Xingzhi Ou

My journey in interior design began when I was a child, rearranging furniture in my room for fun.

Our interior design company, Ten Wide Interior Design, is headquartered in Taiwan. We are led by two highly experienced senior interior design directors. We specialise in creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable. We believe in the transformative power of design to enhance the quality of life for users. Our team handles every project with meticulous care, ensuring that we deliver the highest quality of work for our clients. With extensive knowledge and expertise, we have been involved in projects ranging from residential to commercial spaces. We are committed to providing excellent design solutions that meet our client's needs and exceed their expectations. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and goals, striving to create designs that reflect their unique style and personality. Consider "Ten Wide Interior Design" for your interior design needs.

To me, "design" means an innovative process that involves understanding a problem, conceptualising solutions, and implementing those solutions. It is the art and science of creating something that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and purposeful. Design is about creating experiences, evoking emotions, and making life more enjoyable. It's a way of looking at the world and finding opportunities to improve it. It's about thinking outside the box and pushing boundaries to create something unique and impactful. In essence, design is a powerful tool for change and improvement.

Sustainable design is particularly attractive. Sustainable design, also known as eco-design, is a design philosophy that emphasises the importance of creating products and services that not only serve human needs but also minimise environmental impact. This approach is favoured because it considers the full life cycle of products and services, from sourcing materials to disposal, and aims to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create solutions that are efficient and beneficial to both people and the planet. It's a way of designing that's not just about today, but also about the future. It's about thinking beyond immediate needs and considering the long-term consequences of our design decisions. This is why sustainable design is often seen as a critical component of responsible and forward-thinking design practises.

In interior design, a "good" design is often considered one that successfully balances aesthetics, functionality, and comfort. Here's a more detailed explanation: Aesthetics: A well-designed space should be visually pleasing. This involves the careful use of colours, textures, lighting, and furniture to create a harmonious and cohesive look. Functionality: Good design is not just about looks – it also needs to serve the space's intended purpose. This means considering how the space will be used and ensuring it facilitates these activities. For example, a well-designed kitchen should make cooking and cleaning as easy as possible. Comfort: A space should not only look good and functional, but it should also be comfortable. This involves considering factors such as ergonomics, acoustics, and climate control. Personalisation: A good design should reflect the personality and preferences of its residents. It should feel personal and 'lived in', rather than generic or impersonal. Sustainability: Increasingly, good design also means being environmentally friendly. This can include using sustainable materials, maximising natural light to save energy costs, or designing in a way that minimises waste. In essence, good interior design enhances the quality of life for people using space, while also being mindful of broader environmental and societal impacts. It's a delicate balance of art, science, psychology, and philosophy.

Our design philosophy prioritises creating a harmonious and sustainable environment tailored to the client's needs. Ensuring a safe, pollution-free dining space is our top priority. We aim to achieve this by incorporating ample natural light through glass exteriors, seamlessly integrating barrier-free pathways, and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

"Coming Home for Dinner": Nostalgia for the Taste of Home Each city exudes its unique charm, embodying the essence of our hometowns and representing the most exquisite tastes in the world. For wanderers abroad, longing for their hometown, only "culinary delights" can alleviate our longing for our roots, and "Taiwanese street snacks" have become ambassadors of our culture. Inspired by our surroundings, our love of food transcends boundaries. We have infused Taiwanese culinary culture and a cosy atmosphere into the space, inviting guests to experience the comfort and warmth of home-cooked meals.

As an interior designer, my design process is deeply influenced by the cultural heritage of my homeland. With its unique blend of historical richness and contemporary vibrancy, it profoundly shaped my creative perspective. Traditional architecture, with its emphasis on harmony, balance, and respect for nature, has instilled in me a deep appreciation for spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also in harmony with their surroundings. This philosophy is reflected in my designs, where I strive to create a seamless integration between the built environment and its natural context. Moreover, the rich cultural heritage, from its indigenous arts and crafts to its diverse culinary traditions, has inspired me to infuse my designs with a sense of place and identity. I believe that every space should tell a story, and I strive to incorporate elements of my country's culture into my designs to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. My country's commitment to sustainability and respect for nature has also had a significant impact on my design approach. I am committed to creating designs that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally responsible. This involves using sustainable materials, optimising energy efficiency, and designing in a way that minimises environmental impact. In essence, my heritage has shaped not only my design aesthetics but also my design ethics. It has taught me to design with a sense of responsibility – to the environment, to the community, and to the cultural heritage that we inherit and pass on to future generations.

As the recipient of the prestigious French Design Award, this recognition is an important milestone for me and my partners and team. This award is not only a recognition of our design excellence but also a testament to our commitment, hard work, and innovative spirit. Winning the French Design Award further solidifies our position in the local and international design industry. It gives us new opportunities to showcase our work on a larger stage and engage with a wider audience. This recognition also boosts the morale of our team, strengthens our belief in the value of our work, and inspires us to strive for greater heights.

Our goal is to create a warm and inviting dining atmosphere, reminiscent of being at home. The tables and chairs are designed to accommodate private dining for two or three people, as well as family gatherings. The kitchen features glass partitions, allowing diners to witness the cleanliness of food preparation, providing a sense of security similar to cooking in your kitchen. At the same time, we prioritise comprehensive accessibility design, including barrier-free access and accessible restroom provisions. Our design philosophy gives priority to creating a harmonious and sustainable environment, ensuring a safe, pollution-free dining space. We use materials that meet VOC and low formaldehyde (HCHO) standards, as well as innovative ventilation systems and energy-efficient lighting. The exterior walls provide ample natural light through glass, ensuring seamless integration between accessible pathways and indoor-outdoor spaces. Participation in the French Design Awards highlights our contribution to the field of interior design. It validates our design philosophy and approach and encourages us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in design. At its core, the French Design Award is more than just a trophy; it is a symbol of our dedication, creativity, and passion for design. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come and a beacon to guide our future endeavours.

One of the main challenges in the design process is striking a balance between the client's requirements and the designer's creativity and expertise. Sometimes clients may have specific requests or preferences that may conflict with the designer's vision or feasibility. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in establishing effective communication and collaboration. This involves carefully listening to the client's needs and expectations while also explaining and sharing the designer's perspective and professional recommendations. Through open dialogue and mutual understanding, a balance can be found to meet the client's needs while maintaining design quality and creativity. Another common challenge is budget and time constraints. At times, clients may have limited budgets or require the project to be completed within a short time frame. In such situations, designers need to find creative and efficient ways to maximise available resources while still maintaining design quality. This may include sourcing more cost-effective materials and solutions, optimising the design process to save time, and establishing good relationships with suppliers and contractors to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. Overall, overcoming challenges in the design process requires designers to have flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills while also fostering effective communication and collaboration to ensure that the final design meets the client's needs and achieves the desired results.

Winning this prestigious award has a profound impact on our future as designers. It not only validates our hard work and creativity but also opens up new avenues for growth and development. First, this recognition enhances our credibility in the design industry. It sets us apart from our competitors and makes us more attractive to potential clients who value award-winning expertise. This can lead to more opportunities for high-profile projects and collaborations. Secondly, the award can increase our visibility on an international scale. It puts us on the radar of the global design community and media, increasing our chances of being invited to international design events, exhibitions, and forums. This exposure can broaden our network and influence the global design scene. Finally, this award serves as an inspiration for us to continue pushing the boundaries of design. It encourages us to strive for excellence, innovate, and take on challenges that will further hone our skills and expand our design perspectives. In essence, winning this award is not just an achievement, but a catalyst that pushes us forward in our design journey. It is a stepping stone to greater success and a brighter future in design.

In the field of design, there are many aspects that I find particularly appealing. If I were to highlight my top three favourites, they would be as follows: Creativity: The design industry is a playground for creativity. It provides an avenue for expressing ideas and emotions in tangible form. The thrill of transforming a concept from an abstract idea into a concrete reality is truly exhilarating. Problem-Solving: Design is essentially a problem-solving activity. It involves identifying a need or challenge and coming up with a solution that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The satisfaction of successfully solving design challenges is immensely gratifying. Impact: Design has the power to influence how people interact with their environment, how they feel, and how they experience the world around them. Knowing that my work can have such a profound impact on people's lives brings a sense of purpose and fulfilment to what I do. These are the aspects of the design industry that I find most rewarding and they are what drive my passion for design.

In the world of design, standing out from the crowd is never easy. Perhaps the most striking feature of my design is that it is user-centric. From ergonomics to user interface, every aspect of the design has been carefully considered to ensure a bright, clean, and enjoyable user experience. Essentially, my designs stand out by offering a unique blend of comfort, quality, and human-centred design.

In my view, the design industry is poised to make a significant shift towards sustainability in the next 5 to 10 years. This transition is not just a trend, but a necessary response to the global challenges we face, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality. Sustainability in design goes beyond using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies. It involves a holistic approach that considers the entire life cycle of a product or building, from sourcing and manufacturing to use and end-of-life disposal. It's about creating designs that are not only beautiful and functional, but also have minimal impact on the environment and contribute positively to society. Sustainable design is all about innovation. It challenges us to rethink our traditional design practises, explore new materials and methods, and create solutions that are not only sustainable but also resilient and adaptable to changing conditions. In essence, the future of design is not just about making things look good. It's about doing good things. As designers, we have a responsibility to use our skills and creativity to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

To all aspiring designers aiming to create award-winning designs, I would like to share the following advice: Passion: Love what you do. Design is a journey, not a destination. It requires dedication, hard work, and a true love of craftsmanship. Your passion will fuel your creativity and keep you motivated during challenging times. Curiosity: Stay curious and never stop learning. The design industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, technologies, and materials emerging all the time. Keep yourself updated and always open to new ideas. Originality: Try to be original. Award-winning designs often stand out because they bring something new and unique to the table. Don't be afraid to break the rules and push the boundaries of what's possible. Empathy: Design with empathy. Understand your users' needs, desires, and experiences. Good design is not just about making things look good, it's also about making people feel good. Sustainability: Consider the environmental impact of your design. As designers, we have a responsibility to create sustainable designs that not only meet our needs but also protect our planet for future generations. Remember, every great designer was once an amateur. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Keep designing, keep improving, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. Your journey to creating an award-winning design starts now.

Social events and seminars provide invaluable opportunities for designers to engage with peers, receive feedback, and network with industry professionals. Attending design-related gatherings provides a platform for continuous learning and growth, facilitating the exchange of ideas and insights within the design community. Drawing inspiration from life experiences and observations enriches one's creative reservoir. It is important to recognise that building design skills are an ongoing journey of learning and practise. Maintaining curiosity, exploring new avenues, and stepping outside of one's comfort zone are essential aspects of this journey. Remember, design proficiency thrives on curiosity and exploration. Embrace opportunities to expand your horizons and cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning and innovation.

I haven’t thought of a candidate yet. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely encourage young designers or recommend them to fellow designers. Participating in the competition is a kind of affirmation and encouragement for myself.