Interview with Monica Chao, Founder and Art Director of CML Design Consultants CO., Ltd., China

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Monica Chao

Monica is both Founder and Art Director of CML Studio, where she uses her interior design talents to feature distinct originality and aesthetics.



Interview with the 2020 MUSE Design Awards Winner - Monica Chao

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.

The 10-year work experience with extraordinary achievements as the art director in HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates) in the U.S. has made Monica a tremendous designer with a solid background in interior design. She has shown the unique talents in her design portfolio with the features of originality and aesthetics. She customizes distinct service projects with the visions pursuing exquisiteness and perfection. Her business involves advertising design, fashion event, and music promotion. She is the exhibitor and curator of Shanghai Art Fair as well. It is the energy of her soul that carries out creations with a passion to life, and it is fascinating.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?

I was raised by my father who started a business in graphic design and by my mother who was the valedictorian in a university of art. Growing up in a family full of design and art atmosphere, I have become who loves life and creates the soul of art for my life on which design is dependent.

3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

CML Studio is the design company that is young, growing and energetic. Those in our design team are talented, and they are passionate in working at CML Studio. We can handily start projects with our copious resources. We come first in customized designs that specifically fits your needs and aesthetics, where you can meet our team of art consultants and artists. Our business encompass hotels, resorts, real estates, commercial spaces, offices, spas, cruise ships, and high-end private residences.

4What does “design” mean to you?

The design industry is a crucial service industry, in which everyone comprehends differently about service. The different methods and attitudes to cope with the world have the different results. At the time that different people and things are mutually dealing with, everyone learns his/her own specialty. During the time that we drink a glass of wine, the different comprehensions come after the different strategies, communications and positions. There is no single model applicable to all areas, and this is the meaning of design-giving to spaces more clear characteristics, or somehow more personal attractions.

5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?

I like the designs to touch people and have positive influences on the environment. The relationship between people and things should be harmonious and wonderful.

6Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

Style defines no space, which is the same as life. What matters to me is creating a mindful experience that is both speechless and emotional. My preferences to art and music often help develop the exclusive plans of art and the music of space in my designs.

7Tell us about your design process.

I like to find inspirations from life, such as golfing, fishing, hiking, cloud watching, live concert, mixing music with my DJ friends, and drinking whisky with professors can endlessly inspire me, all of which can exemplify my design process.

8Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

Despite going to so many countries, I still love my country, Taiwan, which is free and amicable. In Taiwan, I can effortlessly go everywhere in the world where I can feel, I can design, and I can share with people.

9Congratulations! As the winner of the 2020 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

I thank MUSE for the acknowledgement. The effort and dedication to a great artwork is comparable to a mother gratified to see her children growing up healthily. I want to thank our best team. We have been always lucky, and we will keep our wonderful faith in creating the amazing achievements in the future.

10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2020 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

The design idea of Chiao-Ho is 'Wonderfulness is the faith of life'.

The design of Chiao-Ho exposes the cultural, artistic and gratifying senses that show details to our guests with visual, auditory and taste experiences.

In the historical glory and modernity, the fashion, style, life philosophy and aesthetic value of Chiao-Ho have transcended to a higher level.

We felt comfortable listing this design project for competition because of our partnership between us , the designers, and the restaurant owners to this restaurant.

11What was the biggest challenge with this project?

It took me a year to complete this project, which encompass the lighting, music, fragrance, branded tableware, clothes, artworks, selections of food ingredients, dish tasting, food plating, menu design, impeccable quality of construction, and application of materials.

12What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?

Those are starting from scratch, turning ideas into reality, and fulfilling people’s dreams.

13Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

The design industry is in a fast, modular and standardized stage. In a world that focuses on gratifying clients, it is normal to be quick and accurate. The current society is impetuous, and a piece of exquisite design accomplished for a long time and gradually overwhelmed by the economic tide highlights the valuable craftmanship. Countless people have been seeking the solution, in addition to the design industry, to combine works and expertise and to apply expertise to life.

14If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?

Staying true to yourself and be persistent.

15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Keep your faith wonderfully and have a persistent willpower.



Winning Entries

Chiao-Ho | 2020

Interview with Monica Chao, Founder and Art Director of CML Design Consultants CO., Ltd., China

Chiao-Ho’s fashionable prosperity, style content, life principles and aesthetic values all became a type of sublimation...
(read more at MUSE Design Awards)

CML Design Consultants CO., Ltd.


CML Studio specializes in the conceptualisation and implementation of sophisticated design programs for the spaces.


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