Chi-Lun Wei’s Approach to Enhancing Everyday Life & Connections | 20 Years of Design Excellence

I am an interior designer passionate about creating spaces that balance functionality and aesthetics. Over the years, I have specialised in designing residential, commercial, and temple spaces, and recently, I have delved into healthcare facility design. My journey in design began with a family background in woodworking and furniture-making, complemented by a formal education in interior design. With over 20 years of professional experience, I have led numerous innovative projects.

Design, to me, is a way of expressing ideas and solving problems. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by how spaces influence people's emotions and lives. This passion inspired me to choose a career that allows me to unleash my creativity and positively impact everyday experiences.

I lead a multidisciplinary design firm specialising in tailored design solutions for our clients. Our services cover the entire process, from conceptualisation to project management, ensuring every detail aligns with the client’s vision. Additionally, I manage a skilled engineering team to ensure our designs are both innovative and practical for implementation.

Design, to me, is the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. It is not just about visual appeal but about creating meaningful experiences by understanding needs and overcoming challenges.

I particularly enjoy designing temples, as they allow traditional cultural knowledge to be reinterpreted with modern aesthetics. This process beautifully merges spiritual purification with design excellence. Through my work, I strive to resonate with both the older and younger generations, passing on positivity and inspiration.

A "good" design should seamlessly combine form and function. It should be intuitive, sustainable, and deeply connected to its users, enhancing their quality of life.

The idea for this design emerged through close collaboration with the client, deeply understanding their vision and challenges. I focused on balancing creative expression with practical needs by carefully selecting elements and integrating a sense of serene aesthetics.

The main inspiration came from Zen Buddhism, drawing on natural textures and their harmonious adaptation to the environment. This philosophy guided me in creating fluid and functional spaces that resonate with users’ needs.

Absolutely! Taiwan's rich Chinese cultural heritage has profoundly shaped my understanding of balance, craftsmanship, and storytelling. I often integrate these cultural values into my designs, creating spaces that are modern yet deeply rooted in tradition.

Thank you! This award is a tremendous recognition of the hard work and dedication of my entire team. It motivates us to continue striving for excellence and reinforces our belief in the transformative power of design.

My award-winning project is a space design that integrates traditional and modern elements, aiming to evoke a sense of serenity and inspiration. I chose this project because it showcases how we seamlessly integrate cultural values into contemporary design while achieving a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetics, reflecting our profound understanding of design.

The biggest challenge was balancing functionality with maintaining design consistency and aesthetics in a limited space. We overcame this through meticulous planning, innovative material selection, and close collaboration with the client, ultimately creating a space that is both practical and visually impactful.

Winning this award is a significant milestone in my design career. It not only enhances my professional reputation but also motivates me to explore more innovative design possibilities. Additionally, it helps attract like-minded collaborators and clients, laying a solid foundation for future growth.

1. Unlimited creativity: Design allows me to turn ideas into reality, unleashing boundless imagination.

2. Inspiring others: Seeing how my designs improve lives and bring convenience provides immense fulfilment.

3. Continuous learning: Every project offers an opportunity to grow and refine my skills.

My designs emphasise blending cultural and modern aesthetics while creating emotional connections with users. I also pay great attention to detail and the overall spatial experience, ensuring the design excels in visual appeal, tactile quality, and functionality.

In the next 5 to 10 years, the design industry will increasingly focus on the integration of sustainability and technology, with significant growth in demand for smart homes and green architecture. Advancements in digital design tools and virtual reality will also revolutionise the design process, unlocking new opportunities for innovation.

1. Deeply understand user needs to make your designs meaningful.

2. Continuously learn the latest design techniques and industry trends.

3. Be bold in challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

I recommend taking professional design courses, reading design-related books, and actively attending industry conferences and seminars. Regularly exploring design platforms like Behance and Pinterest is an excellent way to gain inspiration. Most importantly, participating in real projects and networking with peers can rapidly improve skills and provide invaluable experience.

Although I am a designer, I have a deep passion for travelling and appreciating the beauty and culture of different places. After completing a design project, stepping out of the office to explore the world is both a way to relax and a constant source of inspiration for me.

My inspiration comes from the harmonious and profound beauty of nature. Nature teaches me how to incorporate simple yet meaningful elements into design and inspires me to integrate the philosophy of balance into my practice, creating spaces that are both comforting and thought-provoking.

The key to success lies in focus and continuous learning. I believe that maintaining a passion for design, embracing challenges, and learning from mistakes are the best ways to achieve continuous growth and success.

Thank you so much for this interview opportunity. I hope my experiences can inspire other designers, and I look forward to collaborating with more designers and clients in the future to create stunning works together.