I studied Architecture and end up practicing in Interior Design. I formed Design Gallery 2007 untill today.
01Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I studied Architecture and end up practicing in Interior Design. I formed Design Gallery 2007 untill today.
02How did you become a designer?
I strongly believe that with a good design could create a better world to our nation. when i was a child i love to draw and paint along the growing up i love music as well, it's clear an artist is born.
03What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
The concept development for me is priorities then follow by space planing to make the whole design functional, the 3D fly through help a lot to discover some uncover area.
04Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I would say is motivating and fun when designing.
05What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
The love and passion of arts shape me to become a designer today. Hand sketching, painting and playing musical instrument help to versitile the art sense.
06What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
My dream project is to design any remarkable landmark project for example Art Gallery or Casino.
07What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Be passionate, humble and enjoy the process or journey to discover your signature style in design.
08You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Do not give up easily, trust your passion and love toward the art, love what you do and do what you love, humble is the key to various knowledge.
09What is your day to day look like?
I absolutely love what im doing and 24 hours were not enough for a day.
10How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Yes is matter because civilization are evoving everyday, as a designer we need to understand the trend and stay up to date and counter offer a better version of the trend or create a new trend.
11How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Well first we need to understand the design objective to create a strong concept, and from strong concept we create features of indentity as well as experience and knowledge toward all sort of materials.
12How do you decide if your design is ready?
There isn't pefect design but the design meet the objective yet it creatively artistic and fully functional, there i think is ready.
13What is your biggest design work?
Bunga Raya Resort and Spa located at Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu. This is because the resort have a strong post modern native indentity concept in it.
14Who is your favourite designer?
There were a lot but i can name a few, Architect William Allen Alsop, Architect Santiago Calatrava Valls and Architect Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid. I would love to hang out with both great Ar William Alsop and Ar Zaha Hadid.
15Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Enjoying sunset at the beach and playing some blues guitar.
16Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
Well in this industries of design we need to educate client on the value of art vs money and is hard but without art this world will be boring, so i guess by making our client understand this industries is very important.
17What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
A very power statement "Whatever good things we build end up building us" by Jim Rohn.
18What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?
Me and my team never think of winning, we learnt a lot through out the process and we truely honoured and enjoyed it all the way. We extend our thank you for all of the love and support from all around.
To celebrate the richness of Indian cuisine through a modern lens — blending deep, vibrant hues like royal blue and brass with soft curves and natural textures.
01What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
To celebrate the richness of Indian cuisine through a modern lens — blending deep, vibrant hues like royal blue and brass with soft curves and natural textures. Our principle was to create a space that feels both bold and welcoming, where tradition meets contemporary elegance.
02What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
Our main focus was to craft a dining experience that immerses guests in the soul of Indian hospitality — warm, expressive, and memorable. We wanted to achieve a balance between cultural storytelling and a refined modern ambiance that enhances both comfort and curiosity.
03What are your future plans for this award winning design?
We hope to build on this award-winning design by expanding its concept into future outlets or franchise opportunities, while continuing to refine and adapt the aesthetic to different locations. The goal is to establish Blue Tandoor as a design-forward dining brand that’s instantly recognizable yet locally relevant
04How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
The concept development took approximately 2 to 3 months, including research, mood boarding, and refining the design narrative to align with the brand’s vision. From there, we moved into detailing and execution planning
05Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
This design was commissioned, but it was also a collaborative journey. The client had a clear vision for a modern Indian dining experience, and we were inspired to translate that into a space that tells a story — rich in color, culture, and character. It was about bringing their dream to life while elevating it with our own creative perspective.
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?
The design is currently exclusive to Blue Tandoor Restaurant & Grill, with no plans to sell or lease the rights. However, as the brand grows, we are open to scaling the design across future branches while maintaining design integrity and originality.
07What made you design this particular type of work?
We were drawn to this project because it allowed us to blend culture, storytelling, and modern design. Designing a space for Indian cuisine gave us a rich palette of inspiration — from colors and materials to spatial rhythm — and the opportunity to create something truly immersive and meaningful
08Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
While the core concept was original to our team, we drew subtle inspiration from traditional Indian architecture and contemporary hospitality design. We also studied the work of leading designers in restaurant interiors globally — not to replicate, but to understand how atmosphere and identity can be powerfully shaped through detail and materiality.
09Who is the target customer for his design?
The target customer is the modern diner who appreciates both authentic Indian cuisine and a thoughtfully designed environment — someone seeking not just a meal, but a full sensory experience that blends tradition with contemporary style.
10What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
Its ability to honor the rich cultural heritage of Indian cuisine while presenting it through a fresh, modern lens. We combined bold color palettes, curved architectural forms, and handcrafted details to create a space that feels both authentic and unexpectedly refined — not just themed, but truly curated
11How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
It is the official brand name itself.
12Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
We used a combination of design tools throughout the project, including SketchUp for 3D modeling and visualization, Lumion for rendering, and Autocad for presentation and detailing. These tools helped us communicate the concept clearly and bring the design to life with precision.
13What is the most unique aspect of your design?
The most unique aspect of our design is how it merges the warmth and authenticity of Indian culture with a modern architectural language. From the signature curved forms to the deep blue tones and brass accents, every detail was crafted to create a distinctive, immersive dining atmosphere that feels both elevated and culturally grounded.
14Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
We worked closely with architect, kitchen planners, and skilled craftsmen to ensure that every technical detail aligned with the aesthetic vision. Their specialized expertise was essential in bringing the concept to life with both functionality and finesse.
15What is the role of technology in this particular design?
Technology supported the design process primarily through visualization and precision. We used 3D modeling, rendering, and digital drafting tools to develop and refine the concept, ensuring design accuracy and clear communication with the client and contractors. It allowed us to preview the atmosphere and make informed decisions before construction began.
16Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
Yes, the design was guided by a mix of cultural research, spatial analysis, and customer behavior insights. We studied traditional Indian dining elements, material symbolism, and color psychology, alongside research on flow, seating comfort, and ambiance preferences in modern restaurants. This helped us create a space that’s not only visually compelling but also functionally thoughtful
17What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
One of the main challenges was striking the right balance between tradition and modernity — ensuring the space felt authentic without becoming overly themed. We also had to work within spatial and budget constraints, which required smart material choices and creative spatial planning to maintain the intended ambiance without compromise
18How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
We decided to submit the design to an international competition because we believed Blue Tandoor represented a strong blend of cultural storytelling and contemporary design — something that could resonate on a global stage. It was also an opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity from our region to a wider audience
19What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
Throughout the design process, we deepened our understanding of how to translate cultural identity into a modern spatial experience. It challenged us to be more intentional with materials, form, and emotion — and reinforced the importance of storytelling in design. It was a valuable growth experience in both creative expression and client collaboration.
20Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
We’d just like to add that this project was more than just a design — it was a narrative brought to life through collaboration, intention, and a shared vision with our client. We're proud that Blue Tandoor not only offers a unique dining experience but also reflects how thoughtful design can celebrate culture in a contemporary world.
The design inspiration came from the most recognizable symbol of mountain which located in Northern Borneo. Whereas the topography of the Mount 'Kinabalu' has become the highlights within the atmosphere.
01What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
The design inspiration came from the most recognizable symbol of mountain which located in Northern Borneo. Whereas the topography of the Mount 'Kinabalu' has become the highlights within the atmosphere. A picturesque of scenery could be found from the full height window glass in dawn.
02What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
The main focus is the symbolic between the highest mount in northern Borneo and this proposed design.
03What are your future plans for this award winning design?
With this award winning given me courage to be a better version of me in design future.
04How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
It's took around 1 and a half month to complete the design.
05Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
This proposed design propety is the highest building in northern borneo so i decided to reflect the higest mountain which mount kinabalu as develop concept, i decided to pursuit an inspiration.
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?
Well meanwhile i intent to sell.
07What made you design this particular type of work?
The passion and love of art.
08Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
There were my designer to execute the design but mainly the concept came from me.
09Who is the target customer for his design?
Property Developer.
10What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
I think is the contour of the peak of mount. Kinabalu on the ceiling reflected to the wall.
11How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
Is a private dining facilities on level 54.
12Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
Vector works, Autocad, Sketch up pro, Lumion 12 pro, Adobe Premier Pro and a high end desktop.
13What is the most unique aspect of your design?
The whole concept reflected and symbolic of the highest building and highest mountain in northern borneo.
14Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
I collaborate with my design team.
15What is the role of technology in this particular design?
To make design detail more clear and minimise hussel in construction drawing, and of course a more realistic 3D rendering.
16Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
We research in materials which reflect luxury and mountain kinabalu.
17What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
The mix and match of materials along with the space planing so that the layout have to be functional.
18How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
I want to explore more and learn from the process of the international competition.
19What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
I learn a lot in writing thesis of the design during the process.
20Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
Hi im Jackson Y. K. Chia, im from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, my company is Design Gallery, please feel free to contact me for more design sharing knowledge and thank you so much for a the love and support you all given and once again thank you very much.
د ډیزاین افسانه مرکه
50 پوښتنې
I strongly believe that with a good design could create a better world to our nation.
01Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
I studied Architecture and end up practicing in Interior Design.
02What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
I strongly believe that with a good design could create a better world to our nation.
03Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
I choose to become a designer.
04What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
I do all sort of design for any industry and i wish to design more of hospitality project.
05What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
First of all be humble, work hard then give your best toward passion. " Do what you love and Love what you do"
06What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
Good designer can come out a harmony design while great designer can create a functional design with strong character.
07What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
Well first we need to understand the design objective to create a strong concept, and from strong concept we create features of indentity as well as experience and knowledge toward all sort of materials.
08What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
The Value of a good design direct reflect to the property owner, we enchance the functionality and inviting with a strong concept design, so that it will bring the property value increase and the concept strongly imprinted to anyone who visit the propose property.
09What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
I would love to design for Hospitality and recreation project if i had the time and chances.
10What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?
My dream project is to design any remarkable landmark project for example Art Gallery or Casino.
11What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
There isn't and secret recipe, it just be passionate and creative, in this industry we need to understand our client needs then make it creatively functional.
12Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
There were a lot but i can name a few, Architect William Allen Alsop, Architect Santiago Calatrava Valls and Architect Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid.
13What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
My favorite design is Stone Towers by Architect Zaha Hadid, i admire with her strong concept of the desert geography transformed in to the lines and shapes and yet create a very futuristic apperance of the architecture hierarchy.
14What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
One of my greatest design is "Dining on 54 Multifunctional Space" which award wining bronze in A' Design Award, is happen to be the tallest building in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and the concept of this design direct reflected the highest and majestic Mount. Kinabalu which both located in North Borneo.
15How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
Well all i could say to become a better designer you need to explore more countries and studies deeply all the great design you have came across.
16If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?
Anyhow beside the love and passion in design, im also into music, i might become a rock band artist.
17How do you define design, what is design for you?
My defination to design are the revolution civilization and culture.
18Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
It was my families and design team.
19What helped you to become a great designer?
Opportunity from Strong Client for me to involve in diffrent field of industry.
20What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
Understanding truely the function while doing space planing as well as understanding all sort of materials.
21How do you think designers should present their work?
In this new era i will strongly suggest a walk through 3D presentation.
22What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
There were various but i hope that going to be a Hospitality project.
23What's your ultimate goal as a designer?
To create not only the design but to bring out the identity and character of the design to life.
24What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
I think people would expect a strong statement of art which it's speak from the design itself.
25How does design help create a better society?
A good design can changes a preception and behaviour of an induvidual.
26What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
Im working on a hotel project which is near diving spot and that excite me with all the coral reef concept.
27Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
Bunga Raya Resort and Spa located at Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu. This is because the resort have a strong post modern native indentity concept in it.
28What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
With nowadays technology i would love to see more Daring Design in the coming years.
29Where do you think the design field is headed next?
I think is heading to a more vibrant colours and Nordic Urban concept.
30How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
It's all depend of project scale size, normally design process may takes 1 or 2 month period.
31When you have a new design project, where do you start?
I will start with, Who is the Client and nature of business for the propose project.
32What is your life motto as a designer?
To create a creative tomorrow.
33Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
Is of course Design do set the trends.
34What is the role of technology when you design?
To make design detail more clear and minimise hussel in construction drawing, and of course a more realistic 3D rendering.
35What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
Vector works, Autocad, Sketch up pro, Lumion 12 pro, Adobe Premier Pro and a high end desktop.
36What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
This is where all this combination will create and determine the harmony and indentity of the design.
37What do you wish people to ask about your design?
I wish more people would ask "can you elaborate more about your concept"
38When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
Well i need to be humble and learn from the great design.
39Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
Owh yes i have a lot but i prefer not to mention for now and yes i do believe in Co-design.
40Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
Great Artist and Great business man.
41Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
How Design Makes The World by Scott Berkun
42How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
It's takes strong passion and years of experience.
43Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
Architect Zaha Hadid.
44How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
Im truely honoured and glade of the recongnition, it is hard to get people to know our talent if we hesitate to show.
45What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
My favorite colour is rose gold because is timeless, my favorite place will be Thailand where ancient and modern art and diffrent lifestyle happen there, my favorite food is fusion of asian, my favorite thing is Les Paul guitar and my favorite brand would be Gucci.
46Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
Free to design but do not design for free
47What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
Always remind myself to never give up, do what you love and love what you do and stay humble.
48When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
I put it this way when i was a child i love to draw and paint along the growing up i love music as well, it's clear an artist is born.
49What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
Well no one can tell the future, but i hope that in the near future, the world can be develop into more interesting world for our next generation.
50Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
Hi im Jackson Y. K. Chia, im from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, my company is Design Gallery, please feel free to contact me for more design sharing knowledge and thank you so much for a the love and support you all given and once again thank you very much.
د ډیزاینر مرکه
40 پوښتنې
When im a child i love to draw and paint, the love of art and passion shape me to become an artist today.
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?
When im a child i love to draw and paint, the love of art and passion shape me to become an artist today.
02Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I formed DESIGN GALLERY back in 2007, since then we involved a various type of project till this day. We are still learning and experimenting design.
03What is "design" for you?
Design are the revolution of culture, art and civilization.
04What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I would like to design commercial works most.
05What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My favorite design concept are post modern dynamic, with this concept i could display the indentity to be come the hierarchy kf the whole design.
06What was the first thing you designed for a company?
The reception backdrop feature wall.
07What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Marbles and Wood.
08When do you feel the most creative?
After a study trip from oversea.
09Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
The functionality and indentities.
10What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
It should be imaginary and fun emotions when i design.
11What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel grateful and accomplished.
12What makes a design successful?
Creatively functional with a strong characteristic.
13When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Concept vs functionality.
14From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Designer play a very important responsibilities of creating a creative functional environment and educate the society the value of it.
15How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Is evolving every day and the future of design will be creatively along technology.
16When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My last exhibition is on 2010 at Kuala Lumpur and the next one will be very soon.
17Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Well there were a lof of way to get inspiried one of it is by travelling to other develop countries and explore to other form of art for example playing music.
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?
My style are vesertile but most designer call it dynamic concept, what made me explore more this style are the challenge to create a design with creatively strong characteristic and along functionality of the space planing.
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?
Im from Sabah, Malaysia a multi cultural rich country where im from. Im still learning other cultures which not in Malaysia so that i could understand the art and civilization evolution towards design.
20How do you work with companies?
By understanding the business nature and founder of the companies.
21What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
My suggestions are the companies need to evaluate and understand the designer character and experiences. Select a designer which is compatible with the companies requirement.
22Can you talk a little about your design process?
Understand the client, then understand the design objectives, lastly make a creatively and artistic functional design.
23What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
25Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Be passionate of your professionalism and always stay humble and learn.
26From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Know yourself well and be knowledgeable because in the end there is countless comment to the design.
27What is your "golden rule" in design?
Do not mess up with unit scale and never run out of style.
28What skills are most important for a designer?
Solving design problem skill are most important for a designer.
29Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Vector works, Autocad, Sketch up pro, Lumion 12 pro, Adobe Premier Pro and a high end desktop.
30Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Is part of our life and by creating an efficient team of designer are really important for time managment.
31How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It's all depend of project scale size, normally design process may takes 1 or 2 month period.
32What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
It's always the budget vs design.
33What was your most important job experience?
Be humble and open heart to learn from other profesional such as example hotel manager or food and beverage manager.
34Who are some of your clients?
Listed Companies owner, Hotel owner and Resort owner.
35What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Hospitality and public area, i enjoy creating a lifely artistic enviroment to imprint to the individual.
36What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Same old me, keep on creating more creative functional design to our nation.
37Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I love work as a team.
38Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Im designing a dive hotel so im excited to bring the child out of the individual towards the interior design.
39How can people contact you?
Well you can always look me up in A' design Award profile and my company social media Design Gallery official page.
40Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
Hi im Jackson Y. K. Chia, im from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, my company is Design Gallery, please feel free to contact me for more design sharing knowledge and thank you so much for a the love and support you all given and once again thank you very much.
لوستل ته دوام ورکړئ
نورې د ډیزاینرانو مرکې
د نورو جایزه ګټونکو ډیزاینرانو فلسفه، خلاقه بهیر او کار د پوهیدو لپاره د designers.org مرکې ولولئ.
زموږ د تبلیغاتو شریکانو څخه محصولات، خدمتونه او فرصتونه ومومئ.
ښه ډیزاین د لوی پیژندنې وړ دی
A' ډیزاین جایزه د ښه ډیزاین لپاره یوه نړیوال، د کمیسیون لخوا منل شوې افتخار ده. د A' ډیزاین جایزه کې ګډون وکړئ ترڅو د شایستګۍ پر بنسټ پیژندنه، شهرت، وقار او خپرونه ترلاسه کولو فرصت ومومئ. خپل کار د A' ډیزاین جایزې لپاره نومینه کړئ او د ارزښتمنې A' ډیزاین انعام لپاره سیالي وکړئ.