Interview with Camille Chung

Since I was little, I always know I’m interested in arts and music, later choosing to be an interior designer was meeting the joints of living and earning due to our traditionally thinking : art can’t make you live. However it was proven wrong nowadays. Art has become living. Therefore being an interior designer was a natural path for me at that time among all the choices.
After graduated from university, I continued working in interior design firms in Taiwan, Budapest, Shanghai then Singapore. The excitement and challenges of working with great designers and professionals from different industries drives me to stay in this industry and move further.

I usually get my hands on sketches when starting with a project to get some ideas, then move on imagery and mood board to gather inspiration, later would be modelling; this can be on computer or physical model, sometimes physical model can help you to study the form and scale and if it's with complicated angles.

It's a complex of emotions during the design process. The first emotion when getting a new project is excitement as it's a fresh start. During the process of developing design could be a mixture of nourves or stress as there could be some obstacles that you need to make amendmend or redesign, as well as there are promised timeline to the client. Finally when the design is approved or appreciated by the client, you would be happy or content again, especially when it's coming to the completion of a project.

For me, I am quite an observant and a listener. The good thing about it is that I can think for the client, and make sure the design fits his need and requirement. However this could also be a down side if you care too much about how the client or the people would think of your design, then the creativity could be limited. Therefore I have learned that sometimes you need to divide the valuable opinion or suggestion and the ones not so important, that is to say, designers could also need to be responsible to let the client know what's the right direction to go, as client is not always on the right side. Making sure your client understand and see the value of your design is important.

My design vision was broaden after working for The Ga group, Starbucks interior design and Unispace. There's mo limit in design industry and there are so much you can keep learning and growing. For me, I will like to make Devalo an international brand, to work with developer and end up with end users as detail as it can be extended to a living accessory.

Be open minded to embrace the opportunities of learning new things and grow skills. Don’t be afraid of making mistake but learn from it.
Be insightful. You can only be a better designer through observation in living. Finally like Job Steve said - Stay hungry, Stay foolish.

Don’t be afraid to try something new or to present your own ideas. Embrace the opportunities of learning new things and grow skills. Don’t be afraid of making mistake but learn from it. Be insightful. You can only be a better designer through observation in living. Finally and most importantly, learn from the professionals.

Before I start my working routine, I would do some exercise to get refreshing brain and mind, then I would review the things to be done and prioritise the major things. I usually browsing in the creative thinking in the morning and do boring or repeated non technical tasks in the afternoon.

I usually get design updates through my social events and the design community. It's easier to get fresh news and new launched products in the design group, some is with the supplier group. Currently the major change is AI, how to make your design work more efficient ? How to make your work oustanding with AI mayne by the way presenting it is also the key point.

A good designer can achieve what client wants, a great designer can provide more valuable design than what client's expectation.
In my opinion, to make an excellence design, it means transcending people's expectation and providing value to it, in terms of the usage, the popularity, the actual market price, and additional to it, the fame. Some incredible design, people don't see its value at then but over time it could have been through its test and beyond measurement.

I think it's always a question. Everything can always push further. However within a designated timeline and budget, you just have to know you have done the best to it and ready to say that's my submission for my work. never the less, a good designer and great designer sometimes would challenge ourselves to push further, if we think of something better after submission, we would try to propose it to the client at "the right moment" to make sure it can be carried out.

The Circadian Home. This is not my biggest project, however it was the first project that I had been through so much challenges mentally and physically: the covid-19, the traveling restriction, my pregnancy.
Not far from the moment that I have signed up contract with the client, Covid-19 hit and I did not get the chance to visit the site once. Therefore I had to present and communicate with my client remotely. Later in constructional phase was the same restriction in deffernt areas, addition to it was my pregnancy, so i couldn't visit the work site due to two weeks quarantine policy on a return trip. Through this project, I have proven my capability on designing projects in different countries, it was base on my past experiences working for international companies that many coordination work being involved. The breakthrough on this project was also that due to health safety issues there are limits to work on site, therefore we had many pre-fabricated panels, millwork, fixed furniture being done in the factory. In this way, the site pollution is much reduced as well as the carbon foot prints by limiting travels. I can say I'm proud of what had been executed thoroughly and delicately in this project during that hard time. The outcome is worth it.

The Ga Group - Terry McGinnity. I have had the honor working with him on W Taipei and W Shanghai. He's methodology and philosophy of design, his working attitude toward people and client, his wisdom are all a living life example, he's a master of design that you can learn and get inspired from. I remember one time the client wants him to produce another version of basin to cost down after whole day 12hours meeting and workshop on site, everyone is tired, he's also tackling jet-lag.., he still patiently draw on sketch paper 1 to 1 and make a immediate solution for the client.

I was born and raised in Taiwan, being an Asian makes me more want to visit western countries as the cultural differences. I like the mix of both sides, just like a fusion in a cuisine. Nowadays it is quite accessible to find information on the websites and medias about design styles, techniques, price etc. however to gain information is one thing and to achieve the level of work is another thing, so select and trust the professional is crucial at this society with overwhelming information. We need to be true to ourselves and stick to our professional judgement, don't easily lower your self esteem and the service rate to let the society and trend defining us.

It's always about connection, but i believe if you deliver work in excellence you are able to gain more projects by referee. It's a different time and working model now in business, i believe in collaboration.

I would be focusing on sustainable design, I think we have been taking so much from this earth from many perspectives we are not really repairing or saving anything. Thus to make sure we can really do the environmental friendly design and use the materials that can be reused, recycled, and educate your clients and your fellows are our responsibility as a professional.

To be able to attend A'Design Award and actually getting one is my honer. I don't know how many competitors were out there but I'm glad that my work is not in vain, trying my best is the only way. I wish to be able to show the society that I'am ready for taking more, from design works to giving back to the society.

To resolve problems and ease the stress of living. Most importantly to make our lives more beautiful more pleasant.

Since I was little, I always know I’m interested in arts and music, later choosing to be an interior designer was meeting the joints of living and earning due to our traditionally thinking : art can’t make you live. However it was proven wrong nowadays. Art it is living.

From residential to hospitality. I would like to do more boutique hotels or resorts in the coming future.

Never stop learning and be observant.

A good designer can achieve what client wants, a great designer can provide more valuable design than what client's expectation.

In my opinion, to make an excellence design, it means transcending people's expectation and providing value to it, in terms of the usage, the popularity, the actual market price, and additional to it, the fame. Some incredible design, people don't see its value at then but over time it could have been through its test and beyond measurement.

It can be actual money that adding the value to it, the fame, or the timeless test. A good design usually means it has been through dedicated working input and production with quality. It can be increasing value along with time passing, or simply it is long lasting so you won't need to invest more to replace it.

I would design and create everything for my little kid, anything from he's own imagination.

Building a tree house with spiral slide for my little kid.

I don't have secret method, I guess it's like everyone else, learn from the mistake and remember the good examples or models and to make it better.

The Ga Group - Terry McGinnity. I have had the honor working with him on W Taipei and W Shanghai. He's methodology and philosophy of design, his working attitude toward people and client, his wisdom are all a living life example, he's a master of design that you can learn and get inspired from. I remember one time the client wants him to produce another version of basin to cost down after whole day 12hours meeting and workshop on site, everyone is tired, he's also tackling jet-lag.., he still patiently draw on sketch paper 1 to 1 and make a immediate solution for the client.

I have many admirable design gurus in the lists. Except for the well knowns or Terry McGinnity, another example is female interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Her projects and what she creates, the whole brand is a success and an ideal model for what I would presue for sucess.

One of my own project, I like the bar/ open kitchen counter that I designed for my client. Ideally it can be designed better if we could have integrated induction heating and controlling system directly on the Ceasar stone counter top, I believe Boffi has achieved that concept.

Be open minded to embrace the opportunities of learning new things and grow skills. Don’t be afraid of making mistake but learn from it.
Be insightful. You can only be a better designer through observation in living.

I probably would be a writer or novelist.

Design is to resolve problems and ease the stress of living. Most importantly to make our lives more beautiful more pleasant.

My family, as they allow me to do what I want to do.

Working with great designers and consultants. You get inspired from them and learn from them.

People, the most tricky part to deal with. Communication is an art, even if you are a great designer, you still need to deal with people.

I think it's necessary. Only the designers know their own work better. Never the less, sometimes a well made video can explain it all.

No comments on this! Hopefully you see my work soon!

Let AI do all the tiring work...! Truthfully, I wish myself can be influencing the industry in Taiwan to make some changes, follow international standard, let the professionals do the work! be grateful and respect our planet.

People all want to see something different and feel wow!

Remove the unnecessary, make things more efficient and simple. Live with beautiful things that make people happy.

I have a project in a new high-rise residential building, it is under construction, it will be quite a land mark to the city.

The Circadian Home. From initial design to completion, my client trusted me and allowed my to fulfill hundred percent of the design that I proposed to him. Also, he selected me over another company.

I hope with AI technology, work can be done more efficiently and safely from designing phase to constructional phase and the end of the project.

No doubt will be more and more integrated AI technology from wearable to living builds.

It will depend on the scale, complex of the project and the client. Can few weeks to months.

Do some research about it and case study first.

Simplisity is not being simple .

It can actually be both. However I believe a great designer can set the trend.

It should be user friendly and providing value to my designed items or projects.

Autocad. Adobe creative suite. Sketch-up. iPad and mac.

They are all crucial. After all we are living in it.

How did you make it so beautiful?

If it's something I like, I would try to integrate it into my design projects or use it in my projects.

My ideal working partner would be always keep communication open and understand each other. I think there's always a lead of a project so to move further but it can be co-designed.

As previously stated, Terry McGinnity. He's hand sketches are incredible and iconic.

Architectural books. eg. The Natural House by Frank Lloyd Wright. I think natural elements are important to our living and my design.

Try to keep up with current technology and polish the skills that you have had.

Job Steves, is he happy with current Apple? What should be the trend for the next 5-10 years of products.

It's my first award about design, and I don't see it comes easy!

Black and White. I like snowing fields and beaches, therefore I like winter and sunny but not too hot. I love wine and I appreciate Capella Hotels & Resorts.

Long time ago, when specifying toilet, first time I see westerner designers didn't know what's washlet, they found it bizarre, I guess it's like some Asian first time visiting Europe see bidets.

Receiving compliments from my client, and to learn that they are happy with my design, and of course, get billed.

I always dreamed bout I will be some sort of artists. I did not know designer is the option.

I think either the world will be back to handcrafting or all automatic and computerised. Everything must be reversed.

I have a beautiful boy, if anyone in the future sees him will also support him.

Devalo Design. It’s meaning from/ of light, the most important element of design. The fundamental of design is to make a better living, just like the light bring to human being, I want to always remember that and also to say Devalo sounding like develop, design is always a process of developing. We don’t need to be afraid of creating something new.

To resolve problems and ease the stress of living. Most importantly to make our lives more beautiful more pleasant.

To be honest, design space for kids, that’s maybe surprising but it’s only because that’s where allows you to use all the imagination like a child!

I have many appreciated designs (not by myself). If my own project, I like the sailing ship like bar/ open kitchen counter that I designed for my client. I do think it can be integrated better if we could have integrated induction system directly on the Ceasar stone counter top, I believe Boffi has achieved that concept.

The first thing I would say the welcome lobby, which is the soul and showing identity of a company space.

I love stone and wood. They are just naturally beautiful to the eye and touch. I like to design everything that can be integrated, if as simplicities as it can be presenting. I won’t reject technology if that can make the design better, and user friendly.

After traveling and visiting exhibitions, you can always find some inspiration out of it.

It will depends on the use of space and clients. I used to focus on function and aesthetic. But ever since I have become a mom I would also care about safety especially for the kids and eldly.

Both excited and anxious, as you might be creating something new and the client may not like it.

Relieved and content.

The continuous coordination and coherence at work to make sure it meets the level of production that you wished for, you can’t be relaxed until it has been completed.

Does it serve the purpose? It can also just designed to be sitting there as long as it serves its purpose and people appreciate it.

Never overly design and waste resources. Design industry can be seen luxury from the perspective of the consuming time and resources. I truly think as the designer it is important to always consider the life circle and sustainability of a design.

I understand there will be more and more futurism being carried out in design. More AI will be integrated into design from design process to completion. I hope that means sustainability will be taken more seriously along with the evolution of design.

I only have done my first one at graduation work, hope next time at 40 × 40 Design Exhibition.

Every time when I get a project, I always start with my client, get to know them and do some research about the project so to find the inspiration and the story line.
Natural elements, architecture, photography, movies, a show, an exhibition all can be part of my inspiring sources.

I don’t think I have developed to any specific style. More toward modern I would say. I want the design can be seen long lasting and not easily feel tired of it. I want people to feel comfortable when be in the space.

I currently live in Taiwan. The good thing about living in Taiwan is the accessibility to obtain price friendly products from China, but that also can be a downside, as the quality of products can be varied, and sometimes clients would search products by themselves but they don’t understand the consequences of using cheaper products. Even if using European products can be more pricy, I still prefer good quality materials and products.

Find the right window, right people to talk to and work with.

A good designer would try different layouts before proposing final.

Do some research first, from imagery to actual case study of projects. A lot of hand skatches would be involve to develop ideas from abstract to functional items.

Bar, dining table, lounge sofa, decorative lighting, artwork

Morning routine for the kid, then get some exercise before start doing my itinerary for work.
Late afternoon to pick up my child to be mommy duty again. Reviewing work before my own bed time, sometimes unwind by a nightcap.

Don’t be afraid to try something new or to present your own ideas. Open your eyes and be open minded to embrace the opportunities of learning new things and grow skills. Don’t be afraid of making mistake but learn from it.

Designers are creative. We can also be practical.

Mind human scale for all, functional, beautiful.

Insightful. You can only be a better designer through observation in living.

Sketching paper, iPad, autocad.
Pinterest and Design books.

Being a mom has to be a time keeper master. Set up the routines and valence work and family life, try to finish work during my set-up working hours and be efficient.

It depends on the scale and complex of it. It can be one day and it can be months.

Who’s your favorite designer? What’t your favorite design?

Working with The Ga Group - Terry MacGinnity, he is admirable from his work, attitude and his personality. he is my model of being a great designer.

From global medical business, high-tech company to IG influencer all different kind of clients.

Luxury home and hotel, as the possibility of realizing it is high.

make Devalo a well known design brand, create decorative products and living goods, to open showrooms with changeable concept of living.

I do my own design, however I have partnership with 3D, technician and constructional team to work with.

It’s also a high-rise residential project, under construction.

Email: Camille.c221@gmail.com
IG company : Devalogroup
IG designer : camillechung

I would like to say thank you for the supporting members, Sunny Chung and team from various suppliers to construction - Yue Fu China, my Client - Jay Chin for trusting me. And finally, my photographer Studio SZ - Justin Szeremeta.