Interview with Cheng-Hua Li | An Interior Designer for Laman Interior Design INC. with Years of Design Experience

Hello, I am an interior designer dedicated to perfectly combining creativity and functionality to create unique and practical spaces. I have many years of design experience and have served as the lead designer in several renowned design projects, covering residential, commercial, and public spaces.

I graduated from a well-known design institute with a degree in interior design. Throughout my career, I have maintained a passion for design and a keen attention to detail. My design style is diverse, but I always strive for a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.

I have participated in and won numerous international design competitions, which not only recognize my design capabilities but also inspire me to continuously pursue excellence. I believe that through design, we can improve people's quality of life and create a better living environment.

I have been confident in my sense of art and aesthetics since I was young, possessing an exceptional eye for beauty. Additionally, I have a strong curiosity about the world, always eager to explore and discover new things.

Choosing to become a designer is not only because I believe I can use my unique perspective and creativity to change and improve people's lives but also because I have a deep passion for design. Every time I see the spaces I design making people feel comfortable and happy, my heart fills with an immense sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Design is not just my profession; it is my way of expressing emotions and conveying beauty. Through design, I can incorporate my inner passion and understanding of life into every detail, creating spaces that are both functional and full of warmth. I love solving problems innovatively, perfectly combining aesthetics and functionality to bring people surprise and joy. Moreover, design is a continuous learning and growth process, which perfectly aligns with my curiosity. I enjoy challenging myself, exploring new design trends and technologies, and constantly improving my professional skills and creative abilities. Through design, I can not only realize my self-worth but also bring beautiful life experiences to others. This is the reason I chose to become a designer and the source of my unwavering motivation.

I am the founder and chief designer of Laman Design, a boutique interior design firm dedicated to creating transformative spaces by combining creativity and functionality. Our company is driven by a passion for design and a commitment to improving the quality of life through thoughtful and innovative solutions.

In my role, I oversee the entire design process, from initial concept development to final implementation. This involves working closely with clients to understand their needs and aspirations, and then translating these insights into beautiful and practical designs. I enjoy the challenge of finding unique solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with everyday functionality.

My work is not just about selecting colors and furniture; it is about crafting experiences. Each project is a new journey, filled with exploration and discovery. Whether it is a cozy home, a dynamic office space, or a vibrant public area, my goal is to create environments that evoke emotions and enhance the way people live and work.

I believe that excellent design has the power to inspire and transform. Every day, I am driven by a strong curiosity and a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible in design. This passion fuels my work and enables me to bring fresh, innovative ideas to every project.

Ultimately, everything I do is about making a positive impact on people's lives. Seeing the joy on clients' faces when they see the final result is the most rewarding part of my job. It reminds me why I chose this path and inspires me to keep creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful.

For me, "design" is not just a profession or skill; it is a way to express emotions, convey beauty, solve problems, and promote sustainability. Design is the perfect combination of creativity and functionality, enhancing people's quality of life and experiences through every detail while also respecting and preserving our environment.

Design is synonymous with innovation, offering us the opportunity to break conventions and explore new possibilities. Each project is a new journey, full of discovery and challenge. Through design, I can infuse my passion, curiosity, and pursuit of beauty into my work, creating spaces that are both practical and artistic. I am committed to integrating eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices into my designs, ensuring that each project minimizes its environmental footprint.

Design also involves a deep understanding of human needs and emotions. I believe that an excellent design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also resonate with people, providing them with a sense of comfort and belonging. Through design, I aim to convey a positive energy, ensuring that everyone who enters a space I’ve designed can feel its warmth and thoughtfulness. By incorporating natural elements and energy-efficient solutions, I strive to create environments that are harmonious with nature and beneficial to the well-being of the occupants.

Overall, design to me is a continuous journey of pursuing excellence, a profound exploration of life, art, and humanity. It allows me to realize my self-worth and create a lifestyle filled with beauty and rhythm, all while advocating for environmental responsibility. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the importance of sustainable living and to make conscious choices that benefit both people and the planet.

My favorite design style is minimalism. This style creates a space that is both beautiful and functional by using streamlined elements and clean lines. Minimalist design emphasizes the concept of "less is more," which not only brings visual tranquility and tidiness but also allows people to focus more on the functionality and experience of the space.

What deeply moves me about minimalist design is the sense of tranquility and purity it conveys. In our busy and noisy modern lives, minimalism offers a way to relax and find peace. Every time I step into a minimalist space, I feel a sense of inner peace and satisfaction. Each detail is carefully considered, and every element has its purpose. There are no superfluous decorations; everything serves the harmony and balance of the whole. This design style allows me to showcase the unique charm and intrinsic value of a space through simple yet exquisite methods.

Moreover, minimalist design is also highly focused on sustainability. It often utilizes eco-friendly materials and encourages people to own fewer but higher-quality items, thus reducing waste and resource consumption. This design philosophy perfectly aligns with my concern for the environment and my pursuit of a high-quality life. Through minimalism, I hope to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also friendly to the planet.

Overall, I love minimalist design because it provides not only visual enjoyment but also enhances people's quality of life, bringing inner peace and contentment. This design style is both practical and full of beauty, allowing people to feel true happiness in a simple and elegant environment. Minimalism is not just a design style but a life philosophy; it reminds us to cherish the present, simplify our lives, and find true joy and meaning.

To me, a “good” design is not just about visual appeal; it is an art form that resonates on multiple levels. First and foremost, a good design must be functional. It should meet the practical needs of its users, enhancing their quality of life and providing convenience. No matter how beautiful a design is, if it lacks practicality and convenience, it cannot be considered truly good design.

Secondly, a good design needs to have emotional warmth. It should touch people's hearts, making them feel comfortable, joyful, and at home in the space. Every detail should reflect the designer’s understanding of life and pursuit of beauty, creating an emotional connection with the users.

Moreover, a good design should be innovative. It does not just follow existing rules but explores and breaks boundaries, offering new perspectives and solutions. Innovation brings vitality and personality to the design, making users feel a sense of novelty and surprise.

Finally, a good design must consider sustainability. In today’s world, designers have the responsibility to choose eco-friendly materials and processes to minimize environmental impact. Through sustainable design, we can create beautiful spaces while also contributing to the protection of our planet.

Overall, a good design is a perfect combination of functionality, emotional warmth, innovation, sustainability, and convenience. It not only meets people's material needs but also enhances their spiritual experiences, making life more beautiful and convenient. Such a design is not just a pursuit of art but a profound care for humanity and nature.

My design style primarily centers around minimalism, with a blend of modern elements and natural materials. Minimalism emphasizes the "less is more" philosophy, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional through streamlined elements and clean lines.

The main characteristics of my design style include:

Simplicity and Clarity: I prefer using clean lines and simple shapes, removing all unnecessary decorations to make spaces look more organized and spacious. This simplicity not only brings visual tranquility but also allows people to focus more on the functionality and experience of the space.

Functionality First: In my designs, functionality is always the top priority. Every design element must have a clear purpose, ensuring that the space is not only beautiful but also practical, meeting the actual needs of the users.

Natural Elements: I like to incorporate natural elements such as wood, stone, and plants into my designs. These elements add warmth and comfort to the space, allowing people to feel a connection to nature even while indoors, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life.

Eco-friendliness and Sustainability: I focus on choosing eco-friendly materials and sustainable design solutions to minimize environmental impact. I believe that design should not only bring beautiful living experiences to people but also contribute to protecting our planet.

Attention to Detail: Every detail in my designs is carefully considered, from the selection of furniture to the arrangement of lighting. This attention to detail not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also increases the comfort and satisfaction of the users.

Overall, my design style emphasizes simplicity, functionality, natural elements, and sustainability. Through meticulous attention to detail, I create spaces that are both beautiful and practical. This approach not only improves the quality of life but also brings a sense of peace and fulfillment to the inhabitants.

My design process emphasizes detail and user experience, meticulously planning and executing multiple stages to ensure that the final result is both beautiful and functional. Here are the main steps of my design process:

Needs Analysis: First, I engage in in-depth discussions with the client to understand their needs, preferences, and budget. This step is crucial as it helps me accurately grasp the client's expectations and the basic framework of the project.

Concept Design: Based on the client's needs, I develop initial concept designs. This stage includes sketching and gathering inspiration to visually present the design ideas, followed by preliminary discussions and adjustments with the client.

Design Development: After the client approves the concept design, I move on to detailed design development. This includes creating floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings, as well as selecting materials and colors. At this stage, I consider functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability to ensure that the design meets the client's needs and is practically feasible.

Budget Estimation: Following the design development, I conduct a detailed budget estimation for the renovation. This step includes a comprehensive breakdown of material costs, labor fees, and other related expenses. I discuss and confirm this budget with the client to ensure the project stays within financial limits.

Detail Design: Attention to detail is key to successful design. In this stage, I delve into every design detail, including furniture selection, lighting layout, and accessory coordination, ensuring that each element harmonizes with the overall design style.

Implementation and Monitoring: Once the design plan is finalized, the implementation phase begins. I work closely with the construction team to oversee the process, ensuring that every detail aligns with the design plan and addressing any on-site issues to achieve the desired outcome.

Inspection and Adjustment: Upon project completion, I conduct a thorough inspection with the client to ensure that every detail meets the design requirements. If any issues arise, I promptly make adjustments and improvements until the client is completely satisfied.

Feedback and Improvement: After the project concludes, I follow up with the client to gather feedback. This helps me improve my future design work and provides better after-sales service to the client.

Overall, my design process focuses on client needs, attention to detail, and quality control. Through a systematic workflow, I ensure that each project is flawlessly executed, creating ideal living and working spaces for my clients.

I firmly believe that my country and its rich cultural heritage have a profound impact on my design process. China has a long history and diverse cultural traditions, which are deeply reflected in my design philosophy and style.

Firstly, the Chinese traditional values of respecting nature and pursuing harmony are deeply rooted in my designs. I often draw inspiration from elements in traditional architecture and garden design, such as symmetry, the use of natural materials, and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. This not only enhances the aesthetic value of my designs but also improves the comfort and livability of the spaces.

Secondly, the minimalist aesthetics of Chinese culture have greatly influenced my design style. The concept of "simplicity is not simple" emphasizes reducing complexity and focusing on functionality and practicality, which aligns perfectly with modern minimalist design principles. In my designs, I strive to create serene and elegant spaces using clean lines and minimal decoration, allowing people to find inner peace amid their busy lives.

Additionally, the emphasis on family and community in Chinese culture is also reflected in my designs. When designing residential spaces, I pay special attention to fostering interaction and communication among family members, creating environments that promote bonding and care. Similarly, I focus on designing community spaces that foster a sense of belonging and neighborly friendliness.

In today's internet age, the convenience of the web has significantly broadened my global design perspective. Through the internet, I can easily access the latest design trends and innovative ideas from around the world and incorporate them into my work. The internet also enables me to communicate and collaborate with designers and clients globally, allowing me to draw from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and design experiences, further enriching and enhancing my projects.

Overall, my country and cultural heritage not only enrich my design inspiration but also shape my design values and methods. In my design process, I strive to combine Chinese traditional culture with modern design concepts to create spaces that have cultural depth and meet contemporary living needs. The convenience of the internet has further expanded my global perspective, making my designs more unique and impactful.

It is an immense honor to receive the 2024 MUSE Design Award. This award holds significant meaning for me, my company, and my team. It not only recognizes our past efforts and achievements but also affirms our design philosophy and creativity.

Firstly, this award is a tremendous validation of our professional capabilities. As designers, we are committed to creating outstanding spaces for our clients through innovation and unique design. The MUSE Design Award acknowledges our professional level and innovative abilities in the design field, encouraging us to continue striving for excellence.

Secondly, this award is a great motivation for our team. The success of every project relies on the hard work and seamless collaboration of every team member. The MUSE Design Award not only recognizes our team spirit but also serves as the best reward for our collective efforts.

Additionally, this award enhances our company’s reputation and industry influence. The MUSE Design Award is an internationally renowned accolade with global influence. Winning this prestigious award helps us stand out in the industry and opens up more opportunities and possibilities for our future development. As a top design award in the United States, the MUSE Design Award brings together exceptional designers and creative talents from around the world. This provides us with a platform to showcase our work and learn from others, further broadening our international perspective and competitiveness.

Finally, on a personal level, this award is the ultimate affirmation of my design philosophy and perseverance. I have always believed that design is not only an expression of aesthetics but also an understanding of life and a response to human needs. Being able to showcase our design philosophy and works to the world through the MUSE Design Award is a significant milestone in my career.

Overall, receiving the 2024 MUSE Design Award is not only a recognition of our past efforts but also an inspiration for our future development. We will continue to uphold the spirit of innovation and excellence, creating more unique and impactful design works for our clients.

I am delighted to introduce the winning works we submitted to the 2024 MUSE Design Awards. We submitted two projects, each of which received an award: a residential interior design project and a medical aesthetics clinic design project named "Flow‧朦."

The residential interior design project aims to create a space that is both comfortable and modern. We chose this project for several important reasons. Firstly, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of creating a serene and harmonious living environment through a simple yet rich design language. In this project, we used a lot of natural materials such as wood and stone, combined with modern design elements like large glass windows and open layouts, ensuring a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Additionally, this project strikes an excellent balance between functionality and aesthetics. We not only considered the aesthetic needs but also paid special attention to the practicality of the space. Every room layout and design detail aims to enhance the residents' quality of life and comfort. For example, the open kitchen and living room design not only increases the sense of space but also promotes interaction and communication among family members. This project also emphasizes sustainability, as we used eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies during the design and construction process, aligning with our company's commitment to sustainable development.

The other winning project is our medical aesthetics clinic design, "Flow‧朦." The focus of this design was to create a space that makes clients feel comfortable and at ease. We used soft tones, natural lighting, and carefully selected materials to create a relaxing yet professional atmosphere. Specifically, we used metal stainless steel ripple plates, titanium-coated metal, white lacquer, and warm wood. The combination of these materials not only enhances the modernity and texture of the space but also brings warmth and a welcoming feel. The design of the medical aesthetics clinic had to consider not only aesthetics but also functionality and privacy, ensuring a positive experience for every client. We chose these projects to enter the competition because they represent our latest breakthroughs and innovations in design. We hope to showcase our design philosophy and achievements to a broader audience through the MUSE Design Awards and to exchange and learn from outstanding designers worldwide.

Overall, these award-winning works are not only a testament to our company's design capabilities but also reflect our understanding and pursuit of beautiful living and professional environments. Winning the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is a tremendous recognition and encouragement for our work. We will continue to strive to create more design works that make people's lives and workplaces better.

The biggest challenge of this project was how to create the necessary functionality within the limited space while controlling the budget, especially in the design process of the medical aesthetics clinic "Flow‧朦."

Firstly, the clinic needed to be both modern and comfortable, while also being highly functional and maintaining privacy. To achieve this, we selected materials such as metal stainless steel ripple plates, titanium-coated metal, white lacquer, and warm wood. The combination of these materials is needed to ensure visual harmony while also being durable and easy to maintain.

Secondly, during the design process, we faced the challenge of maximizing the use of every inch of the limited space to ensure that all functional areas of the clinic could operate smoothly. This included the reception area, treatment rooms, consultation rooms, and more. Each area needed to be carefully planned to provide the best possible experience for clients. At the same time, we had to ensure that the internal flow design of the clinic was logical, allowing medical staff to work efficiently.

Additionally, budget control was a major challenge. We needed to select high-quality materials and equipment within a limited budget to ensure that the project could achieve the desired design effect without overspending. This required us to make careful comparisons and calculations during the design and procurement processes to achieve the best cost-performance ratio.

Overall, the biggest challenge was how to achieve the best balance of aesthetics, functionality, and client needs within a limited space and budget. Through the efforts and continuous innovation of our team, we successfully overcame these challenges and created a medical aesthetics clinic "Flow‧朦" that is both modern and provides an excellent client experience. The success of this project not only enhanced our design capabilities but also further solidified our leading position in the industry.

Winning this award has had a profound impact on my career and professional development.

Firstly, receiving the 2024 MUSE Design Award has significantly enhanced the reputation and visibility of both myself and my company. This award is a high recognition of our design capabilities and creativity, garnering more attention and acknowledgment within the design community. Through this platform, our work has been seen by more potential clients and partners, further expanding our market influence.

Secondly, the award has brought us more opportunities and collaborative projects. Many clients, upon seeing our award, have become confident in our design capabilities and have reached out to us for collaboration. This has not only increased our business volume but also enhanced our ability and experience in handling various high-end projects.

Additionally, winning this award has motivated my team and me to continually strive for excellence. It is not just a recognition of our past efforts but also an encouragement for our future work. We are more determined to continue innovating and improving our design standards, aiming to create more impactful and unique projects in the future.

Moreover, the award provides a platform for us to interact and learn from outstanding designers worldwide. Through engagement with other award-winning designers, we gain insights into the latest design trends and technologies, constantly broadening our design perspectives and enhancing our professional skills.

Finally, we are deeply grateful for the judges’ recognition. Striving to win the Best Design of the Year award has become a significant goal for us. We will continue to work hard, pursue excellence, and aim to create more outstanding designs in our future work.

Overall, winning the 2024 MUSE Design Award has not only elevated our industry status and market competitiveness but also injected new momentum into our career development. We will continue to uphold the spirit of innovation and excellence, striving to create more designs that enhance the way people live and work.

In the design industry, my top three favorite things are:

Unlimited Creativity: The design industry is a field full of creativity and endless possibilities. Every project is a new challenge and exploration, allowing us to express our creativity through various design concepts and styles. Whether it’s interior design, architectural design, or product design, each creation is a process of turning imagination into reality. This freedom to create and the limitless possibilities are what I love most.

Impact on Life: Design is not just about aesthetics; it can profoundly impact people’s lifestyles. Through design, we can improve the functionality and comfort of spaces, enhancing the quality of life for individuals. Seeing our designs bring real convenience and happiness to clients is incredibly rewarding. Design allows us to influence and improve others’ lives through our work, and this positive impact is something I truly value.

Continuous Learning and Growth: The design industry is a field that is constantly evolving and progressing. New materials, technologies, and trends are constantly emerging, requiring us as designers to maintain a mindset of continuous learning and growth. Each new project is an opportunity to learn, and each interaction with peers is a chance to improve. The ever-changing and advancing nature of this industry motivates me to continually challenge myself and enhance my professional skills and creative abilities.

Overall, the unlimited creativity, the positive impact on life, and the opportunities for continuous learning and growth are my three favorite aspects of the design industry. These features not only make my career enjoyable and fulfilling but also constantly inspire me to keep advancing on my design journey.

China is uniquely distinguished in the design industry due to its rich historical culture, diverse traditional crafts, and rapidly advancing modern technology. The aesthetic influence of architects like C.Y. Lee, known for designing Taipei 101, adds more layers and depth to Chinese design.

Rich Historical Culture: China boasts thousands of years of history and a wealth of cultural heritage, providing abundant inspiration for designers. From ancient architecture and traditional gardens to calligraphy and painting, the essence of Chinese culture is carried forward and innovated in modern design. Designers draw inspiration from traditional culture to create works that embody both deep cultural significance and modern sensibility.

Diverse Traditional Crafts: Chinese traditional crafts such as embroidery, ceramics, and wood carving are renowned worldwide. These crafts not only represent exquisite craftsmanship but also contain unique aesthetic values. In modern design, designers combine these traditional crafts with contemporary technology to create works that are both traditionally charming and modern.

Rapid Development of Modern Technology: China’s rapid development in technology and manufacturing provides strong support for the design industry. Advanced manufacturing techniques, the development of new materials, and the use of intelligent design tools enable Chinese designers to lead the way in innovation and the realization of design concepts. This combination of technology and design drives the diversity and high quality of design works.

Aesthetic Influence of Architect C.Y. Lee: Renowned architect C.Y. Lee, known for his design of Taipei 101, exemplifies the perfect fusion of tradition and modern aesthetics. Taipei 101 is not only a marvel of technology and innovation but also a masterpiece that integrates traditional Chinese architectural elements through modern design techniques. His work has a profound global impact on the aesthetics of Chinese architecture and design, inspiring countless designers to pursue similar balance and innovation in their creations.

Overall, China’s unique strengths in the design industry lie in its rich historical culture, diverse traditional crafts, and rapidly advancing modern technology, augmented by the aesthetic contributions of distinguished designers like C.Y. Lee. These factors work together to ensure that Chinese design possesses both the depth of traditional culture and the breadth of modern technology, creating many designs with global influence.

I believe that over the next 5-10 years, the design industry will undergo significant evolution, especially in the field of interior design, which is essential for people's lives. As times progress, technology and new elements will increasingly be integrated into the design process.

Firstly, advancements in technology will have a profound impact on the design industry. Smart home technology will become more prevalent, with intelligent and personalized systems for lighting, climate control, and security. Designers will need to continuously learn and apply these new technologies to meet clients' demands for smart and convenient living.

Secondly, sustainability will become a crucial theme within the design industry. With growing environmental awareness, the use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable design practices will become industry standards. Designers will need to balance aesthetics and environmental friendliness, creating designs that are both modern and eco-conscious.

Thirdly, personalized design will rise in prominence. Everyone has unique lifestyles and tastes, and future designs will focus more on personalization and customization to meet the specific needs of different clients. Designers will need to understand clients' habits and preferences more deeply, crafting bespoke design solutions for them.

Overall, in the next 5-10 years, the design industry will evolve towards being more intelligent, sustainable, and personalized. This will not only elevate the overall level of design but also enhance the role of interior design in improving people's quality of life.

Maintain Curiosity and Passion for Learning: The design industry is constantly evolving. As a student or newcomer, it's essential to stay curious and passionate about learning new things. Continuously study new design trends, technologies, and methods to enhance your skills and broaden your perspective.

Focus on Practical Experience: While theoretical knowledge is important, hands-on experience is equally crucial. Participate in internships, design competitions, and project practices as much as possible to gain practical experience. These practical experiences will not only help you improve your design abilities but also better understand client needs and market dynamics.

Develop Your Unique Style: While learning from and drawing inspiration from other designers' excellent works, strive to develop your unique style and design philosophy. A distinctive style will help your work stand out and establish your personal brand.

Pay Attention to Details and User Experience: Great design often lies in the details and user experience. Whether it's interior design or product design, focusing on every detail and considering the actual user experience will help you create truly outstanding works.

Be Bold in Trying and Innovating: Don’t be afraid to try new ideas and innovate. Design is a field full of creativity, and only by constantly trying and innovating can you break through conventions and create stunning works.

Engage in Design Communities and Networking: Actively participate in design communities and exchange experiences with other designers. This will not only help you gain new inspiration but also expand your network, laying a foundation for future career development.

As a professional designer, I would assist in the following ways:

Offering design guidance and advice: Sharing my experience and insights in the design field to help others overcome challenges and issues in their designs.

Providing design assessments and feedback: Evaluating others' design work and offering constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Sharing resources and tools: Recommending design tools, resources, and online courses that can aid in learning and skill enhancement.

Facilitating communication and collaboration: Encouraging interaction within the design community to share best practices and foster creative thinking.

Offering professional advice and career planning: Providing guidance on career development, professional planning, and industry trends.

These approaches can help others make progress and achieve success in their design careers.