Interviews with Jackson Y. K. Chia

I strongly believe that with a good design could create a better world to our nation. when i was a child i love to draw and paint along the growing up i love music as well, it's clear an artist is born.

The concept development for me is priorities then follow by space planing to make the whole design functional, the 3D fly through help a lot to discover some uncover area.

I would say is motivating and fun when designing.

The love and passion of arts shape me to become a designer today. Hand sketching, painting and playing musical instrument help to versitile the art sense.

My dream project is to design any remarkable landmark project for example Art Gallery or Casino.

Be passionate, humble and enjoy the process or journey to discover your signature style in design.

Do not give up easily, trust your passion and love toward the art, love what you do and do what you love, humble is the key to various knowledge.

I absolutely love what im doing and 24 hours were not enough for a day.

Yes is matter because civilization are evoving everyday, as a designer we need to understand the trend and stay up to date and counter offer a better version of the trend or create a new trend.

Well first we need to understand the design objective to create a strong concept, and from strong concept we create features of indentity as well as experience and knowledge toward all sort of materials.

There isn't pefect design but the design meet the objective yet it creatively artistic and fully functional, there i think is ready.

Bunga Raya Resort and Spa located at Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu. This is because the resort have a strong post modern native indentity concept in it.

There were a lot but i can name a few, Architect William Allen Alsop, Architect Santiago Calatrava Valls and Architect Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid. I would love to hang out with both great Ar William Alsop and Ar Zaha Hadid.

Enjoying sunset at the beach and playing some blues guitar.

Well in this industries of design we need to educate client on the value of art vs money and is hard but without art this world will be boring, so i guess by making our client understand this industries is very important.

A very power statement "Whatever good things we build end up building us" by Jim Rohn.

Me and my team never think of winning, we learnt a lot through out the process and we truely honoured and enjoyed it all the way. We extend our thank you for all of the love and support from all around.

Our main focus was to craft a dining experience that immerses guests in the soul of Indian hospitality — warm, expressive, and memorable. We wanted to achieve a balance between cultural storytelling and a refined modern ambiance that enhances both comfort and curiosity.

We hope to build on this award-winning design by expanding its concept into future outlets or franchise opportunities, while continuing to refine and adapt the aesthetic to different locations. The goal is to establish Blue Tandoor as a design-forward dining brand that’s instantly recognizable yet locally relevant

The concept development took approximately 2 to 3 months, including research, mood boarding, and refining the design narrative to align with the brand’s vision. From there, we moved into detailing and execution planning

This design was commissioned, but it was also a collaborative journey. The client had a clear vision for a modern Indian dining experience, and we were inspired to translate that into a space that tells a story — rich in color, culture, and character. It was about bringing their dream to life while elevating it with our own creative perspective.

The design is currently exclusive to Blue Tandoor Restaurant & Grill, with no plans to sell or lease the rights. However, as the brand grows, we are open to scaling the design across future branches while maintaining design integrity and originality.

We were drawn to this project because it allowed us to blend culture, storytelling, and modern design. Designing a space for Indian cuisine gave us a rich palette of inspiration — from colors and materials to spatial rhythm — and the opportunity to create something truly immersive and meaningful

While the core concept was original to our team, we drew subtle inspiration from traditional Indian architecture and contemporary hospitality design. We also studied the work of leading designers in restaurant interiors globally — not to replicate, but to understand how atmosphere and identity can be powerfully shaped through detail and materiality.

The target customer is the modern diner who appreciates both authentic Indian cuisine and a thoughtfully designed environment — someone seeking not just a meal, but a full sensory experience that blends tradition with contemporary style.

Its ability to honor the rich cultural heritage of Indian cuisine while presenting it through a fresh, modern lens. We combined bold color palettes, curved architectural forms, and handcrafted details to create a space that feels both authentic and unexpectedly refined — not just themed, but truly curated

It is the official brand name itself.

We used a combination of design tools throughout the project, including SketchUp for 3D modeling and visualization, Lumion for rendering, and Autocad for presentation and detailing. These tools helped us communicate the concept clearly and bring the design to life with precision.

The most unique aspect of our design is how it merges the warmth and authenticity of Indian culture with a modern architectural language. From the signature curved forms to the deep blue tones and brass accents, every detail was crafted to create a distinctive, immersive dining atmosphere that feels both elevated and culturally grounded.

We worked closely with architect, kitchen planners, and skilled craftsmen to ensure that every technical detail aligned with the aesthetic vision. Their specialized expertise was essential in bringing the concept to life with both functionality and finesse.

Technology supported the design process primarily through visualization and precision. We used 3D modeling, rendering, and digital drafting tools to develop and refine the concept, ensuring design accuracy and clear communication with the client and contractors. It allowed us to preview the atmosphere and make informed decisions before construction began.

Yes, the design was guided by a mix of cultural research, spatial analysis, and customer behavior insights. We studied traditional Indian dining elements, material symbolism, and color psychology, alongside research on flow, seating comfort, and ambiance preferences in modern restaurants. This helped us create a space that’s not only visually compelling but also functionally thoughtful

One of the main challenges was striking the right balance between tradition and modernity — ensuring the space felt authentic without becoming overly themed. We also had to work within spatial and budget constraints, which required smart material choices and creative spatial planning to maintain the intended ambiance without compromise

We decided to submit the design to an international competition because we believed Blue Tandoor represented a strong blend of cultural storytelling and contemporary design — something that could resonate on a global stage. It was also an opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity from our region to a wider audience

Throughout the design process, we deepened our understanding of how to translate cultural identity into a modern spatial experience. It challenged us to be more intentional with materials, form, and emotion — and reinforced the importance of storytelling in design. It was a valuable growth experience in both creative expression and client collaboration.

We’d just like to add that this project was more than just a design — it was a narrative brought to life through collaboration, intention, and a shared vision with our client. We're proud that Blue Tandoor not only offers a unique dining experience but also reflects how thoughtful design can celebrate culture in a contemporary world.

The main focus is the symbolic between the highest mount in northern Borneo and this proposed design.

With this award winning given me courage to be a better version of me in design future.

It's took around 1 and a half month to complete the design.

This proposed design propety is the highest building in northern borneo so i decided to reflect the higest mountain which mount kinabalu as develop concept, i decided to pursuit an inspiration.

Well meanwhile i intent to sell.

The passion and love of art.

There were my designer to execute the design but mainly the concept came from me.

Property Developer.

I think is the contour of the peak of mount. Kinabalu on the ceiling reflected to the wall.

Is a private dining facilities on level 54.

Vector works, Autocad, Sketch up pro, Lumion 12 pro, Adobe Premier Pro and a high end desktop.

The whole concept reflected and symbolic of the highest building and highest mountain in northern borneo.

I collaborate with my design team.

To make design detail more clear and minimise hussel in construction drawing, and of course a more realistic 3D rendering.

We research in materials which reflect luxury and mountain kinabalu.

The mix and match of materials along with the space planing so that the layout have to be functional.

I want to explore more and learn from the process of the international competition.

I learn a lot in writing thesis of the design during the process.

Hi im Jackson Y. K. Chia, im from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, my company is Design Gallery, please feel free to contact me for more design sharing knowledge and thank you so much for a the love and support you all given and once again thank you very much.

I strongly believe that with a good design could create a better world to our nation.

I choose to become a designer.

I do all sort of design for any industry and i wish to design more of hospitality project.

First of all be humble, work hard then give your best toward passion. " Do what you love and Love what you do"

Good designer can come out a harmony design while great designer can create a functional design with strong character.

Well first we need to understand the design objective to create a strong concept, and from strong concept we create features of indentity as well as experience and knowledge toward all sort of materials.

The Value of a good design direct reflect to the property owner, we enchance the functionality and inviting with a strong concept design, so that it will bring the property value increase and the concept strongly imprinted to anyone who visit the propose property.

I would love to design for Hospitality and recreation project if i had the time and chances.

My dream project is to design any remarkable landmark project for example Art Gallery or Casino.

There isn't and secret recipe, it just be passionate and creative, in this industry we need to understand our client needs then make it creatively functional.

There were a lot but i can name a few, Architect William Allen Alsop, Architect Santiago Calatrava Valls and Architect Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid.

My favorite design is Stone Towers by Architect Zaha Hadid, i admire with her strong concept of the desert geography transformed in to the lines and shapes and yet create a very futuristic apperance of the architecture hierarchy.

One of my greatest design is "Dining on 54 Multifunctional Space" which award wining bronze in A' Design Award, is happen to be the tallest building in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and the concept of this design direct reflected the highest and majestic Mount. Kinabalu which both located in North Borneo.

Well all i could say to become a better designer you need to explore more countries and studies deeply all the great design you have came across.

Anyhow beside the love and passion in design, im also into music, i might become a rock band artist.

My defination to design are the revolution civilization and culture.

It was my families and design team.

Opportunity from Strong Client for me to involve in diffrent field of industry.

Understanding truely the function while doing space planing as well as understanding all sort of materials.

In this new era i will strongly suggest a walk through 3D presentation.

There were various but i hope that going to be a Hospitality project.

To create not only the design but to bring out the identity and character of the design to life.

I think people would expect a strong statement of art which it's speak from the design itself.

A good design can changes a preception and behaviour of an induvidual.

Im working on a hotel project which is near diving spot and that excite me with all the coral reef concept.

Bunga Raya Resort and Spa located at Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu. This is because the resort have a strong post modern native indentity concept in it.

With nowadays technology i would love to see more Daring Design in the coming years.

I think is heading to a more vibrant colours and Nordic Urban concept.

It's all depend of project scale size, normally design process may takes 1 or 2 month period.

I will start with, Who is the Client and nature of business for the propose project.

To create a creative tomorrow.

Is of course Design do set the trends.

To make design detail more clear and minimise hussel in construction drawing, and of course a more realistic 3D rendering.

Vector works, Autocad, Sketch up pro, Lumion 12 pro, Adobe Premier Pro and a high end desktop.

This is where all this combination will create and determine the harmony and indentity of the design.

I wish more people would ask "can you elaborate more about your concept"

Well i need to be humble and learn from the great design.

Owh yes i have a lot but i prefer not to mention for now and yes i do believe in Co-design.

Great Artist and Great business man.

How Design Makes The World by Scott Berkun

It's takes strong passion and years of experience.

Architect Zaha Hadid.

Im truely honoured and glade of the recongnition, it is hard to get people to know our talent if we hesitate to show.

My favorite colour is rose gold because is timeless, my favorite place will be Thailand where ancient and modern art and diffrent lifestyle happen there, my favorite food is fusion of asian, my favorite thing is Les Paul guitar and my favorite brand would be Gucci.

Free to design but do not design for free

Always remind myself to never give up, do what you love and love what you do and stay humble.

I put it this way when i was a child i love to draw and paint along the growing up i love music as well, it's clear an artist is born.

Well no one can tell the future, but i hope that in the near future, the world can be develop into more interesting world for our next generation.

Hi im Jackson Y. K. Chia, im from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, my company is Design Gallery, please feel free to contact me for more design sharing knowledge and thank you so much for a the love and support you all given and once again thank you very much.

I formed DESIGN GALLERY back in 2007, since then we involved a various type of project till this day. We are still learning and experimenting design.

Design are the revolution of culture, art and civilization.

I would like to design commercial works most.

My favorite design concept are post modern dynamic, with this concept i could display the indentity to be come the hierarchy kf the whole design.

The reception backdrop feature wall.

Marbles and Wood.

After a study trip from oversea.

The functionality and indentities.

It should be imaginary and fun emotions when i design.

I feel grateful and accomplished.

Creatively functional with a strong characteristic.

Concept vs functionality.

Designer play a very important responsibilities of creating a creative functional environment and educate the society the value of it.

Is evolving every day and the future of design will be creatively along technology.

My last exhibition is on 2010 at Kuala Lumpur and the next one will be very soon.

Well there were a lof of way to get inspiried one of it is by travelling to other develop countries and explore to other form of art for example playing music.

My style are vesertile but most designer call it dynamic concept, what made me explore more this style are the challenge to create a design with creatively strong characteristic and along functionality of the space planing.

Im from Sabah, Malaysia a multi cultural rich country where im from. Im still learning other cultures which not in Malaysia so that i could understand the art and civilization evolution towards design.

By understanding the business nature and founder of the companies.

My suggestions are the companies need to evaluate and understand the designer character and experiences. Select a designer which is compatible with the companies requirement.

Understand the client, then understand the design objectives, lastly make a creatively and artistic functional design.

1. Sofa 2. Kitchen cabinet 3. Toilet vanity 4. Dining chair and table 5. Patio seating.

24 hours is not enough i need 26 hours.

Be passionate of your professionalism and always stay humble and learn.

Know yourself well and be knowledgeable because in the end there is countless comment to the design.

Do not mess up with unit scale and never run out of style.

Solving design problem skill are most important for a designer.

Vector works, Autocad, Sketch up pro, Lumion 12 pro, Adobe Premier Pro and a high end desktop.

Is part of our life and by creating an efficient team of designer are really important for time managment.

It's all depend of project scale size, normally design process may takes 1 or 2 month period.

It's always the budget vs design.

Be humble and open heart to learn from other profesional such as example hotel manager or food and beverage manager.

Listed Companies owner, Hotel owner and Resort owner.

Hospitality and public area, i enjoy creating a lifely artistic enviroment to imprint to the individual.

Same old me, keep on creating more creative functional design to our nation.

I love work as a team.

Im designing a dive hotel so im excited to bring the child out of the individual towards the interior design.

Well you can always look me up in A' design Award profile and my company social media Design Gallery official page.

Hi im Jackson Y. K. Chia, im from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, my company is Design Gallery, please feel free to contact me for more design sharing knowledge and thank you so much for a the love and support you all given and once again thank you very much.