Translating Nature into Space with Liao Wei-Chiang – Director of Dong Lin Interior Design Construction

I’m an architectural and interior designer, constantly inspired by the rhythm of the waves. For me, design is much like the sea—mysterious, fluid, and full of unexpected beauty. From a young age, I’ve had a deep sensitivity to space. I would often find myself imagining how ordinary settings could be transformed into emotionally immersive experiences.

As I grew, travelling and engaging in water sports opened my eyes to how nature—its flowing curves, the play of light and shadow, and the tension held within open space—could be translated into a design language. That realisation sparked a passion in me, one that continues to guide my creative journey with unwavering dedication.

This recognition is more than an award—it is a bridge for meaningful dialogue with the global community. It validates that our work, while deeply rooted in local culture, can also be understood, appreciated, and celebrated across cultures. More importantly, it gives me the courage to keep pushing boundaries and to craft a new design language—one that reflects the spirit, challenges, and aspirations of our time.

This achievement has opened the door to more international collaborations and cross-disciplinary invitations, while also greatly boosting our team’s confidence. For us, it’s more than a moment of recognition—it’s a source of momentum that propels us forward. It has deepened trust in our ability to take on projects of diverse scales and styles, and has paved the way for new partnerships with both brands and artists.

I’ve always believed that without experimentation, there can be no true breakthrough. It’s much like surfing—you have to ride countless waves before discovering the perfect line.

In the project that received this award, I explored a technique of deconstructing and reassembling building materials. Elements traditionally reserved for exterior façades were reimagined and brought into the interior, blurring the boundary between inside and out. This spirit of experimentation allowed the project to break free from convention and offer a completely new spatial experience.

After a storm at sea, I once witnessed the waves stirring up foam and fragments, creating a scene that felt both fragile and resilient. That fleeting moment stayed with me and became a quiet source of inspiration. It led me to explore the layering of materials in my work—juxtaposing transparency with raw, tactile textures to evoke the calm that lingers after the storm has passed.

I hope people come to see that design isn’t born from a single spark of inspiration, but from a long process of refinement and iteration. Every detail that appears effortless is, in truth, the result of countless trials and adjustments—much like surfing, where you may fall a hundred times before catching that one perfect wave.

I often say that design is like a duet: the client brings their everyday needs, and I bring my spatial imagination. Both sides must listen closely to one another in order to find true harmony. The goal isn’t compromise, but rather a point of resonance—where the design not only reflects the client’s way of life, but also carries my creative vision.

The greatest challenge often lies in preserving a project’s integrity amid tight deadlines and limited budgets. It’s like sailing into a headwind—you can’t change the wind, but you can adjust your sail. By choosing flexible material alternatives and maintaining precise construction management, I work to ensure that the final result stays true to the original vision.

When I hit a creative block, I return to the sea. Standing atop a wave, my mind clears, and my body yields completely to the power of the ocean. In that moment of surrender and focus, something shifts—and when I return to my work, I often find a renewed flow of inspiration waiting for me.

Freedom, adventure, and authenticity—these are the three core values I strive to bring into every design. Freedom allows me to move beyond limitations. Adventure gives me the courage to explore new possibilities. And authenticity ensures that my work speaks sincerely to people’s emotions and needs.

Don’t be afraid of failure. Design isn’t about finding the perfect answer—it’s the outcome of endless exploration and experimentation. Observe more. Feel life deeply. Let inspiration come from the waves, a quiet street corner, or even a simple cup of coffee—and then, with courage, let it flow into your work.

If given the opportunity, I would love to collaborate with Tadao Ando. Through his mastery of concrete and light, he has crafted some of the most poetic spaces—shaping the softest emotions from the hardest materials. I believe that working alongside him would teach me how to cultivate a deeper harmony between architecture and nature.

The question I most hope to be asked is: “What is the deeper message behind your work?”

And my answer would be: “I want people to feel the same sense of freedom and energy in a space as they do out on the open sea—full of tension, yet deeply calm.”