Interview
Ryoko Ogoshi
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
Yunlin County - A fertile ground for culture, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Under the leadership of County Magistrate Chang Li-Shan, Yunlin has embraced the limitless possibilities of government and communities working hand in hand. With the efforts of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Tourism, community empowerment has been embedded into Yunlin’s streets and neighbourhoods, allowing cultural and humanistic vitality to flourish once again.
Beyond its rich historical and cultural resources, Yunlin is reimagining its future through the lens of sustainable development and modern governance, transforming into one of Taiwan’s most vibrant counties—a place where young people are encouraged to return, engage, and pursue their dreams.
Director Chen Pi-Chun of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Tourism shares: “Yunlin is one of Taiwan’s key agricultural counties, blessed with profound cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. It represents one of the most authentically rural regions in the country. Since Magistrate Chang took office, we have encouraged every department to apply its expertise, creativity, and vision to propel Yunlin toward sustainable development.”
Over the years, Yunlin has cultivated a spirit of holistic community building. With the guidance of Asia University, the county has connected NGOs, community groups, and young innovators across its 20 townships, leading to the creation of its own community development brand—“Xiàng-Ái-Lài” (Inside the Alley)—and the publication of a comprehensive casebook. This work not only documents achievements but also serves as a platform for preserving and promoting local knowledge.
The casebook highlights diverse themes such as age-friendly initiatives, craftsmanship and the arts, cultural and religious heritage, and education. It stands as a testament to Yunlin’s commitment to sustainability and to advancing hand in hand with its communities. Through these collective efforts, Yunlin’s rural villages are being redefined—not only as places of cultural and ecological value, but also as dynamic spaces where younger generations can confidently return to live, innovate, and thrive.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
I feel like this is my calling.
3 Tell us more about your agency/company, job profile, and what you do.
My company name is Articious Co., Ltd., operating as RON DESIGN. Articious is a coined word that combines the words "art" and "precious." This is because we would like to help our clients create their own unique artistic and valuable spaces. Ron of Ron Design was named after me.
4 What does “design” mean to you?
When I design something, I feel like I'm creating a scene from a movie.
5 What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I love the design of luxury homes because I can use my experience as a woman.
6 To you, what makes a “good” design?
A good space can move people.
7 How did you come up with the idea for your award-winning design?
I thought about what it would be like if the owner and his friends gathered in a man's den, and I imagined my favorite sexy Hollywood stars there. I aimed for a design that wouldn't tell what era or country it was from.
8 What was your main source of inspiration for this design?
The movies The Godfather and The Matrix, and an encounter with a piece of wallpaper from a wallpaper collection by Fornasetti, (Cole ＆ Son/Senza Tempo), a designer I respect and love. I wanted space to be timeless and to feel like I was in another dimension. I was fascinated by the monkey in the design, and in my fantasy, the monkey comes to life in the middle of the night and transports guests to a magical man cave.
9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
I think so. I am good at eclectic combinations of traditional Japanese crafts and techniques with foreign furniture.
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the French Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
I am very happy that my work has been recognized by such wonderful judges from all over the world. I am very happy to have been selected as Gold. I would like to work not only in Japan but also overseas if possible, so this title will be very beneficial to my career. Thank you very much.
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the French Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I think the French Design Award is fair because the judges do not know the applicant's nationality, affiliation, etc. I felt that this work was a very attractive and wonderful space, and I wanted people around the world to see traditional Japanese crafts and sustainable art, so I gave it a try.
12 What were the main challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?
We thought about how to make the layout of the wine cellar and golf simulation space more dramatic. The wine cellar is designed with a view of bottle etiquette, enhancing the mood of guests during a game of billiards.
13 How do you think winning this award will impact your future as a designer?
I hope this award will help us capture the attention of future clients both domestically and internationally.
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about the design industry?
When I see the moment the space I designed becomes a reality. When I design a space, I want to feel like a film director or a stage director. I feel happy when I encounter the wonderful nature that inspires my imagination. And I love the moment when that feeling is translated into a design.
15 What sets your design apart from others in the same category?
I think my mancave design is dramatic and sexy. On the other hand, I think the residence section is an interesting fusion of East and West.
16 Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
The design will become borderless, and advances in communication methods such as Zoom and Skype may make it possible to monitor designs with less travel.
17 What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create award-winning designs?
Please don't give up on your dreams and keep trying.
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
This is a very difficult question. This is because everyone has a different background. If it were me, I would recommend keeping a heart that feels good.
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
At the age of 44, I re-evaluated my life after being hospitalized for a month due to sudden hearing loss. When I was discharged from the hospital, I couldn't walk straight, I couldn't ride a bike, and I was too scared to drive a car. Of course, I can do all those things now. Moving forward without giving up on your dreams is an important source of strength.
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I am inspired by my family. My father was a chief engineer on a foreign route, so there were many rare items from overseas in my house. My grandmother also valued old Japanese things. I first became interested in combining it when I was a child and my grandfather called me Ron.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
No matter how old I am, I will never forget the feelings of a dream girl. The parting words are…… Thank you. Let's meet again. Positive thinking is important.
22 Which THREE (3) friends/peers would you nominate to participate in the next French Design Awards?
I’m not sure at this moment.
23 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I get inspiration for my designs from the nature of the earth. We all, as human beings, need to protect this beautiful land. Each person needs to be aware of sustainability.
