1Congratulations on winning the French Design Awards! Can you introduce yourself and share about what inspired you to pursue design as a career?
I’m Wei-Ting Chen, Design Director of Ace Designs Studio. My journey into the design industry began with a simple yet striking realisation — many ordinary houses could be elevated into something truly beautiful through a designer’s vision, while those completed solely by carpenters often lacked aesthetic refinement.
This contrast deeply impressed me and ignited my passion for creating spaces that harmonise function with beauty. Later, through the introduction of an industry veteran — a friend of a friend — I had the opportunity to step into the world of design, which has since become my lifelong career.
2What does being recognised in the French Design Awards mean to you?
Winning the French Design Awards is an immense honour and a powerful affirmation of my work. It marks a significant milestone in my career, allowing me to stand out within the industry while reinforcing the trust and confidence of my clients. This recognition not only validates the creative vision behind my designs but also serves as motivation to continually push boundaries and deliver work that exceeds expectations.
3How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?
As we have just received the news of winning, I anticipate that this recognition will strengthen our clients’ confidence in our capabilities and reinforce their appreciation of our design philosophy. More importantly, I believe it will open doors to a wider and more diverse client base, allowing us to engage in projects of greater scale and variety. This achievement is not only a celebration for our team but also a catalyst for expanding our reach in the design market.
4What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?
Experimentation is an essential part of my creative process — every material, detail, and idea needs to be tested to truly discover its potential. In our award-winning project, a Pilates fitness studio, we explored various possibilities for the lighting design in the second-floor classroom.
After careful evaluation, we decided to experiment with the use of headlamps. The result exceeded our expectations — instead of the harsh glare of direct lighting, the headlamps produced a softer, more diffused glow that perfectly matched the studio’s atmosphere and enhanced users’ comfort.
5What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?
One of the most unexpected sources of inspiration for me has been Japanese animation. Anime often presents a bold and imaginative use of colour, along with highly stylised visual worlds. In particular, the cyberpunk aesthetic — with its neon lights, layered cityscapes, and futuristic energy — has influenced the way I approach mood, palette, and spatial storytelling in certain projects.
6How do you navigate the balance between meeting client expectations and staying true to your ideas?
I wish more people understood the depth of time, effort, and dedication that a design team invests into every project. Beyond the conceptual stage, we carefully consider everything — from material selection and supply coordination to the overall spatial planning. Another crucial element is the contribution of skilled construction teams.
7What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges in this project was complying with the strict regulations of the residential building regarding the installation of air-conditioning outdoor units. Through detailed research, coordination, and careful planning, we designed a solution that adhered to regulations while meeting functional needs.
8How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?
For me, the simplest and most effective way to overcome a creative block is to get enough rest. A good night’s sleep not only restores my energy but also helps clear my mind, allowing ideas to flow more naturally.
9What personal values or experiences do you infuse into your designs?
When it comes to values, I always begin by aligning with the client’s vision. As for life experiences, I draw heavily on insights gained from past projects, combining them with professional expertise to create solutions that are both aesthetically refined and functionally sound.
10What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?
My advice to aspiring designers is to spend as much time as possible on construction sites. The more you understand the practical side of implementation, the more refined and effective your designs will become.
11If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any designer, it would be the French designer Philippe Patrick Starck. I first encountered his work in design magazines, and his creativity left a deep impression on me. His collaborations with “Flos” demonstrate his ability to merge functionality, artistry, and brand identity seamlessly.
12What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?
The question I wish more people would ask is: “How is a design truly created?”
My answer is simple — it’s all about customisation. Every design should be a tailor-made response to the client’s needs, lifestyle, and aspirations.
