Interview with James Ni for Oriental Rising

The seamless and intertwined relationship between design and art is apparent without a clear distinction between them. Examining them, their ability to bring happiness to people's lives is the primary factor to consider. While art has an internal impact, design has an external one, both possessing overt and covert dimensions.

From a personal standpoint, I hold a profound appreciation for art that serves a functional purpose and adds value. Although I possess traditional painting skills, my work with materials and spatial environments provides me with a greater sense of self-awareness and the ability to bring joy to clients.

My team's organizational structure differs significantly from the usual industry standards. Instead of following a traditional approach where a lead designer is in charge of the entire process, we prioritize the professionals involved in the construction process at the heart of the team.

We emphasize horizontal communication to achieve this, recognizing its importance in the design field. Interior design necessitates expertise in various materials and techniques, which can be daunting for a single designer to handle. Hence, we continually explore and develop the market to ensure that we provide the best service possible.

Design involves discovering a common visual language while also requiring decision-making and trade-offs since few things have a perfect solution. The principle of design is to make compromises and recognize practicality as a vital factor. This is what attracts me to design the most: it's like crafting a beautiful poem within the framework of a complicated story with both challenges and opportunities.

Our team favors clean lines, avoiding unnecessary complexity and over-decorated materials as much as possible as these elements only serve to exhaust the visual senses. We believe that a great design should be relaxed, comfortable and easy to digest.

In our company, we greatly value the designers' ability to blend creative and analytical thinking, resulting in comprehensive solutions. This approach enables us to fully unleash our creativity while considering diverse perspectives and ultimately delivering tailor-made solutions to our clients.

Nevertheless, the triumph of any design ultimately depends on its acceptance in the market. As a result, we prioritize producing designs that not only strike a chord with the market but also precisely cater to our clients' individualized requirements.

Our expertise lies in utilizing various design elements such as proportion and contrast to elevate the vibrancy and liveliness of any given space. We take great care to ensure that every detail is considered and implemented with precision resulting in a seamless and visually stunning final product.

When evaluating each project, it is comparable to a simple sponge cake that can be personalized with an assortment of fruits and creams based on your liking. Consequently, we must contemplate how much to incorporate and relinquish for each customer and via this continuous process, we maintain the fundamental essence of the design.

I have had the privilege of studying art without any restrictions based on geographical location which has enabled me to appreciate and incorporate a wide range of cultural influences into my work. This exposure to diverse artistic perspectives has been invaluable in shaping my artistic style and approach.

Our team considers winning a Gold in the MUSE Design Awards a notable achievement. It confirms our continuous pursuit of design excellence and publicly recognizes our hard work and creativity. Winning this award has significantly contributed to enhancing our reputation within the industry and has enabled more people to acknowledge our professional expertise.

Moreover, winning the MUSE Design Awards serves as a guarantee for our clients. It signifies that our designs are renowned for their artistic and innovative qualities, which can instill greater confidence in our clients when choosing us as their design partner.

This project is situated on the second floor of a narrow alleyway with limited exposure to sunlight. Consequently, only the front and back rooms are usually able to benefit from natural light. Our team regards this project to be fascinating because we strive to apply our design proficiency by introducing a more natural light, augmenting the luminosity of the entire area.

It's important to mention that we weren't the ones who selected this project. Instead, the building itself chose to engage our services, and we are truly grateful for the chance to rejuvenate it.

During the project, it was crucial for us to prioritize our relationships and interactions with the neighbors. Our team took extensive measures to manage the site meticulously, control noise levels and establish connections with the local residents. Our aim is to pursue further improvements and strive for excellence to enhance the quality of the space and promote mutual cohesiveness and harmony within the neighborhood.

Taking part in a competition is more than just pursuing tangible rewards. It entails self-responsibility and provides an opportunity for designers to identify their strengths and areas for improvement in their field of expertise. Participating in global competitions also leads to recognition from esteemed judges which is highly beneficial.

Create, compromise and making friends are three impactful and concise things that carry considerable weight. These words embody important values that are essential to building strong relationships and achieving success in various areas of life.

Due to my country’s high populated density and limited living space, urban space is a precious commodity that must be utilized efficiently. As a result, designers play a critical role in creating designs that not only meet high-quality standards but also consider the challenges of urbanization and the need for effective space utilization.

It is essential for designers to take into account the limited space available in order to meet the demands of the community and create functional, aesthetically pleasing designs that enhance the urban landscape.

In my country, the presence of privately owned land and the looming threat of earthquakes pose a significant challenge for the numerous houses that are over 50 years. Our primary aim is to refurbish these robust old houses within the next five to ten years, ensuring their longevity for an additional 50 years.

Consistently honing one's skills through repeated practice is vital in achieving excellence. By continuously refining fundamental abilities and persistently repeating them, a solid foundation can be established, leading to greater accomplishments. This requires unwavering determination and self-control, which are crucial for success.

Boosting the adoption of ecologically friendly and sustainable building materials can improve indoor air quality, just as people require vitamins and supplements for their health. By prioritizing our regards and consideration for the environment, we can reap the benefits of a healthier living environment.

This sustainable approach to construction not only reduces energy and resource waste but also minimizes the impact on the environment, creating a mutually beneficial outcome. Ultimately, this approach enables us to protect the planet while enhancing our quality of life.

People who are currently in a disadvantaged position are not to be deemed as failures, but those who are unable to make progress and improve their circumstances are the ones who truly struggle.

My passion for painting, art, and design was greatly influenced by my mother who worked as a nurse. Even though she is no longer with us, her inspiration continues to profoundly influence my life. I was overwhelmed with emotion upon learning that I had won the award. As I drove my car, I couldn't help but say ‘Thank you’ silently to my mother, appreciative of her continued influence on my life.

I must admit that I sometimes struggle with the concept of success. It seems like an elusive and intangible idea. Nevertheless, I am resolute in my determination to keep striving and bettering myself. I recognize that I may have to put in more effort than those blessed with natural ability or advantageous circumstances.

However, I have come to realize that success is not just a fixed endpoint, but rather a continuous process. I am fully committed to persisting and growing as this is what drives me forward.