An Interview with Yuan Tian about Design & Inspiration

Thank you! I'm a landscape designer based in LA. I’ve always been a curious and observant person. I think that curiosity, along with an early love for traditional Chinese painting, really shaped how I see the world. I was fascinated by how design could turn abstract ideas into something people can actually experience—so I naturally found my way into this field.

It means a lot. It’s not just a recognition of one project, but a reminder to pause and reflect on my journey so far. It also encourages me to keep pushing forward and exploring new ideas.

Definitely. Seeing the amazing work from other winners gave me fresh perspectives on how people approach design across cultures and disciplines. It’s also helped me connect with others in the design community, which I really value.

Experimentation is at the heart of what I do. Whether it’s testing materials, rethinking spatial strategies, or even questioning site data, I see design as a space for curiosity and iteration. In my awarded project Back on Rail, for example, I went deep into site research—sampling soil and water, reviewing environmental reports, and testing how remediation methods could shape the landscape itself.

Dreams and memories, for sure. One recurring childhood dream—wandering through a constantly shifting landscape—actually inspired a project. That surreal, fluid feeling became the basis for a design that used layers, light, and unexpected perspectives to evoke movement and memory.

That it’s all about solving problems. I see it more as staying curious, being playful, and trusting the process. The best ideas don’t always come from logic—they come from surprise.

I try to find common ground by designing with meaning—creating work that speaks to both the client’s needs and the deeper story the space wants to tell.

At first, I struggled to find a clear concept. I felt stuck and unsure. But through trial and error—and a lot of patience—I found the direction. It reminded me that clarity comes through doing, not waiting.

Nature and art help a lot. I love spending time in botanical gardens or getting lost in a good book or movie. These little breaks refresh my mind and open up new ways of thinking.

Absolutely. I believe design should respect what already exists—whether it’s natural systems or cultural context—but also imagine new possibilities. It’s about evolution, not disruption.

Stay curious, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to try something weird. That’s often where the magic happens.

Someone in stage design! I’ve always loved theatre and how it blends space with storytelling. I think it would be such an exciting way to expand my creative boundaries.

I don’t mind what people ask—as long as they feel something when they see the work. That emotional connection matters more than any specific question.