! You can expect more experimental designs to come from me. I like to have fun with this and that will translate into my work.
25How does design help create a better society?
Good design helps promote creativity, something that's not promoted enough in todays schooling system.
26What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
I am currently doing a complete renovation of our house and designing and building everything from scratch. I am very excited about the kitchen and bathroom designs.
27Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
Every project gives me satisfaction once completed. It can be a long tough road to get something new finished and once you do get it finished and it turned out better than you could have imagined, what could be more satisfying! I always try and push my abilities to the maximum and try new things that I didn't know I could do.
28What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
Architecture!!! I would like to see more daring futuristic design. We don't want anymore of these cookie cutter glass boxes with no vision!!!
29Where do you think the design field is headed next?
I think people are tired of seeing the same old same old and I think designers will be pushing the limits of what's possible. I hope to see some truly crazy designs in the near future.
30How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
it can take anywhere from 1 day to 1 month depending on how complex the design is and how inspired I am at the time.
31When you have a new design project, where do you start?
I lay in bed picking it apart in my mind till I have the bones figured out, then I start the build and modify it along the way.
32What is your life motto as a designer?
Less is more!
33Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
Design sets the trend. Without design, there would be no trend.
34What is the role of technology when you design?
Pretty much none existent. I am old school. Brain, pen and paper.
35What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
I build everything in my shop. It's a small little shop till I can make it big and can open an actual facility.
36What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
Very important. I carefully choose my materials and finishes to compliment each other in the best way I know how.
37When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
That's amazing!!! And it almost always inspires me to sit down and create something better than the last.
38Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
Absolutely. I've worked on many song with many different and talented musicians over the years. I love creating with others, it can lead to some truly amazing things!
39How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
It takes time and practice. you just have to keep going till you are happy with what you create, even though you may never be.
40Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
Anthony Bourdain. I would love to sit and have good talk about the future of humanity over a bottle of Lagavulin with this person. The world was a better place with him in it.
41What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
pink is my favorite color, black is my favorite shade. I love being in nature. Summertime as it's nice and warm and I like the heat. My favorite thing is the Miruna...
42What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
The urge to create comes naturally. Sure I have writers block from time to time and when that happens, I make some art, work on music or do something not creative at all. As for motivation, it just comes to me or it doesn't. Since I don't do designs for anyone in particular, I don't have the pressure to have to create.
43When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
I always had a tough time at school. I could not focus and was not interested in anything they were teaching. I often would just draw and get kicked out of class. I never saw myself having a long term job or fitting into the mold. I always knew that one day I would be able to turn my creativity into a business.
44What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
Terrible question. Unless we as a civilization figure out all of our problems very quick, I think there will be no future with us as a species in it.
បទសម្ភាសន៍អ្នករចនា
39 សំណួរ
I have always been into art and design, whether it be painting, sculpting or music production. From a very young age I always had a pencil in my hand and was drawing.
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 have always been into art and design, whether it be painting, sculpting or music production. From a very young age I always had a pencil in my hand and was drawing. Not until recently did I really take the time to follow my life long dream of starting a furniture design company and try to make a living doing what I truly am passionate about. I still make music on the side as that is my other passion, but furniture design has definitely taken the forefront.
02Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Ooak Design, which stands for "one of a kind" was thought up years ago. I only recently made it official by starting the company under that name .
03What is "design" for you?
Design is everything for me. I can not look at anything without studying the design and how I could improve that design. I find myself un able to sleep often as my brain just won't stop designing, hence I have a sketch book right next to my bed.
04What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I absolutely love light sculptures and it is something I want to spend more time exploring.
05What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
There are so many stunning designs out there and as far as my own designs go, I only love them briefly, then I move on and start the next project.
06What was the first thing you designed for a company?
I have never had the opportunity to design anything for a company yet.
07What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Wood will always be my favorite material, but I have recently really fallen in love with acrylics and am using them in a lot of my future projects.
08When do you feel the most creative?
It comes and goes. Some days its right when I wake up and some times its late at night.
09Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I focus a lot on the flow of the object and how to make the biggest impact with the least amount of material.
10What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I am super focused so not much time for emotions, but I do tend to get a little excited from time to time when I really like what I've come up with.
11What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
satisfaction mostly and then I always have a moment of, "wow did I just design and build that" followed by lots of excitement.
12What makes a design successful?
It has to be both pleasing to look at and functional.
13When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
The overall flow of any object is most important for me, function is second.
14From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
As a designer, I try to create happiness and promote creativity through my designs. I want people to look at what I made and feel joy and/or motivation.
15How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I haven't given this much thought. I usually just lock myself off from the rest of the world when I'm designing and building. I would like to see more and more sustainable products and designs made from recycled and repurposed materials.
16When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
I have not had the opportunity for an exhibition yet.
17Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I love scrolling through photos of beautiful furniture online. This is my main source for creative inspiration. Second is my dream to make a living out of this and that really pushes me to do my best every time.
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?
minimalism. I love the use of negative space. this is something I really learned from making music. Sometimes the loudest notes are the ones not played. I love detailed finished that aren't always easy to spot. Less is more and I love little subtle touches that sometimes you have to search for.
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?
Here in Vancouver, Canada, we live in a very multicultural society and have a very large Asian influence. Japanese minimalism has always been something I have been interested in. I also believe in feng shui and that every object emits energy and that the placement of objects with in a room can greatly impact your mood. everything should have a positive flow.
20How do you work with companies?
I have only produced for none corporate clients.
21What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Do your research. Find a designer of which their designs excite you.
22Can you talk a little about your design process?
I design everything in my head, then I go to the shop and start building. Usually through out the build I make a bunch of changes till I am happy with the design. Then I draw the blueprints.
23What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
I love my watches. I have recently gone though a big move and sold everything. So I am living very minimal at the moment. We did just buy a very nice silver velvet sofa.
24Can you describe a day in your life?
tons of coffee as soon as I roll out of bed, then straight to work either on my renovations or in the shop on a new design. I usually work 12 or more hours every day and then spend the rest of my day with my partner.
25Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Well technically, even though I am almost 40, I am a young designer as I just recently decided to follow my dream. That being said, what I've learnt from life is take chances, never be afraid to fail, failure breeds success. Most importantly, do not lose track of why you are a designer. It's not about money or fame, it's about creating and making beautiful things. Always be humble and try to learn as much as you can from others. Don't talk, listen instead. As much as you think you know, there is always more to learn. There will always be people that won't like or understand your design, but there is always an equal amount of people that will. Focus on yourself, eat well, stay in motion and enjoy life. It's harder to create beauty when you're not happy.
26From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
I love creating anything and everything. It gives me a huge sense of fulfillment. The only downside is an over active brain, but that too can be very positive.
27What is your "golden rule" in design?
Form and function. It can not just look good, it needs to work!
28What skills are most important for a designer?
Follow through and the ability to stay focused to get the job done.
29Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I design every thing in my head. Sometimes I use a pencil and paper. I have been playing around a little bit with sketchup, but find I am fastest when just designing in my head and making adjustments during the build.
30Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Well I have a girlfriend and they also require a bit of quality time. I love what I do, so for me it is not work. I am in the shop all day and when done, I spend whatever free time I have with my better half. She is 100% supportive of what I do and loves that I spend so much time on what I love doing.
31How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
sometimes it can take 5 minutes and sometimes it takes days.
32What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
Can you make me one, but not for that price...
33What was your most important job experience?
carpenter. Learning to use all the tools properly to take what's in my head and make it a reality.
34Who are some of your clients?
Thus far I have only built furniture for friends and friends of friends.
35What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Industrial design. I love designing things that get used on a daily basis.
36What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Winning this award has definitely given me a huge boost to really follow my dreams and take this company to the next level. I want a big warehouse space where I am able to employ creatives and give the m the space to create.
37Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Everything from design to build is done by me.
38Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am currently exploring the use of colored acrylics in a lot of my new pieces. I think neon is about to make a come back and I want to add a little bit of crazy to my designs.
39How can people contact you?
All of my contact information is listed on ooakdesigns.ca
A' Design Award គឺជាពានរង្វាន់រចនាល្អអន្តរជាតិដែលវាយតម្លៃដោយគណៈកម្មការ។ ចូលរួមក្នុង A' Design Award ដើម្បីទទួលបានឱកាសក្នុងការទទួលស្គាល់ដោយគុណសម្បត្តិ ទទួលបានកិត្តិនាម កិត្តិយស និងការផ្សព្វផ្សាយសម្រាប់ការងាររបស់អ្នក។ ដាក់ស្នាដៃរបស់អ្នកសម្រាប់ A' Design Award ហើយប្រកួតប្រជែងដើម្បីឈ្នះ A' Design Prize ដ៏គោរពរាប់អាន។