1Congratulations on winning in the TITAN Property Awards! Tell us more about your company, studio, or yourself.
SY Design Group is a design studio committed to the integration of spatial aesthetics and humanistic principles, led by myself, Kevin Chen. Our mission is to incorporate "the warmth of life" into our designs, crafting nuanced spatial narratives that foster engagement with users and evoke emotional memories and inner resonance.
2Could you walk us through the concept and unique features of your award-winning project?
Our project the “Dawn’s Embrace”, is a new interpretation of public spaces in contemporary high-end residences. Centered around three core elements—soft light, art, and nature—we combined gridded lighting effects, suspended installations, and textured stone materials to create a shared space that balances a sense of ritual with a human touch. It is more than just a reception area; it’s a gallery-like sanctuary that welcomes every returning soul.
3What do you believe makes this project stand out in the property industry?
What distinguishes this project is our innovative approach to "imagining the concept of home." Rather than simply designing a physical space, we have reimagined the community area as an emotional landscape, effectively integrating architecture, nature, and art. This initiative embodies a cohesive vision of contemporary residential aesthetics, reflecting a profound understanding of community dynamics and human experience.
4What's the first thought that crossed your mind when you found out you had won in the award?
“My efforts and persistence have been duly recognized.” I am filled with gratitude for this acknowledgment. This honor is a testament not only to our dedicated team but also to our esteemed client, and it reflects our steadfast commitment to creating exceptional spaces.
5What's the inspiration or story behind your winning entry? Was there a meaningful moment during its creation that you would like to share?
The design inspiration is derived from the concept of "clouds." Our objective was to create a space that embodies fluidity and tranquility, thereby welcoming all individuals who enter and facilitating the alleviation of fatigue and stress. The suspended lighting elements, which evoke the appearance of floating feathers and cloud formations, reflect a poetic interpretation of everyday life.
6What was the most surprising or unexpected element of your entry's journey from concept to completion?
The most unexpected moment occurred when a resident casually stated, “This place feels more like a spiritual sanctuary than merely a home.” This observation led us to recognize that design extends beyond mere aesthetics and functionality; it has the potential to touch hearts and promote well-being. We had not anticipated that our meticulous attention to detail would elicit such a profound emotional connection, and this feedback has since become our most invaluable source of motivation.
7Designing properties often requires balancing art and science. How do you harmonize aesthetics with functionality in your work?
We hold the belief that effective design should enhance the quality of everyday life. Accordingly, our approach to spatial planning originates from the user's perspective, deftly employing natural light, material textures, concealed storage, and fluid circulation to achieve a harmonious balance between beauty and functionality. To us, beauty transcends mere visual appeal; it embodies the experience and tranquility derived from every meticulously considered detail.
8What's the one challenge from this entry that you're most proud of overcoming?
The primary challenge encountered was achieving optimal spatial proportions and effective light layering within a tall communal area. It was essential to balance artistic installations with architectural coherence in order to create an environment that is both serious and welcoming, as well as artistic without being ostentatious. I take particular pride in our ability to direct natural light to flow seamlessly through the interior and extend outdoors, ensuring harmony with the materials and structural elements.
9How do you think this recognition will impact your career or future projects?
This recognition serves not only as a significant honor but also as a source of empowerment. It enhances our confidence to persist in creating designs that resonate emotionally and enables us to convey world-class narratives through the medium of Taiwanese design on the global stage.
10How do you think your entry contributes to the future of property design and development?
We assert that property design should extend beyond mere architectural considerations and spatial efficiency; it must also encompass human emotions and spiritual needs. Our objective is to develop what we refer to as the "warm public artworks" of future cities.
11Sustainability is an important topic in today’s world. How do you integrate eco-conscious practices into your projects?
We select materials that effectively balance aesthetic appeal and durability, including translucent marble, matte metal, and warm wood textures. This strategic choice aims to extend the life cycle of the space while also mitigating the environmental impact associated with frequent renovations. Furthermore, we capitalize on natural light and supplement it with energy-efficient lighting solutions to reduce overall energy consumption.
Most importantly, our objective is to subtly guide users toward adopting eco-friendly living habits through the spatial arrangement, illumination, and incorporation of greenery. In doing so, we endeavor to make sustainability an integral aspect of everyday life, rather than merely a design principle.
12Are there any upcoming projects or ideas that you’re particularly excited about pursuing?
We are currently developing a residential project that integrates nature, community, and curatorial functions, extending the scope of design into a larger urban symbiosis system. Our hope is that it provides urban dwellers with a genuine sense of spiritual belonging.
13If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring designers or developers entering the field today, what would it be?
One should refrain from hastily creating a portfolio. Instead, it is essential to begin by attentively listening to the emotions and needs of individuals. Design fundamentally serves humanity. When one genuinely cares for others, the outcome is the creation of environments that resonate deeply with them. This principle has consistently guided our endeavors.
