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Interview with Noel To |
Home > Designer Interviews > Noel To |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Noel To (NT) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Noel To 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?
NT: Our team members have graduated BA(Hons) in interior design in HK/UK & Master of Arch. in the US, We like to create/develop something more character & fun. We like to study/present the story for those “things”.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
NT: SOMETHINK is a new studio working in architecture and interior design. Established in 2013, the studio was formed on the basis that good design should be ever-present and not just limited to the few.SOMETHINK has a wide range of experience, designing at all scales for private and commercial clients across the residential, retail, leisure and workplace sectors. The team develops close relationships with clients by providing support and advice throughout the project cycle, and when required, advice on how best to interpret their brand identity in the design of their spaces.
FS: What is "design" for you?
NT: “Design” we will name is a “skill” to present the history/story of the “product” we create.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
NT: Hotel / F&B / Architectural / Furniture / Art
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
NT: Jaime Hayon, Thomas Heatherwick
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
NT: The name “SOMETHINK”
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
NT: Wood
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
NT: Discussion with people during in being bored time
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
NT: We care about the history/story behind the project. Also what kind of message we like to show to people.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
NT: Try to enjoy the "painful" - the process of the creation.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
NT: Feeling exciting when the client/market appreciate your design /afford.
FS: What makes a design successful?
NT: A strong reasons/story to support your creation.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
NT: The story behind.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
NT: Do not keep thinking to create something "new", many elements can be re-development / re-create.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
NT: Nowadays, the computer technology is growing up so fast (e.g. 3D printer), we think the future of design will be mix with technology/science.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
NT: The A design will be our first one in this year
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
NT: Our idea comes from the living environment, memories happen in our life.
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?
NT: Contemporary / Comfortable / Fun
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?
NT: We are living in Hong Kong, the city made us feeling the energetic & quick reaction.
FS: How do you work with companies?
NT: Need to under the time schedules & budget.....sometimes feeling tired of fighting for more "benefit"
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
NT: It depends on the personalities match the company style or not, also the good design needs to be work independently & responsibilities.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
NT: After meeting with the client to know more about the project background & design brief. Start to research the "story/history" of the idea we suggest. Keep discuss & work with companies/clients see any input from their side. Sometime we need give up something, sometimes we need stand up to fight for something.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
NT: Sofa / art work on wall / bed / floor lamp & pendant
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
NT: Try to enjoy/learn from this "game".
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
NT: Responsibilities, use your eye.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
NT: Positives: Can leave your stamp on the market.Negative: Sometimes need to give up your gathering time with your friend/family.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
NT: Do not forget the reason for your design.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
NT: Mindset
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
NT: Pen/pencil, sketchbook, SketchUp, AutoCAD,3ds max.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
NT: Do not hold too many tasks on your own hand.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
NT: Will be around 4-6 weeks for the design stage.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
NT: Is too expensive, any cheaper?...............
FS: What was your most important job experience?
NT: Hotel
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
NT: Art installation. Less regulation of client.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
NT: Develop more art element project.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
NT: Yes. We have a different partner to in-charge of different "categories"
FS: How can people contact you?
NT: info@somethink.co
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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