Qian Zhen

Specialized in Interior Design.

Qian Zhen

About Qian Zhen

A student who has already graduated from university, this is her graduation project. She has always focused on the integration of art design and culture, using cultural approaches to bring a broader impact to art and design. She is currently also exploring more commercialization efforts, beyond just her past major(environmrntal art design).

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Interior Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Interior
The Joy of Swimming Fish Exhibition Space Design

The Joy of Swimming Fish Exhibition Space Design

Interior Design

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Nominate Your Work for the A' Design Award.

Sign-Up

Interview with Qian Zhen

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?
My major in college was art and design, and I discovered my strong interest and talent for drawing from a young age. Design allows me to express myself and serves the needs of others. I have always aspired to be an artist, using design to influence and serve people.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My studio focuses on art and technology, specifically in space exhibitions. We have significant freedom in choosing topics, allowing us to fully leverage the potential of each member and create contemporary artistic works.
What is "design" for you?
I believe design is the process of solving abstract or specific problems. It requires us to translate complex ideas into forms that are easy to understand and use, all while considering the combination of functionality and aesthetics.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I prefer designs that embody stream of consciousness, abstraction, and are rich in thought. These types of designs provoke deeper thinking and showcase cleverness.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Currently, I don’t have a specific favorite design, but during my college years, I was deeply impressed by the architect Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. His works exhibit harmony between space and structure, which I find very captivating.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
The first piece I designed for the company was a preliminary concept for an exhibition, aimed at showcasing the depth and layers of artistic works through spatial design.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I enjoy using breathable materials because they offer unique functionality and help create better interaction between the design and users.
When do you feel the most creative?
I feel most creative when I focus on a specific project, especially during brainstorming and sketching phases, where inspiration often flows freely.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I particularly focus on balancing beauty and functionality, as achieving this balance is essential for effective design.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
During the design process, I often feel picky and conflicted. My pursuit of perfection leads me to scrutinize every detail critically.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Sometimes I question whether it truly represents my vision, which can lead to complex emotions. However, when I see it seamlessly integrate into its environment, I feel a sense of relief and satisfaction.
What makes a design successful?
I believe the success of a design lies in deep contemplation and its ability to function efficiently, meeting specific purposes without wasting resources.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I first consider the design's applicability and functionality—whether it adequately meets the target audience's needs is a critical standard for me.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designers bear the responsibility of creating better operational methods that promote efficiency and sustainability while being mindful of environmental issues in their designs.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The design field is evolving towards greater efficiency; the future will see more designs focusing on effective functionality to meet rapidly changing market demands.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My most recent exhibition was my graduation exhibition, which showcased all my work over four years of university. I have yet to determine the timing for my next exhibition, but I am currently planning new themes.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
My inspiration often comes from Daoist philosophy and my observations of the world around me. I focus on what is happening currently and use daily artistic experiences to nurture my creativity.
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 would describe my design style as breathable and stream-of-consciousness, with abstract characteristics. My design method emphasizes the interplay between artistic expression and practical application, constantly exploring new techniques.
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 China, and the Eastern culture here profoundly influences my design. It provides me a unique perspective, but there are also limitations, such as a reliance on tradition.
How do you work with companies?
Collaboration with companies usually happens naturally. We often start synchronizing ideas early in the project to ensure we share a common vision.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
I believe companies should pay attention to whether candidates have a synchronized vision and a deep understanding of the problems they need to solve when selecting designers.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
My design process begins with sketching, transitioning from concepts to actual implementation, and often requires continuous revisions and refinements.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
My favorite home design items include a drawing table, bookshelves, lighting fixtures, decorative paintings, and seating; each adds a unique beauty to a space.
Can you describe a day in your life?
My day typically revolves around work and contemplation. I spend my mornings brainstorming ideas and my afternoons working on sketches and models.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
I would encourage young designers to be brave in contemplating life and to find a design style and direction that suits them best. Being yourself is the most important factor.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Having a strong personal style as a designer can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. While it can help me stand out in design, it may complicate collaboration with others.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
My "golden rule" is to maintain acute sensitivity, allowing me to capture shifts in inspiration and needs promptly.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Understanding the needs of the target audience and modeling capabilities are critical, ensuring that the design remains aligned with its intended purpose.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
My toolbox includes sketches, design software (like Sketch and the Adobe suite), research books, and inspiration materials I gather from daily life.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I set clear daily goals to effectively organize my time, ensuring that every project progresses according to schedule.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Designing an object usually occurs relatively quickly, while the adjustments and refining phases often require a considerable amount of time to achieve a polished final outcome.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
People frequently ask me, "Why do you want to be a designer?" This question leads me to reflect on my original motivations and aspirations.
What was your most important job experience?
I believe that dedicating time to my graduation project has been my most significant experience; it taught me the true meaning and value of design.
Who are some of your clients?
My client base primarily consists of companies and individuals seeking innovative designs, hoping to express their concepts and visions through my work.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy creative design work the most because it allows me to break conventions and brings more challenges and enjoyment to my practice.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
My future plans are primarily focused on the commercial sector. I hope to establish a team for my design projects to advance more exciting ideas together.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I tend to initially develop designs independently and thereafter collaborate with my team to better articulate my ideas.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Currently, I am planning an exhibition that explores the merging of my design philosophies with practical applications.
How can people contact you?
People can reach me via email or through my personal website. I welcome discussions about collaboration or design-related ideas anytime.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
At the moment, I have no other questions. I look forward to more opportunities to share my design philosophies and experiences in the future.

Designer of the Day Interview with Qian Zhen

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I am a university graduate, and this is my graduation work from 2021. I have been working in this industry for four years, and I have always been very passionate about art.
How did you become a designer?
I started learning art from a young age, including Chinese traditional painting. The beautiful brushstrokes sparked my interest in the sense of order and beauty in modern architectural design.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Practicality, aesthetics, and hand-drawn sketches to express my intuition, while digital tools help me realize my ideas better. Computer-aided rendering allows me to see how details impact the overall effect. When a new project starts, I prefer to begin with hand-drawn drafts.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Excitement and thrill—seeing the initial form take shape is what brings me the most joy. I love flipping through books, and I have many ideas. When I settle on one and gradually transform it into the vision I love in m
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
My hand-drawing skills—influenced by Eastern painting in my early years and Western techniques during my education. These have greatly helped me grasp beauty, and I’ve effectively combined them in my design studies.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A significant influence on my design was my preparation for graduate studies in China, which gave me a deeper understanding of design principles. My future plan is to leverage my drawing strengths. Currently, my designs are being referenced in a national library project, which I consider a great honor.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
During the design process, I often get lost in the details and forget that the overall effect and the feelings it evokes are the most important.
What is your day to day look like?
I live each day very happily. On boring workdays, I often do things unrelated to my job.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Design trends allow me to see the latest ideas and creativity from designers. Trends and individuality go hand in hand. If I want to keep up with design trends, I first focus on understanding the most significant changes in that trend.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Good design should be something most people need or represent a creative breakthrough, with a human-centered approach.
What is your biggest design work?
My biggest design project is my award-winning work, which I invested a lot of time in. I started preparing for it during coursework before graduation. My initial goal was to turn a philosophical story I understood into a spatial or architectural design, and I ultimately achieved it. Currently, I’m working on some cultural projects for social media.
Who is your favourite designer?
Gaudí is an amazing designer. He must have had a vibrant, colorful world in his mind, and his designs are highly representative.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
My lifestyle now is more peaceful. I used to love the city and music a lot. Culture influences my design and determines who will use it. Good design must be highly beneficial to society.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
My work culture is sometimes relaxed but demands high standards, so working with me requires enthusiasm like being in a battle. It’s more goal-oriented, but often I care more about the process of achieving the goal. That’s why completing these interviews isn’t easy for me.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I haven’t made any charitable contributions yet, but I’m very interested in social design. If I get the chance in the future, I will make some efforts.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Actually, this was a project from four years ago, my graduation design. I’ve never given it a proper showcase until now. Participating in the A Design Award is very meaningful to me; it recognizes my design abilities from my student days.

Extended Interview with Qian Zhen

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I graduated with a very high score, which allowed me to choose any design major, and I selected the field I’m currently studying.
How did you become a designer?
My love for art and my admiration for beautiful, structurally appealing things drove me to become a designer.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design spatial layouts, and I’m interested in exploring more spatial exhibition designs.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer focuses on the work, while a great designer constructs ideas and concepts.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
A good design is one that brings pleasure, and I evaluate it based on how enjoyable and impactful it is.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design serves society. Investing in good design drives social progress, development, and change, reflecting a personal sense of responsibility and accountability for one’s own life.
What is your day to day look like?
I would design home goods to address flaws I notice in daily life and create better solutions for future needs.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I have many dream projects; I’d love to expand my designs into a larger-scale endeavor.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
My success comes from my pursuit of art and my relentless dedication to beautiful things.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
During my university years, I was greatly inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s works.
What is your biggest design work?
I love Junya Ishigami’s conceptual designs because of their innovative and thought-provoking nature.
Who is your favourite designer?
My greatest design is the award-winning piece from this competition. Its depth comes from the research into philosophical questions and thoughtful design process.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
By focusing with precision and attention to detail, which is what I’ve practiced in my own work.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I might have become an artist, which I’m working toward now, or a curator.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
To me, design is a subjective act of creation and transformation, encompassing both functionality and form.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
During my high school years, my specialty teacher supported me, and my university mentor, along with my family, provided a strong backbone that allowed me to pursue what I love.

Stay Updated with Latest Design News

By clicking Sign-Up, you are opting to receive promotional emails from A' Design Awards, World Design Rankings, World Design Consortium and Designers.Org You can update your preferences or unsubscribe any time.

You are now at the right step

Join Designers.org & Start Promoting Your Design Worldwide.

Create an Account