| THE AWARD |
| CATEGORIES |
| REGISTRATION |
| SUBMIT YOUR WORK |
| ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS |
| TERMS & CONDITIONS |
| PUBLICATIONS |
| DATES & FEES |
| METHODOLOGY |
| CONTACT |
| WINNERS |
| PRESS ROOM |
| GET INVOLVED |
| DESIGN PRIZE |
| DESIGN STORE |
| THE AWARD | JURY | CATEGORIES | REGISTRATION | PRESS | WINNERS | PUBLICATIONS | ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS |
Interview with Yuxuan Zhu |
Home > Designer Interviews > Yuxuan Zhu |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Yuxuan Zhu (YZ) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Yuxuan Zhu 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?
YZ: My interest in design began in 2004 when I had the chance to witness my home transform from an empty space into a warm, cozy home. This experience sparked my passion for design, especially interior design. I completed my undergraduate studies in Industrial Design at Zhejiang University of Technology in Hangzhou, China. Later, I pursued my Master's degree in Furniture Design at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (UAL). The postgraduate experience at UAL was especially pivotal for me. It taught me how to think critically as a designer and provided a deeper understanding of the design process. My design style is strongly influenced by the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty in China, which reflects a balance of simplicity, elegance, and natural materials.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YZ: I am currently in the process of planning the establishment of my own design studio, which will focus primarily on furniture design. The design philosophy of my studio is deeply rooted in the aesthetics and culture of the Song Dynasty in China. I believe that the beauty of simplicity, natural materials, and balanced design from that era can inspire and be adapted to contemporary furniture design. Looking ahead, the future direction of my studio will be centered on creating modern furniture that integrates the timeless aesthetics of the Song Dynasty with contemporary design principles.
FS: What is "design" for you?
YZ: For me, design is a way to express my aesthetics and imagination. It feels more like creating a piece of craft art. While functionality is important, the appearance of a design holds greater significance because it conveys my thoughts, ideas, and identity—essentially, it shows who I am and what kind of person I am. Design, in my view, is not only a problem-solving tool, but also a means to express emotions and culture. It allows me to gradually turn my ideas into something tangible. As for the difference between design and art, I believe design is objective, while art is subjective. My design principles or theories are based on a process of self-questioning. I continuously ask myself why I make certain design choices for each detail, helping me navigate and refine my decisions.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YZ: The types of designs that attract me the most often have a strong visual impact. For instance, I enjoy creating interesting structures, harmonious material contrasts, and incorporating clever ideas into my designs. These elements tend to bring an exciting dynamic to the work. I am particularly drawn to designing intricate, fine crafts, where attention to detail and craftsmanship are paramount.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YZ: I find many interesting designs that capture my attention, so it's hard to pinpoint just one favorite. I regularly browse magazines and websites, and I like to keep a collection of designs that intrigue me. From these designs, I try to extract elements that I can learn from and use to improve my own work. It’s more about appreciating the diversity of ideas and using them as inspiration to refine my own design thinking.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
YZ: Apologies, but since my company is still in the planning stages, there hasn’t been a project I can share yet. Once I have any projects ready to discuss, I will definitely inform you right away.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YZ: My favorite material is wood, which is the most commonly used material in traditional Chinese furniture. It holds a special place in my work because of its historical and cultural significance. As for platforms, I frequently use the Dezeen website to explore new design ideas and trends. I am also very interested in 3D printing, as it allows me to create structures that traditional methods might find difficult to achieve. The rise of AI also fascinates me, as it can expand the breadth of my creative thinking. In the future, I would love to incorporate Chinese ceramic techniques into furniture design, as I believe it could bring a unique cultural element to contemporary designs.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
YZ: I feel the most creative in a quiet environment, especially at night or when I’m taking a shower. These moments seem to spark my ideas. I have a few habits that help trigger my creativity, such as meditation and, interestingly, taking a shower. I’m not entirely sure when exactly my creative ideas come to me, but they often pop up spontaneously, especially before going to bed. Working with others, particularly those outside the design field, also helps me think in new ways and inspires creativity.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YZ: During the design process, I focus primarily on the appearance of the piece, as I believe the appearance conveys the designer's thoughts and ideas. I also pay close attention to the proportions, as they can reflect the cultural characteristics of a country. This is something I value deeply in my designs. I adopt a self-questioning design process, where every step of my design and every choice I make is based on a clear reasoning. After achieving the basic functionality, I aim to push creativity and other elements to their limits, enhancing the uniqueness of the design.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YZ: When I design, I often feel a mix of excitement and struggle. Design is a process full of challenges for me. I frequently encounter difficulties and setbacks, but they tend to be temporary. When this happens, I usually take a break and shift my focus to something else, waiting for fresh ideas to return to the design. Once I complete a design, I typically feel a sense of satisfaction and a strong desire to share it with others.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YZ: When my designs are realized, I usually feel a sense of satisfaction and pride. It’s always rewarding to see a concept come to life. While I initially feel content, I also continue to reflect on and improve my designs even after they’re completed. If the design doesn’t meet my expectations, I will keep working on it until it aligns with my vision. When my design is realized, it also deepens my love and sense of connection to Chinese culture, strengthening my feelings of belonging.
FS: What makes a design successful?
YZ: I believe the success of a design can be summed up in a Chinese proverb: "Details determine success or failure." This applies to all aspects of design, including functionality, appearance, empathy, innovation, and more.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YZ: When evaluating a design, I tend to follow the designer's introduction to appreciate the creation process, from nothing to something. I believe brand positioning is a crucial factor, as it helps differentiate a design from others. Recently, I’ve been particularly focused on two aspects: the visual impact of the design and the emotional value it conveys. These are key factors that have become especially important to me over the past year.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YZ: I believe that a designer’s responsibility towards the environment is something that should be inherently followed, just like adhering to the law. It’s not something to boast about, but rather an essential part of the design process. As for society, I think a designer’s responsibility is to create works that improve people's lives, promote cultural heritage, and address real needs. A designer should always consider how their work can have a positive impact on society, whether by enhancing user experience or by contributing to the cultural and social landscape.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YZ: In today's China, I believe one of the most important trends is the integration of design and craftsmanship. This combination brings a deeper level of authenticity and cultural value to design. Designers must constantly adapt to new technologies and tools to keep up with the evolving design industry. It’s essential for designers to stay flexible and open to change. Collaboration across disciplines is key. Everyone has their strengths, and I believe the foundation for success lies in multi-party cooperation, where diverse expertise contributes to a more innovative outcome. Currently, I believe design is focusing more on emotional value. The connection between a design and the emotions it evokes has become a significant factor. As for the future, I see emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality inevitably becoming a larger part of design. These advancements will reshape how we think about and create design.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
YZ: I have not participated in any exhibitions yet, but I believe I will have the opportunity in the future.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YZ: My design inspiration primarily comes from the Song Dynasty in China. I find great value in exploring the rich history, culture, and artifacts from this period. To fuel my creativity, I often watch historical films and documentaries about the Song Dynasty, as well as study artifacts from that era. I record my thoughts and points of interest while browsing information related to the Song Dynasty on my computer. The artifacts from the Song Dynasty are a particularly important source of inspiration for my work.
FS: How can people contact you?
YZ: yokiiy.zhu@gmail.com
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.
Press Members: Register and login to request a custom interview with Yuxuan Zhu.
| SOCIAL |
| + Add to Likes / Favorites | Send to My Email | Comment | Testimonials |
