1Please give us a brief bio of yourself, your background, and your job profile.
I specialize in architecture and interior design as a designer, emphasizing creative concepts and visual storytelling. My commitment is to craft compelling and purposeful design pieces that are aesthetically pleasing.
2What is your role in the company?
As the creator and Chief Executive Officer of AIII DESIGN, I play a hands-on role in shaping design concepts at every level.
3Please tell us more about your company / organization.
Established in 2017 and situated in Taichung City, AIII DESIGN has been committed to the architecture and interior design sector for numerous years. Throughout the creation of each space, starting from ground zero, our goal is to redefine life's patterns and aesthetics. We are dedicated to incorporating the concept of subtraction in our designs, crafting personalized solutions for users, and offering a more sophisticated experience of minimalist living.
4Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 TITAN Property Awards, what does it mean for you, your team, and your organization, to receive this distinction?
Achieving accolades is a form of self-affirmation in its own right. While it represents only a part of career progression, I remain dedicated to fostering creativity as the fundamental basis for future advancements.
5Could you briefly explain about the winning project / title you entered into the 2023 TITAN Property Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The homeowner, employed as a structural engineer, sought a design approach featuring clean lines to create an exclusive space within the residence. Following extensive discussions, the decision was unanimous to highlight the raw concrete texture post-formwork removal as the central element of the design. The emphasis was on preserving the structural aesthetics without excessive ornamentation, adhering to the 'subtractive design' concept to expand the overall space. The objective was to realize a minimalist concept, promoting a slower pace of life and offering an escape from the hustle of fast-paced living.
Within the residence, the team opted for low-saturation color tones, soft lighting, and warm wooden elements to establish an atmosphere of slow living. This not only reflects a restrained lifestyle but also aids the homeowner in disconnecting from the fast-paced norm, fostering a more pleasant and relaxed environment. Notably, the use of exposed concrete cutting lines and opening sequences not only resonates with the homeowner's lifestyle but also contributes to a harmonious and well-organized space.
The design prioritizes meeting the residents' needs while emphasizing sustainability and environmental-friendliness. Firstly, existing spatial structures and lighting conditions were retained to minimize resource wastage and the reliance on artificial lighting. Secondly, window treatments and reflective glass films were chosen to block outdoor heat, reducing the need for air conditioning. Low-energy, high-power LED fixtures were installed for energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Additionally, eco-friendly building materials with low formaldehyde emissions were selected to ensure the health and comfort of the occupants, reducing the release of harmful substances and mitigating potential health risks.
This design aimed to challenge the designer's skills by achieving higher design density on a constrained budget.
6What were the biggest challenges you faced with this project?
It is essential to progressively influence the homeowner's habits and attain a higher design density with a comparatively modest budget.
7How has winning this award developed your practice / career?
Securing awards is an effort to demonstrate our design prowess, establish credibility, distinguish our company's design style, capitalize on online visibility, and attract the attention of potential clients.
8For Property Developer, Architect and Designer, what makes a “good” property design?
We need to achieve success on various fronts, and we think this equilibrium should cover aspects like market attractiveness, functionality, sustainability, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, environmental integration, convenience, innovation, and green initiatives.
9Describe your property design style and its main characteristics.
With a primary emphasis on minimalism, our goal is to tailor designs to individual lifestyles and dimensions while minimizing intricate lines and incorporating low-saturation materials to interpret the spatial experience.
10What made you / Why did you choose to become an artist / designer / real estate agent / property developer?
It starts with individual passion and interests, but as the journey progresses, it incorporates self-reflection, independent creation, internalization of thoughts, and the interconnection of various people and things. This, in turn, leads to the emergence of a greater purpose and direction.
11What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I value minimalist design for its ability to foster a stronger connection with the surroundings and the clean lines of space. This design approach also helps minimize the intake of complex environmental information.
12What led you / your organization to become successful within the industry you are currently in?
Each design undertaking is an effort to exceed the existing limits of creativity.
13What makes your country specifically unique in the design industry?
The uniqueness of interior design in my country lies in its cultural diversity, emphasis on sustainability, the accessibility of eco-friendly building materials, and a dedication to intricate industrial precision.
14Do you think your country and its cultural heritage had an impact on your design process?
Heavily impacted by the profound nurturing of both Taiwanese and Japanese cultures
15How has the country, you are based in, helped move your industry forward?
From a pragmatic standpoint, the government may not offer significant support. In many instances, it hinges on an individual's personal capabilities to generate additional opportunities and value.
16For Real Estate Agent, what does “real estate” mean to you?
Personally, on a spiritual level, it represents the fulfillment of a particular phase of dreams and a sanctuary of life. From a business standpoint, it broadens the potential for additional operational aspects and establishes lending relationships.
17What are your top THREE (3) favorite things about the real estate industry?
Valuing the relationship between architecture and its surroundings, the dynamic interaction between architecture and human engagement, and the visual narrative expressed by the architecture itself.
18Where do you see the evolution of the real estate industry in the next 5-10 years?
Behavioral changes are anticipated, including modifications in sales strategies, an emphasis on environmentally friendly building spaces and energy efficiency, the emergence of smart homes, the expansion of the sharing economy, urban redevelopment, a preference for non-urban living, blockchain matchmaking, and shifts in leasing behaviors.
19What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the real estate industry?
Enhancing industry skills can be achieved through online courses and learning platforms, involvement in professional associations, reading books and magazines, participating in local training and seminars, staying informed with industry reports and data, drawing from personal experiences, utilizing social media, and evaluating real estate software.
20Who has inspired you in your life, and why?
Guidance and inspiration from individuals are not the exclusive sources; a significant portion arises from the elements of nature, art, culture, travel, historical landmarks, technology, personal life experiences, and the social environment that surrounds us. These elements consistently provide me with creative inspiration daily. They are an integral aspect of my life, and I strive to assimilate them to enhance my thoughts and ideas.
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Each design undertaking is an effort to exceed the existing limits of creativity.
22Do you have anything else, which we haven’t covered, that you would like to include in this interview?
Thank you very much TITAN Property Awards!; it has been a rare and precious process and experience.