Interview with Ting Chih Huang, Athens Space Design, Taiwan

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Ting Chih Huang

Ting Chih has an eye for elegant and sleek design, paving ways for it to be visually sophisticated with a hint of extravagance.



Interview with the 2021 MUSE Design Awards Winner - Ting Chih Huang

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

I have been active in interior design since I graduated from the Department of Interior Design at Chung Yuan Christian University. I have been in this field for over 20 years. Most of my projects are residential spaces, office spaces, show flats, and model houses.

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

I prefer a job with diverse challenges; therefore, I chose to be an interior designer.

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

I have been in this industry for over 20 years. I design mainly for residential space, office spaces, show flats, and model houses. I am experienced in residential space design which varies from 30 square meters to 1000 square meters.

4What does “design” mean to you?

Design means providing 'good' and 'beautiful' styles for people.

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

I like exquisite design with textures in which people can feel the value of design.

6To you, what makes a “good” design?

A good design is one which the customer satisfied with and is carefully and thoughtfully arranged.

7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

People say that my design is elegant, sleek, sophisticated, and low-profile extravagant. When taken the form and the style into consideration, I like to use the concept of Art Deco to present my design through the application of different materials.

8Tell us about your design process.

I will first try to understand the customer's needs and preferences, as well as the characteristics that the customer wants to present.

9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

My country and its cultural heritage have a great impact on my design process. For example, customers’ habits and opinions on Feng Shui and traditional customs.

10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2021 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

It is a great honor to be awarded by MUSE Design Awards. When our work is recognized by international awards, it means that our design techniques and language can be in line with the international community.

11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2021 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

I chose this work for the competition because this design work displays diverse materials and careful layout in terms of the presentation of space. This is a residential space project of 365 square meters.

The transition of stylistic elements from Japanese to Chinese, then from Chinese style to classic style, create a simple yet luxurious setting. The three major components of the public domain, the tea house, living room, and dining room, are in harmony with each other. The distinct sections and integrated boundaries allow a close interaction among the entire family.

This space emanates sophistication and dazzling luxury. The classic oriental sentiment emerges from the elaborate decorations, while the modern refinement speaks through the clean-cut lines and layouts. As bold contrasts blend together, oriental and western, classic and modern, an exclusive elegance is born.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?

The challenge lays in the detailed matching and combining of various materials. Embarking on a tasteful journey, the eyes lay upon expressive light and shadow elements in the entrance foyer of the 365 square meters design project. Before the focal black and gold wall stands the dark brown bronze sculpture, “Guanyin,” with willow branches that unfold the overture of this oriental decoration. When turning around to enter the inner porch, the golden carvings on the doors present an eye-catching delicacy in a way to welcome the guests. The arc-shaped bar made of tea mirrors has a polygonal cut to pave the facade, as the dazzling, lavish surface reflects the delicate interior tones. Throughout the private domain, the style remains consistent with the new oriental luxury of the public domain. The master bedroom is embossed with peony flower and bird patterns, which matches the plant concept on the leather artwork on the door. The elements of nature create a sense of relaxation in the grand atmosphere.

13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

With the Platinum award from MUSE, we received more recognition from our customers.

14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?

1. Design of floor plan and layout.

2. Preparing for soft furnishing.

3. Customer satisfaction and happy feedback after completion of projects.

15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?

Our industry maintains close interaction with the design industry in the world.

16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

I noticed that peoples' expectation for design services has been much higher. In the future, I hope to provide comprehensive advice for my clients on decoration, soft decoration, and life accessories.

17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?

You should always maintain enthusiasm, original intention, and passion for design.

18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?

You can join designer associations or associations for building materials.

19Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Dr. Li Yu Chen, my freshman year professor, inspired me in a lot of ways. He taught me how to be a designer and how to be true to oneself. There was one time that I wanted to use pure black straws to express my concept for the basic design assignments in my freshman year. I ran to many shops to buy a lot of colorful packaging straws in order to gather enough black straws. My classmate suggested that I should simply use straws of any color and paint them black. But, to me, I think the texture would have been different. I did not take the suggestion. When Dr. Li Yu Chen listened to our presentation, he said to me and my classmates that "Remember that a designer should be persistent with her/his idea."

20What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Keep trying for every possibility. Don't give up easily. Don't stop pursuing your dream because of setbacks.



Winning Entries

Beyond Oriental | 2021

Beyond Oriental | MUSE Design Awards

The classic oriental sentiment emerges from the elaborate decorations, while the modern refinement speaks through the clean-cut lines and layouts. Bold...
(read more at MUSE Design Awards)


Athens Space Design


Athens Space Design is an award-winning interior design studio based in China.

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