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Interview with Terry Chow |
Home > Designer Interviews > Terry Chow |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Terry Chow (TC) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Terry Chow by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
TC: It didn’t begin with the idea that “we need to design something”. Instead, we have always been thinking of what we need but cannot find it anywhere.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
TC: While Foxcat is newly established in 2014, our mother company is having more than 20 years of experience working closely with Nordic countries in providing quality sanitary and gardening products.
FS: What is "design" for you?
TC: It concerns about quality of life and therefore it is not simply an artistic expression but something benefiting the society and the people.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
TC: Things that can serve more than one purpose, things that are beyond expectations of people.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
TC: B&O Beo Lab 5, because when i used it means i have relax time
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
TC: First thing really don't remember. But first thing satisfactory is office interior design in year 2006
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
TC: We don’t really have a specific material that we like, but we like to mix-and-match things and make good use of new technology such as LED lighting.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
TC: I feel most creative when I notice that things are not in accordance. For example, when we are dining outside, sometimes we may find that the knife doesn’t suit, and all of a sudden I will be dominated by the desire to create one. Or when we are walking down the street and feel that the street lamps do not match, I will immediately ask myself why it looks like this.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
TC: We always focus on the overall. The key is about controlling yourself not to add too many details on one product. Always keep it simple.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
TC: We feel happy. Full of enjoyment.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
TC: Happiness, excitement.
FS: What makes a design successful?
TC: Don’t think so much, follow the designer instinct and make what you like.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
TC: Whether it contains any “newness”. Whether it is simple and easy to use or not.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
TC: A designer is one of pioneers in improving the society and environment. That’s why they should design something that can bring sustainable benefits to the people.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
TC: The design field is evolving as more technologies are getting into it. Designers should be more experimental and seek for more new breakthroughs in the coming future.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
TC: Our last exhibition was in IFFS, Singapore. We target to hold our next exhibition at Maison & Objet Paris and Cosmit – Salone Internazionale del Mobile Milano.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
TC: Inspiration is here all the time and therefore there is no need to find it. Open yourself to your surroundings and that’s all.
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
TC: To make it as functional as it can. So it is about discovering insufficiencies and solving them throughway the way. Solve all the problems first before you present to others.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
TC: I was born and brought up in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is an amazing city as it contains many different cultural elements. But sometimes you feel that everything is too fast and people are likely to complicate things, making everything too “full”. Probably that’s why we feel the need to design simple things.
FS: How do you work with companies?
TC: Since we have our own manufactory, we can make good use of the facility and enjoy sufficient manpower. These help us a lot in ensuring the quality and efficiency with other parties.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
TC: Initial selection is very important. Companies need to be very clear about what is a good designer for them. When they have got the right one, things can work out easier.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
TC: Don’t fall into the trap of over-thinking. Instead, try it out, solve the problems one by one and get the work done.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
TC: Y Chair, B&O BeoLab 5, Vase by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, Tom Everhart snoopy panel paint, Poliform Dama Small Table.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
TC: During non-working hours, I will walk outside, discovering new places, new things and get inspired.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
TC: Keep trying and learning as much as you can.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
TC: To me, it is always positive. It is a blessing that one is able to design and create something.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
TC: You need to like your design. Otherwise, don’t work on it.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
TC: I think it is most important to be aware not to put too much on the thing you design. Always look for a balance between style and function.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
TC: Both the computer toolbox and classic toolbox carrying stuff like screwdriver and tapes.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
TC: I am still facing problems in this. I must say that I am not good at it.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
TC: It depends.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
TC: “Can you try and show me why it doesn’t work?”
FS: What was your most important job experience?
TC: Merchandiser. It allows me to see a wide range of different things.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
TC: We target almost all the people.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
TC: Product design because people can be benefited by the design as they can use it.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
TC: To hold more exhibitions and create our next product.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
TC: I’m working with a great team.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
TC: We are working on some other products with LED lighting.
FS: How can people contact you?
TC: terry.chow@foxcatdesign.com facebook: foxcatdesign
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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