Thuan Nguyen

Specialized in Design.

Thuan Nguyen

About Thuan Nguyen

I'm an imaginative and creative being, who looks at the world in an efficient and minimalist perspective. I'm an idealist and strive to create useful, beneficial and sustainable products to further improve society now and in the future. I believe in making good use of time and never wasting precious time, which in itself motivates me every day to be productive in all aspects of life. Beautiful and functional design, being postive and productive are my main motivators.

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

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Interview with Thuan Nguyen

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 always had a creative and artistic side since Ii was a child. I would usually sit alone by myself and sketch cyborgs. I drew detailed features of objects and robots and wondered and imagined what purpose each feature played. When I grew up I studied law and engineering. Engineering for me was much more stimulating and I allowed me to create 3D models which I believed re-enlivened my interest in mechanical parts and design.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My company was established in south Australia, and it is named after my son, Vander. After inventing a new locking mechanism, I decided to create a innovative company designing and repurposing architectural hardware to become more modern, ergonomic, efficient and more environmentally sustainable.
What is "design" for you?
Design for me is subjective, and it is for me, the relentless pursuit of perfection of whatever I am trying to achieve.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Architectural hardware and whatever can be of great benefit and function to our society.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I love my ‘R-squared’ design, it is a unique door handle which is square shaped tilted to resemble a diamond, it has a repeated symmetric undulating pattern around the surface of it’s cover. It has a bold modern industrial look. It can be easily operated by a push of a finger or slowly operated to reduce noise.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
I first designed and patented a novel locking mechanism which is integrated into all my door furniture.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love to work with aluminium as it is easily to work with, strong and light.
When do you feel the most creative?
When I am presented with a problem I need to solve. The solution is usually inspired by what I see and research. Sometimes designs and solutions will just appear in my mind spontaneously.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The purpose and function of design to me is most important, and aesthetics is secondary. However if form and function are not in harmony, I will never be satisfied.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Excitement , and I feel the need to share my designs with the world.
What makes a design successful?
When I create what I perceive as my own attempt at perfection in one form or another.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Its uniqueness and novelty and how it merges with its purpose, whatever that may be.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I have strong views of designers; I believe that they need to be efficient in all aspects of design, what I mean is, achieving a purpose or function without clutter and a waste of resources whilst creating a beautiful work of art in the process. This would be my ultimate goal and responsibility for me as a designer.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I love the diversity of design and designers, I believe with every new generation the ‘design field’ evolves to challenge convention and produce something more perfect or completely different ( if this is still possible).
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My last exhibition was in November 2019 at the Adelaide Convention Centre , I have plans to Exhibit in Melbourne and Sydney this year.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I love geometric shapes, mathematics and physics. The features and shapes in my designs have a mathematical element to them, like in nature, I try to design with symmetry, geometry and patterns. Sometimes chaos and randomness can inspire me too, as I believe chaos gives design the edge and combines elements in design to create novelty.
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?
My designs strive to seamlessly merge form with function. I think this is a common train in my designs and philosophy.
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 Australia, which is modernising through every generation. Australia has an ancient heritage but its European-Asian influence allows it to re-invent itself constantly.
How do you work with companies?
We collaborate to produce and manufacture my designs. We have a good working relationship.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Companies need to be open minded and to listen to designers. A good designer also listens and can solve problems, they can be the hub of creativity to elevate a company from being ordinary to something really unique and special.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
Usually, I constantly create a problem for myself, e.g, how can I make this design more efficient, more durable and affordable. I then go about designing or redesigning on this basis and I never stop until I am satisfied that I have a perfect design.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
I love my entry gate which I built and designed, my front door, my entry light feature, kitchen bench stalls and my orange retro couch.
Can you describe a day in your life?
I work when I wake until I sleep, but my imagination is indefinitely restless.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Design sometimes is lonely work, as it comes from oneself and if your can not express it outwardly then all that beauty is wasted. Once you have a design in mind and see it in the flesh it is so rewarding, especially if others acknowledge your work.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Be open minded and let everything inspire you, work hard, always learn from mistakes, never give up.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I use 3D modelling tools, mostly solidworks as its quick and easy, 3d printing, architectural design magazines and lots of imagination.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I usually work after work, meaning that I don’t stop working or designing something until I sleep.
Who are some of your clients?
Elderly people, people with a disability and renovators and new home builders
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I want to create a larger range of products for the home and commercial abodes.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Yes, I have a more efficient and affordable design in progress, I also have a more techy version where handles can operate with a hand print.

Extended Interview with Thuan Nguyen

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I studied and graduated from a Bachelor of Laws and Arts degree in 2006. I recommenced my studies in engineering in 2013, which are still ongoing. Whilst studying engineering I learnt how to design on a 3D modelling platform. Ever since, I’ve been designing in 3D and with the use of 3D printing I create real 3D models.
How did you become a designer?
During my years of renovating houses, I gained an interest in Architectural hardware and I knew that I could improve on design and function of many of the existing products. I then embarked on inventing a locking mechanism for doors which can operate ‘linearly’ as opposed to pivotally. Thereafter, my designer instincts led me to create beautiful and novel door furniture.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I chose to be a designer, I love art, design and engineering. I can not live without it.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design high end door furniture which is also ergonomic. I wish I had the time and resources to create more of my beautiful door furniture.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Hahaha, I love how I’m referred to as a legend. I hope that young designers never give up challenging convention and to let their young uncorrupted minds think out of the square to embark on new frontiers and advance human knowledge and perspective.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A great designer never allows their talent to be wasted, they need to hone their innate talents and exhibit them to the world.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
To me a good design seamlessly merges form with function, its efficient, intuitive but surprisingly ingenious.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
A good design is invaluable as it benefits society as opposed to poor design which can be burdensome and destructive to society and the environment. Good design means benefits in the longer term to all life, I mean that literally… and life is always worth investing in.
What is your day to day look like?
I would design a space craft to sustain life beyond the earth, I would design this for my children (and everyone else of course).
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
My dream project is to build my house overseeing views of mountains, valleys, forest and the sea.
Who is your favourite designer?
My design of the linear locksets, which I believe is a more efficient and durable solution to conventional door locks.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
To learn from mistakes; not be afraid to make mistakes and to accept them. More importantly, be strong enough to move on and make it even better.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design for me is the relentless pursuit of perfection in whatever I am trying to achieve. Therefore, it is like a vessel between me and the world which makes me complete as far as I can be.

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