1Congratulations on winning the MUSE Design Awards! Can you introduce yourself and share about what inspired you to pursue design as a career?
As a holder of a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Art Design from South China Normal University, I’ve dedicated over 15 years to bridging aesthetics and functionality. As co-founder of Drean Group in 2015 (now serving as CEO of its lighting design subsidiary), I champion the ethos of "activating spaces through light."
My journey—from earning China’s national lighting designer certification and Professional Engineer title to recognition by the Asia Association for Lighting Design—has been driven by a consistent goal: solving spatial challenges with light. Projects like Yun Tai Shan Nightscape and Foshan Times I-City Art Center demonstrate how lighting doesn’t just illuminate—it gives architecture a narrative.
2What does being recognized in the MUSE Design Awards mean to you?
Sticking with lighting design through all its ups and downs is an achievement in itself. This award feels like a high-five from the world stage, giving us the confidence to highlight why good lighting truly matters—after all, we are the 'light whisperers' of architecture.
3How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?
With its prestigious jury and selective winning rate, the MUSE Design Awards confirms that our lighting projects meet global standards of innovation, aesthetics, and sustainability. More importantly, it validates our design philosophy, helping us secure premium projects where true design value shines and deepening clients’ appreciation for lighting design.
4What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?
Experimentation is a key part of our design process. It's how we validate ideas with clients and turn concepts into reality through technical innovation.
Take our GET Space project: we prototyped relentlessly to embed lighting within curtain walls without compromising their daytime appearance. That 'starry canopy' effect took months of optical testing, luminaire R&D, and structural engineering to perfect those celestial points of light. Every brilliant solution goes through trial and error.
5What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?
True inspiration isn't found — it's forged through professional dedication and discipline. Everyday observations of nature and life inspire powerful solutions through continuous, project-focused thinking.
6What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the design process?
Design isn't just about sketches — it's a comprehensive technical process that solves unforeseen problems and controls costs. In lighting design, we're not just suppliers; we create optimal solutions that balance effects and budgets.
7How do you navigate the balance between meeting client expectations and staying true to your ideas?
Most clients already appreciate our design approach before collaborating. Each project has its unique DNA—we build on their recognition of our expertise to objectively analyze possibilities, achieving the perfect balance between vision, needs, and execution.
8What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?
Challenges still exist in collaborating with new clients and unfamiliar teams, like architects. We overcome this through meticulous communication and transparency, gradually building trust for seamless cross-disciplinary cooperation.
9How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?
Basketball used to be my favorite. Now I travel, immerse myself in nature, then meditate, clearing my mind to return with renewed focus.
10What personal values or experiences do you infuse into your designs?
Believing in belief itself. Persistent, solution-focused design will ultimately gain market recognition.
11What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?
Great journeys begin with small steps. Stay hungry and patient and build your foundation steadily.
12If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
I.M. Pei’s philosophy of 'designing with light' has fundamentally shaped my career.
13What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?
Where’s the real value in design?
My answer would be in controlling budgets throughout the entire project lifecycle.
