Interview
Chung Tai Hsieh
1 Congratulations on winning the French Design Awards! Can you introduce yourself and share about what inspired you to pursue design as a career?
I am the founder of THE CREATIVE 10 DESIGN STUDIO. To me, space is not just a collection of structures but a vessel for emotions and the soul. My inspiration to pursue design came from a desire to materialise abstract thoughts through the pursuit of "atmosphere" (Jing), allowing individuals to experience peace and inspiration in their daily lives.
2 What does being recognised in the French Design Awards mean to you?
Being recognised by the French Design Awards signifies that our dedication to aesthetics and detail transcends cultural boundaries. It is not just an honour; it is a validation of our philosophy—transforming life sensations into a higher level of art.
3 How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?
This achievement has greatly motivated our team. It has enhanced THE CREATIVE 10’s international visibility and attracted more challenging commissions, providing us the opportunity to practice our ideals of "spatial storytelling" on a broader global stage.
4 What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?
Experimentation is at the core of our design. We often challenge traditional material usage. For instance, in our award-winning work, we attempted to blur the boundaries between light, shadow, and physical form, creating a sense of fluid visual experience through layered textures rather than simply following function.
5 What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?
The concept of "negative space" (Liu-Bai) in poetry and philosophy. I once drew inspiration from ancient verses regarding the passage of time, translating the interplay between reality and emptiness into the flow of an interior layout.
6 What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the design process?
I wish more people understood that design is not just about decoration; it’s about "problem-solving" and "defining life." Behind every great design lies countless hours of precise calculation and a delicate balance of sensibility.
7 How do you navigate the balance between meeting client expectations and staying true to your ideas?
I view this not as a conflict, but as a process of "co-creation." I dedicate significant time to listening to my clients' visions for their lives, treating their needs as the foundation of the design. I then amplify this through my professional aesthetics and interpretation of "Jing" (atmosphere). When my creative ideas effectively address the client’s pain points and elevate their quality of life, my design philosophy and their expectations reach a perfect synergy.
8 What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was pursuing perfection within constraints. We had to balance budget with craftsmanship precision. Ultimately, through deep dialogue with artisans, we developed unique construction methods to flawlessly bring the details of our blueprints to life.
9 How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?
I choose to step away from screens and immerse myself in nature or reading. By sensing the subtle changes in the environment and reconnecting with myself, I allow my mind to reorganise creative threads in silence.
10 What personal values or experiences do you infuse into your designs?
"Authenticity" and "Humility." I believe space should serve people rather than overwhelm them. I infuse my designs with a connection to the land, allowing the work to present a restrained yet powerful presence.
11 What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?
Stay curious about the world and maintain your "uniqueness." Don't just follow trends; try to dig into the essence behind things—that is the fuel that will carry you through a long career.
12 If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
Architect Peter Zumthor. His masterful use of material sensations and precise control over spatial atmosphere have always been benchmarks that we study and aspire to achieve.
13 What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?
"What do you want people living here to feel?" My answer: "To feel understood and completely relaxed."
