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Interview with Alvin Lee |
Home > Designer Interviews > Alvin Lee |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Alvin Lee (AL) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Alvin Lee by clicking here.
FS: 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?
AL: I like to draw since when I was ten. Underground secret bases for super heros with super cars was my favourite. I didn’t notice much, but seems that was a hint of my future career and profession. When I was about to consider which subject I should choose for university, I found the direction of technical and artistic mix is the perfect one for me. As such, architecture was the best choice. That started my designer’s life. And surely this is what I want to be.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AL: My company is an award-winning studio, which provides architecture and interior design consultancy services. We are small but limit-less. In some projects, we also give advices and design ideas of art direction, logo, brand image, uniform, artefacts etc. In specific projects, we have collaborated with consultants and designers in different professions to provide “out of the box” proposal.
FS: What is "design" for you?
AL: “Design” is a process to create a product which aesthetically and practically makes the end user happy. Enjoyment and passion are the essential elements to keep the process goes on till the end with a good result.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AL: Works/projects that are challenging, I would say. May be the progress is tough or even painful. However, the happiness of its success is priceless. And this is the chance for designer to be better and design better.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
AL: I like every design project that I have done. They are all different from each other with different clients the end-user. If I have to choose, I will say the favorite one is the Apartment K. It has received four design awards from different organizations in Hong Kong, China, Germany, and Italy (the A’Design Awards). This proves the success of the design internationally. The best part as well as the most challenging part of this project is the client gave no limitation. That means there has no guideline. Nevertheless, this freedom encouraged the pushing of creativity.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AL: The first project was a private house. It’s a challenging project. The house is for a family of four. However, they all have different preferences.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AL: For material, I like wood the most. It’s soft and warm. But at the same time, it is also quite durable. Some of the wood have unique and strong patterns. In general, they are subtle when compare to other natural materials like marbles.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
AL: This is an interesting question. To me, there are 2 factors which make me feel the most creative: atmosphere and mood. The atmosphere consists of time, music, and drinks. Good idea always comes out at night with a drink and music background. And for the mood, happiness and relaxation really inspiring. Again, night time at home gives the best condition. But this is not a general practice. Most of the time I need to work in office during day time and under stress of deadline. Therefore, I will try to do the part needs the most creative mind at night.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AL: I focus on concept and detailing the most. Concept is the origin of the design. It is the start which explains everything in the design. Different people might have different preference on style. However, a correct concept is the drive. Detailing is another part which explain the quality of a design. God is in Detail. That is a part that shows the difference between good and bad. Only experience can make this happen.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AL: I feel calm most of the time. The focus is always the feeling of concept direction in my mind. I do feel excited when I found the design idea of what I want.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AL: Exciting and relaxing at the same time! It is definitely exciting when I see the final outcoming is realized. That is a couple of months works, or may be longer in big projects. So many things have been gone through, the sweet and bitter. Therefore, I feel relaxing at the same time.
FS: What makes a design successful?
AL: Passion and enjoyment are the core elements to make a design successful. In a design project, we need to handle and resolve all the client’s needs, requirement, limitation, as well as problem. These are the fundamental factors which exist in all projects. Therefore, completion of a project will be the goal, and we need to achieve finally. Or may be sometimes we cannot, due to different complicated issues. But even completion happens finally, that doesn’t mean success. Only, we have to have the passion to give ourselves the happiness, and enjoyment to keep us happy, through the entire process. All problems will be just situation, and we will find the way to resolve. As such, we can really dedicate ourselves into the project. Appreciation will then be the treatment from the client.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AL: Aesthetical aspect is very subjective. I would say I like the design or not when I’m judging. No good or bad at most of the time. However, quality and level of detailing could be a reference to judge. This can show clearly the experience and professional level of a designer, as well as the workmanship of the builder. Regardless of any design style, detailing is important.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AL: In general, material usage is the most direct way to protect the environment. Always use the ones which cause the least harm to the nature with minimum toxic substances itself. However, during the construction, demolition cannot be avoided. On the other hand, we can try not to design the elements that contradict with the environment, such as less reflective objects. Also, more greenery is one of the best ways. For society, it’s more about the interaction between the people/end-users and the design. Accessibility and user-friendly during master planning and detailing would be the most important.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AL: In the old days, different design professions in different industries always have their own strength. However, in last 2 decades, crossover profession is getting more and more a norm. Architects and interior designers are no longer just designing their own things. Sometimes, they even design home accessories and jewellery. Also, technology keeps changing the world. Artificial intelligence and other internet linked technology have been incorporating into our design. This aims to make our life better and more convenient. Material is another interesting one. More environment friendly, stronger, lighter, more durable, and recyclable new materials are coming. Therefore, the future of design will be more complicated yet interesting. Designers in different professions will be more multi-tasks and multi-abilities.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
AL: I have been participated in a small exhibition around 12 years ago. It was held in the Hong Kong Art Centre. And I hope there will have another one soon.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AL: Design inspiration always comes in different ways, from daily observation, personal taste, design reference, clients, site environment, etc. It’s abstract, but it will just come in a sudden with mixing all these factors. Most of the time, inspiration comes when I was having a drink at night with music background. Creativity is somehow from natural born. But it needs nutrition to keep growing. I need to feed myself with a lot of reading, observation, communication with people, as well as enjoying art, like music. Doing all these cannot be in a hard-working way. It has to be an attitude of enjoyment, even indulgence.
FS: 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?
AL: My design style is always the appreciation of material texture and the form of the space. No matter which kind of design direction, contemporary or classic, sophisticated or minimal, these 2 factors are the core. The pattern and texture of the material are from nature. Same kind of them might look similar, but never repeat. This is seductive to me and keep me explore more of how to use their beauty-ness. Also, a well-planned space can be strong in character enough to move people emotionally. Thus, the co-operation of these 2 elements drives the characteristic of the design, which is my style. My approach to design is different in different projects. It’s driven by different factors such as the project nature, client’s needs & requirement, site condition & location etc. These are part of the inspiration, which is the start of the concept.
FS: 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?
AL: I live in Hong Kong. It’s a place with complicated historical background in the last hundred years. Therefore, its culture is special with the mix of traditional Chinese and the entire western world. This is a valuable and unique treasure, although this is a result from the painful history. This definitely impact us, the designers, as well as positively influenced. The pro of living in Hong Kong regarding design is we have vast of valuable and latest design information from worldwide. We can be fed with unlimited ideas and reference. Also, the special historical background gives us a unique style in the world market. However, the con is market limitation. Hong Kong is a very small city. It is not enough for designer to have enough business and projects. And the most important is, as the place is small, project scale is small. Clients especially developers prioritize the maximization of usage of the area over design quality. This can kill a lot of good ideas.
FS: How do you work with companies?
AL: No matter to companies or other parties, I always work with them as a team. At some point, everyone at different positions are important and helpful.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
AL: I would suggest the companies to work with a designer by trust. Although, design style and aesthetic preference are subjective, but designer is not only an artist. We are professionally trained since in the school. With years of experiences, we are actually a problem solver to the client. With the trust, it’s an encouragement indeed, better design idea and works will be the result. The clients, the companies, are the beneficiaries eventually. Good designer can be proven in the ways of their pass experiences, client base, achievement in awards, reputation, and most importantly, the passion and service attitude during the communication. It’s not a fast deal of paying money and getting the product. It’s a long process of months or even years. Good designer will always able to provide good design with passion and attitude.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AL: I always start from studying the client’s need and the project brief thoroughly and detailly. Follow with a serious research especially on design style, this is the most important part which helps me to prepare enough ingredients to start thinking of the idea and concept, this is the inspiration as said. Then, I’ll keep drawing, thinking, researching, and redoing all these at the same time, in order to have the best design to present to the client.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AL: a.Atmosphere: this is the result of everything like lighting, space, colour, texture, furniture etc. b.Lighting: home is a place to relax. I need the right mood to give me this feeling. And mood lighting setting is always the easiest and direct way. I can turn it bright when I need thinking and working practically. c.Wood: it’s a material which has been used relatively a lot at home. It’s on the floor, cabinets, and furniture. It just gives the warm-ness and soft-ness to the space. d.Little art pieces: they are not only for decoration. They also give a bit of “sparks” in the space. e.Music: it’s not an actual item. It’s an essential element to enrich the space and mood. Playing music in whichever design, is like having zips of nice wine during the dinner.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
AL: I don’t have fixed routine in my daily life. Just, the most important is having a nice breakfast, coffee during the day, and music during the work, which are the energizers to any work arrangement and schedules.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AL: It’s the conclusion of many people. Young age is one of the most valuable and treasurable time period in the life. Young people should experience and see as much as they can. Don’t be bothered by failure nor tough time. They can only make us stronger and grow up if you can make the way through. Working hard is a norm if you want to be success. But playing hard after is also important. Designers need to have the understanding and knowledge of life enjoyment, which give inspiration to a design with enrichment for the end-user to enjoy.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AL: Positive or negative depends on how you think and handle. Being a designer, seems it’s cool to other people. They are stylish, and knows a lot of beautiful things etc. However, most people don’t know the time that designers need to dedicate, like serious overtime work. Also, not too many people understand and appreciate the value of design, in which they think why it costs money or why not it’s free. These are just happening in our whole work life. Nevertheless, we can have motivation to keep moving as a designer because we still have the passion. With this factor, negatives can always be getting over.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AL: To me, there is no rule in design. We have our own style in general. Idea keeps changing from project to project. And we should be able to enhance and improve from time to time. Therefore, if there is, the “golden rule” must be the “passion”.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
AL: Communication and technical skills are equivalently important for a designer. No matter what is the design or how good is the design, it’s nothing if the client does not understand it. A good communication can convey the core value and the beauty of the design to the client, and let them understand. It’s also important that, you can understand the client’s brief correctly. A good design needs correct and good realization to be a final product. The construction part involves the third party, the builder, who we cannot control at certain level. Therefore, good technical skills in the way of detail design and corresponding drawing production & coordination is the key. The builder then can have the best information to make this happen.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AL: Design websites and pens are always the best tools during design. The websites give you the best and the unlimited information as well as inspiration. And pens, is fading by computers nowadays, which actually is the best tool. It follows the movement of your hand, which is controlled by the subconscious in your deep mind. It can help to express unlimited ideas which you can think of and you do not realise you can think of. This is what computer cannot replace.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AL: Indeed, a design can never be finished. You might have unlimited ideas which keeps coming out if there is no deadline. And, you cannot control how long an idea can come out, which could be a second or just before the submission. Therefore, I will have a programme with different phases in the design process by working back from the deadline. Somehow, the milestone dates might not be strictly followed, as design is not totally logical. But without achieving the deadline, even a good design could be useless to the client. As such, I will cut off at certain moment if it’s just over the milestone too much. Then, just make use of what I have on hand to develop the best design.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AL: This could be a second, or just before the deadline, or even ages! It mainly depends on the project scale and the allowed time frame.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AL: Since studying in university, “why” is always a question to all my design, even down to detail. Aesthetic is really subjective, and varies project by project. But a designer has to know what he/she is thinking and why think so. Before convincing the client or others, designer has to convince himself/herself.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
AL: I would say I was lucky. Both of the companies that I have worked since I was graduated, have offered me the opportunities to work on a lot of different projects. And some of them received awards internationally. As they are not corporate scale, I needed to handle all the works from concept to drawing production to site supervision. All these experiences are important.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
AL: Previously, I participated in projects which clients are developers like Swire, Kerry Properties, K.Wah etc. Recently, my main clients are mostly private, who are the horse owners, coincidentally.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AL: I enjoy all different kind of design work. They all have different requirement and brief. It’s always a challenge yet excitement to finish them.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AL: Having opportunities to work on different varieties of projects is always the plan. No matter small or large scale. For the next, I would like to try something different. Like special furniture design, which is made of special materials. I would disclose more when it’s the time.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AL: I develop the initial concept and direction myself. The follow up design development and production are then team’s work. We need different talents to enrich a design and make it happens.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
AL: I’m working on a proposal for a show house. That’s an interesting one, as the client wants “understated luxury” as the direction. This is rare in China market. Looking forward to more happenings.
FS: How can people contact you?
AL: I can be contacted via email or call directly.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
AL: These questions cover well for people to understand a designer. Thank you A’ Design Awards.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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