Interview with Yue Liang, Anqi Wang, Ruijing Sun and Hao Zhou

Liying Peng | MUSE Design Awards
Interview with Liying Peng from the United States
October 1, 2024
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Back to Grass by Ayala Land Inc.
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Yue Liang, Anqi Wang, Ruijing Sun and Hao Zhou | MUSE Design Awards

Yue Liang, Anqi Wang, Ruijing Sun and Hao Zhou

Yue Liang, Anqi Wang, Ruijing Sun, and Hao Zhou focus not only on the design of living spaces and how people interact with their interiors but also on how individuals engage with the products they use, such as chairs. They believe that chairs play a crucial role in home design and that thoughtful product design can bring more happiness.

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

We are architectural designers based in the United States.

Anqi Wang is an Architectural Job Captain working at a firm in Santa Ana. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from SCI-Arc.

Ruijing Sun graduated from Columbia University with a degree in M.S. Advanced Architectural Design and she is currently working as an architectural designer in OLI Architecture.

Yue Liang graduated from University of Southern California in 2022 with a Master of Architecture degree, she is currently working as a Design Professional 1 in ODP Architects.

Hao Zhou finished his Master Degree of Architecture from Syracuse University and now he is working in a module-design Architecture firm which focus on “Design, Manufacture, Construction (DMC)”.

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

From our perspective, product design, particularly in furniture, closely aligns with architectural design. Furniture can be seen as a smaller-scale version of architecture, which is why we are drawn to this field.

We are not only interested in the design of living spaces and how people interact with their interiors, but also interested in how people interact with the products they use, like the chairs. Chairs play an important role in home design and good product design can provide more happiness.

3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
We are a young team dedicated to architectural and product design. Our team is passionate about life, always seeking inspiration in the everyday, and channeling that vitality into our work. Our primary focus is on participating in various competitions, which helps us build a strong foundation for future growth and success.
4What does “design” mean to you?
For us, design is the art of solving problems with elegance. It involves deeply understanding client needs and market reactions, then creating solutions that not only meet those needs but also resonate with users or audiences.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?

The design we admire most is one that seamlessly blends art with industry to create both practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions for everyday life. Design, at its core, is about solving people’s problems. Our preferred approach focuses on enhancing functionality over form.

This results in designs that are straightforward and purposeful, featuring clean lines and simple shapes that are easy for users to understand. Essentially, it’s about streamlining the problem-solving process to its most effective form.

6To you, what makes a “good” design?
A design that effectively solves people's problems is always a good design. If a product is difficult to use or inefficient with resources, it needs to be rethought. A truly good design should be both user-friendly and environmentally conscious.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
Our design style is to want a sustainable product, a design that is friendly to the environment and people, so we chose wood. Secondly, we were inspired by the shape of the arch in architecture, simplifying the arch structure in classical architecture, and finally we can get an efficient, simple and practical lounge chair.
8Tell us about your design process.

The design process starts with a hand-drawn sketch, adding a personal and intimate touch to the work. From there, we move on to the precise task of 3D modeling.

As architectural designers, we've observed the unique qualities of arch elements in building structures. With their wide spans and superior load-bearing capabilities, we've been inspired to incorporate these arch structures into our furniture designs.

9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Our country and culture shapes our design approach, focusing on simplicity and functionality. Our experience in the United States has made us more attentive to details and construction in our designs.
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
We are honored to receive this award. It inspires us to continue designing and creating more designs.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

Inspired by the arch structure in classic architecture, our chair deconstructs this form to adapt to the industrial age, breaking away from traditional chair designs. The stool and support are composed of two simple arcs, transforming the arch into a practical structural component.

The reason why we enter this design is because this chair contrasts sharply with the modernist architectural lines and industrial materials like reinforced concrete and glass, providing a sense of comfort and warmth through traditional wood.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The greatest challenge in designing the chair was finding a way to create a form that could be mass-produced while preserving its elegant curves. After experimenting with several design options, we settled on using two identical wooden panels that are bent and joined together. This solution not only optimizes material usage but also facilitates mass production and simplifies transportation.
13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
This award validates our approach to integrating form and function in furniture design while emphasizing sustainability. It boosts our confidence and opens new career opportunities, including potential collaborations. It motivates us to keep exploring innovative design concepts and refining skills within architectural interiors.
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
The top 3 favorite things in our team are creative problem-solving skills, interdisciplinary collaboration and the concern for environmental impact.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?

Growing up in China, we were influenced by its rich history and unique ancient architecture. This traditional heritage blends seamlessly with modern innovation, as we respect historical roots while embracing future trends. Rapid urbanization and cultural diversity have enriched the design field, integrating various influences.

Additionally, the growing focus on sustainability has led many designers to adopt eco-friendly practices. This fusion of heritage, cultural depth, and forward-thinking innovation makes China's design industry vibrant and globally influential.

16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, the design industry will likely prioritize sustainability, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and practices. Advances in new materials and technologies will unlock new design possibilities, while AI and AR/VR will enhance precision and creativity for designers.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
When designing, focus on user needs and environmental sustainability. Embrace bold creativity and trust in your ideas and abilities to stand out in the industry.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Regularly browse industry websites to stay updated on the latest products and revisit classic designs. These outstanding works can serve as sources of inspiration and provide new insights and perspectives for your own designs.
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, when everything, including woodshops, was closed, we decided to design and build a wooden chair in the basement. With most of the tools being borrowed and limited resources at hand, it took two full months to complete the project. It was an unforgettable experience.
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Gerrit Rietveld, a renowned furniture designer and architect, has greatly inspired us. His iconic works, like the Red and Blue Chair and the Zig-zag Chair, showcase a deep understanding of shapes and lines. His dedication to simplicity and functionality influences our design approach.
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
The key to success is the mindset of continuous exploration. The advice would be to stay curious, embrace the unknown, and never stop exploring.
22Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I would like to emphasize that our journey in design is an ongoing adventure. We will explore new realms of design continuously.

Winning Entry

Flow Chair | 2024

Flow Chair | Yue Liang, Anqi Wang, Ruijing Sun and Hao Zhou |

Yue Liang, Anqi Wang, Ruijing Sun and Hao Zhou

Yue Liang, Anqi Wang, Ruijing Sun, and Hao Zhou focus not only on the design of living spaces and how people interact with their interiors but also on how individuals engage with the products they use, such as chairs. They believe that chairs play a crucial role in home design and that thoughtful product design can bring more happiness.


Read more about this interview with Liying Peng from the United States, the Gold Winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards.

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