Interview with Chiao-Yi Tang

I believe this is related to my upbringing in the suburbs, which nurtured my sense of observation and allowed me to experience the joy of shared creativity with my playmates. Art classes further guided me to appreciate the energy conveyed by artists. These experiences inspired my later studies and creativity in the field of architecture and became a driving force behind my journey to becoming a designer.

At the beginning of any project, in addition to considering the client's needs, I prioritize three key aspects: time, quality, and budget, and I set the theme based on the project type. Currently, I am highly interested in the field of artificial intelligence, especially in how new technologies can be leveraged to shorten design time. I believe AI is an excellent tool for designers, capable of streamlining many project processes such as model rendering.

During the design process, I experience a sense of creativity and fulfillment similar to that of a mother nurturing a child. At times, there are challenges, but they are accompanied by the joy and sense of renewal that comes with the birth of something new.

I believe that the environment in which I grew up has greatly shaped who I am as a designer. The cities I have lived in and the visual experiences from the surrounding natural environments have all served as vital nourishment for my creativity.

Exploration, experience, and practice have always been the path I follow. I am currently excited about the possibilities that artificial intelligence offers, as it can bring more vitality to organic design in future projects through this powerful tool.

The vision of a better future life has always been the soul of a designer. Find inspiration in stillness, feel life with intention, enrich the depth of your design, appreciate the beauty in everyday living, and always stay true to your original intention—let it guide your creativity and decisions.

I encourage fellow designers, artists, and architects to embrace diverse experiences and environments to enrich their design perspectives and maintain passion for their work. Continuously exploring new tools and technologies—such as artificial intelligence—can enhance both creativity and efficiency. Only through ongoing learning and growth, and by staying attuned to a rapidly changing world, can excellence be realized in the field of design.

My daily work usually follows the progression of departmental tasks, while a flexible schedule varies depending on the projects I’m working on, allowing me to balance creativity and productivity.

I stay current with the latest design trends by regularly reading design publications, attending industry events, and engaging in online design communities. Design trends reflect contemporary preferences and innovations, and should be thoughtfully balanced with sustainable design principles, as well as the specific needs and themes of each project.

In terms of the service characteristics of interior design, a successful interior design outcome should include the quality level of the design work itself, as well as the positive recognition and satisfaction gained by the client during the overall service delivery process. At the same time, the designer or firm should also be able to achieve reasonable profit goals through effective time management and cost control. Only then can it be considered a successful, win-win result.

Design is a process that moves from ideation to convergence. It starts with researching the client’s objectives and communicating with them to understand their needs and preferences, which helps in developing the overall concept. Then, I define the atmosphere and details of the space based on materials, colors, furniture, and decorations. For me, it is crucial to ensure that the design meets the client's expectations at every stage of the process. After the basic design is confirmed, detailed design will follow, integrating the MEP functions to create the implementation design documents.

The first Presidential Library I participated in is one of my most honorable works. We researched the head of state and the initial historical context, referencing documents and historical materials provided by the foundation, as well as examples from the National Library and cultural and art museums. To create a humanistic atmosphere that blends profound historical significance with academic depth, we approached the design from a Sinology perspective, which inspired our approach. The design incorporates classic patterns, materials such as marble and wood, and contemporary architectural styles to connect the past and the present, creating a new social landmark that integrates culture, history, and leisure functions. This project moved me deeply and allowed me to experience the power of humanism in shaping space.

My design inspiration comes from Frank Lloyd Wright, Ieoh Ming Pei, and Zaha Hadid. Their approaches—connecting architecture with the environment, embracing clean and fluid forms, expressing poetic spatial qualities, and realizing the limitless imagination of organic architecture—have influenced me at every stage of my creative journey and continue to inspire me.

Design is deeply influenced by lifestyle and culture, drawing inspiration from both. Favorite cities such as Kyoto, Copenhagen, Tokyo, and Taipei each offer unique sources of inspiration. Music acts as a soundtrack to the creative process, setting various moods. Personal culture subtly shapes one’s design preferences.

My work culture is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a strong attention to detail. I believe that fostering a creative and supportive environment helps ideas thrive. My professional philosophy centers on deeply understanding client needs, delivering high-quality design work, and continually exploring new technologies and methods to push the boundaries of design. This approach ensures that each project is unique, functional, and aesthetically refined—ultimately exceeding client expectations. When selecting collaborators, I place great value on their reliability and shared passion for design, while emphasizing clear communication and a mutual commitment to excellence.

To realize the impact of cross-disciplinary collaboration, we partnered with the government's cultural development council to work with underrepresented artists in our design space, offering them a platform to express their creativity and helping them build the confidence and capacity to become self-sufficient.

Participating in the A' Design Award has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. The award provided an excellent platform to showcase our work on an international stage and to connect with designers, architects, and creative professionals from around the world. This recognition not only boosted the confidence of our entire design team but also opened up opportunities for collaboration with like-minded individuals and companies.

The motivation behind my design work stems from an imagination of a better life in the future. I enjoy experiencing the energy brought by artists and creators, and these experiences have inspired my studies and creativity in the field of architecture, becoming a driving force for my pursuit of becoming a designer.

I am currently working in interior design, and I especially enjoy designing public spaces, where I can create connections between space and environment, extending the design concept much like cinematic transitions. This approach enhances the experience of the five senses and the six perceptions.

The vision of a better future life has always been the soul of a designer. Find inspiration in stillness, feel life with intention, enrich the depth of your design, appreciate the beauty in everyday living, and always stay true to your original intention—let it guide your creativity and decisions.

Simply put, one type of design solves problems, while another adds value. Good designers give people what they want, but great design solves people's problems in unexpected ways.

A successful interior design outcome should encompass both the quality of the design work itself and the positive perception and satisfaction gained from the overall service process. Good design captures attention, solves problems, creates memorable impressions, reinforces brand identity and spirit, and most importantly, resonates with people. At the same time, it allows the client to achieve their goals through effective time management and cost control.

The value of good design goes far beyond mere aesthetics. It is an investment in functionality, user experience, and communication, ultimately leading to a better quality of life and a more progressive society. Good design is not a luxury, but a fundamental element that helps create a better, more efficient, and more enjoyable world for everyone.

Always stay true to your original intention, and let it guide your creativity and decisions.

My design inspiration comes from Frank Lloyd Wright, Ieoh Ming Pei, and Zaha Hadid. Their approaches—connecting architecture with the environment, embracing clean and fluid forms, expressing poetic spatial qualities, and realizing the limitless imagination of organic architecture—have influenced me at every stage of my creative journey and continue to inspire me.

Designed by the renowned Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, the Markthal in Rotterdam creates a space filled with a sense of everyday life. The interaction between people and the space vividly embodies a human-centered design philosophy.

Participating in the design of the first Presidential Library has been the most meaningful project of my career. We conducted in-depth research on the head of state and the historical context of the time, referencing archives and materials provided by the foundation, as well as case studies from national libraries and cultural institutions. To create a space rich in historical significance and academic depth, we approached the design from a Sinological perspective. This inspired us to incorporate classical motifs, marble, and wood, along with contemporary architectural styles, to bridge the past and the present. The result is a new civic landmark that integrates culture, history, and leisure. This project deeply moved me and allowed me to truly experience the transformative power of humanistic values in spatial design.

Stay true to your beliefs and break through the status quo.

A conscious and purposeful act of creation aimed at solving problems, meeting needs, and achieving goals, involving planning, conceptualization, production, and evaluation.

Aside from my supervisors and colleagues at the company, the most important support has come from my family, who have stood by me throughout the journey.

I’ve been very fortunate to have many people guiding, supporting, and caring for me along the way — including industry veterans, mentors, and clients. Without them, I would not have achieved anything.

Designers should present their work through a multi-faceted and integrated approach, including professional portfolios, online platforms and social media, verbal communication and presentation skills, participation in industry events, client testimonials and reputation, as well as continuous learning and self-improvement. This approach not only showcases the outcomes but also conveys the designer’s thinking, capabilities, and passion.

Human-centered, driven by creativity and professional skills, to create better, more efficient, and more inspiring living experiences and environments for people.

The cross-disciplinary collaboration involved integrating underprivileged and differently-abled artists to collectively interpret and express the space.

When every project results in client satisfaction, that is the greatest affirmation.

I believe the design industry is moving toward a future that is more technology-driven, sustainable, human-centered, and strategically oriented.

Deep integration with technology: AI, AR/VR, generative design, and advanced manufacturing technologies will be more widely applied in the design process.

The timeline varies depending on the scale of the project. For instance, in the case of office design competitions, it typically takes an average of 30 days to deliver a design proposal.

I carefully study the tasks set by the client and communicate with them to understand their needs and preferences, thereby grasping the overall concept.

Good design enables sustainability.

The relationship between design and trends is dynamic and reciprocal, rather than one-directional guidance. In short, design and trends influence each other and evolve together. A successful designer must possess both the ability to lead and adapt.

Design Director.

As an interior designer, my toolbox is filled with both tangible and intangible tools that help me transform concepts into reality. It includes a variety of software and applications, project management and collaboration tools, presentation software, and more. With the advancement of technology and the evolution of design philosophies, I continuously learn and adopt new tools. However, no matter how the tools change, the core remains a deep understanding of space, aesthetics, and human needs.

In design, color influences emotion, spatial perception, function, and branding; material concerns touch, visuals, functionality, sustainability, and budget; environment involves light, spatial characteristics, surrounding landscape, climate, culture, and user needs. The three interact: light affects the appearance of color and material, material influences color adhesion and reflection, and the environmental atmosphere impacts color and material choices. Design requires a comprehensive consideration of these three elements to create spaces that are beautiful, practical, meet needs, and coexist harmoniously.

I want to experience it and feel it.

Partners with shared beliefs can design together.

My bosses - Tsang-Jiunn Jean and Yu-Huang Lu.

The modernist architectural dame, Zaha Hadid.

Thank you for the recognition from judges in different countries. Thank you!

For a residential project, designing customized mail pouches for each household was an interesting experience that incorporated spatial elements through cross-disciplinary integration.

To keep the feeling of staying true to my original intentions, and to embrace its beauty. The core lies in creation, connection, growth, gratitude, and care, while continuously seeking passion and meaning.

You can contact me via email:RT001780@mail.ruentex.com.tw

Founded in November 1991, RTD positions itself as the “magician of spatial aesthetics,” integrating interior functionality into architectural planning from the very beginning. With over 30 years of experience in design and construction, the company serves a wide range of sectors including clinics, senior housing, bank headquarters, tech factories and offices, as well as public amenities in residential communities. RTD has also participated in international projects such as the Antai Building in Shanghai, the Nichimen Factory and Office in Kunshan, and the St. Luke’s Health Screening Center in Tokyo, continuously expanding both its depth and breadth while building a solid foundation.

Design, in simple terms, is the process of solving problems by identifying the most appropriate solutions. It generally refers to a purposeful and planned creative activity that encompasses both tangible objects and intangible ideas.

I especially enjoy designing public spaces, where I can create connections between space and environment, extending the design concept much like cinematic transitions. This approach enhances the experience of the five senses and the six perceptions.

In 2015, I had the privilege of visiting the Markthal indoor market square in Rotterdam, designed by the renowned Dutch architectural firm MVRDV. It was a truly immersive experience. The striking horseshoe-shaped arch and the vibrant interior murals seamlessly integrated with everyday life left a lasting impression on me. The way people interacted with the space vividly reflected a human-centered design approach—where people live, connect, and create enduring memories.

The entrance identity and landscape design of the bank headquarters.

I enjoy working with natural materials and textures, and I’m also an avid user of Instagram. Currently, I’m very interested in the field of artificial intelligence, especially in how new technologies can help reduce design time. I believe AI is an excellent tool in the hands of designers.

When I am alone, I enter a state of self-exploration, which often becomes the moment when design concepts are sparked.

Starting from the client's preferences, I integrate functionality, aesthetics, and the realization of a healthy indoor environment.

During the design process, I feel a sense of mission, and challenges often spark creativity and a deep sense of fulfillment.

When my design comes to life, I feel a sense of achievement and fulfillment—much like the journey of a mother from conception to birth. That joy gives me greater confidence to embrace the next project.

It effectively addresses the intended problem while meeting the aspects of practicality, aesthetics, and environmental friendliness.

When evaluating a design, aside from aesthetics, I first consider its functionality, safety, sense of security, health aspects, and how well it fulfills its intended purpose or addresses the problem.

The responsibility of a designer, in simple terms, is to be accountable to both people and the environment. Through professional knowledge and skills, designers not only create beautiful spaces but also care for social well-being and environmental sustainability.

The design field is rapidly integrating with advanced technologies, evolving toward a user-centered approach that emphasizes human care and places sustainability at its core. Increasing value is placed on customer experience and the intangible aspects of products. With the empowerment of AI, immersive experiences and generative design are being introduced, deepening emotional engagement as well as inclusive and barrier-free design. At the same time, greater emphasis is placed on design ethics and social responsibility. As a result, designers are now expected to possess a broader vision, interdisciplinary capabilities, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

In 2021, I exhibited at the Lihpao Group Hotel showroom in Taichung, Taiwan, together with winners of the Taiwan Good Design Award. The next exhibition is scheduled for the second half of 2025.

The inspiration behind my work comes from a wide range of sources, including natural forms and patterns, material textures, films, museums, humanistic poetry, cultural diversity, art history, and everyday experiences. All of these spark creativity and serve as sources of inspiration. By maintaining an open mind and exploring different disciplines, I’m able to stay creative and innovative—often drawing insight from the ideas of predecessors and the spontaneous sparks that arise in discussions with peers.

My design style is rooted in minimalism, emphasizing clarity and purity. Through clean spatial forms, I express the spirit of the place or reflect the client’s brand identity. I aim to create spatial narratives that embody daily life—much like the Markthal indoor market square in Rotterdam, where human interaction with space powerfully illustrates a human-centered design philosophy. I draw on abstract aesthetics, natural light and shadow, and humble materials to evoke a poetic atmosphere. By embracing simplicity, I enhance both user experience and visual appeal, crafting spatial sequences that flow like cinematic transitions and bring the space to life.

I am from Taipei, Taiwan, and rather than being primarily influenced by local cultural heritage, I have found greater inspiration through collaborating with designers from various countries and experiencing diverse customs and cultures during business trips. These cross-cultural exchanges have made me deeply aware of the rapid and ever-changing flow of information, which in turn fosters a flexible and adaptive design mindset.

I have been with RTD for over 30 years, currently leading the design team and actively promoting sustainable and healthy environments.

Solid fundamentals are the foundation of creativity, and clear logic is the starting point of excellence.

I thoroughly study the tasks defined by the client and communicate with them to understand their needs and preferences, in order to grasp the overall concept. Then, I define the spatial atmosphere and detailed arrangements based on materials, colors, furniture, and decorations. For me, it is crucial to ensure that the design meets the client’s expectations at every stage of the process. Once the basic design is confirmed, I proceed with the detailed design and integrate MEP functions to develop the construction documentation.

I think it would be the table and chairs. Whether indoors or in the garden, their quality greatly influences my resting environment and the sense of happiness they bring.

My daily work usually follows the progression of departmental tasks, while a flexible schedule varies depending on the projects I’m working on, allowing me to balance creativity and productivity.

The vision of a better future life has always been the soul of a designer. Find inspiration in stillness, feel life with intention, enrich the depth of your design, appreciate the beauty in everyday living, and always stay true to your original intention—let it guide your creativity and decisions.

You may call them workaholics or even madmen—while most people might not understand, that is exactly where they find joy in life.

User-centered design that integrates health, functionality, safety, security, and service.

Fundamental skill development includes spatial concepts, design drawing, ergonomics, creativity, budget planning, and communication skills.

As an interior designer, my toolbox is filled with both tangible and intangible tools that help me transform concepts into reality. It includes a variety of software and applications, project management and collaboration tools, presentation software, and more. With the advancement of technology and the evolution of design philosophies, I continuously learn and adopt new tools. However, no matter how the tools change, the core remains a deep understanding of space, aesthetics, and human needs.

Indeed, design often requires a significant investment of time and energy, especially during the stages of refining details and making repeated revisions. Setting clear goals and breaking down tasks, creating detailed schedules and timelines, prioritizing and focusing on execution, leveraging tools and optimizing processes, as well as regularly reviewing and adjusting, are all key to improving efficiency.

The timeline varies depending on the scale of the project. For instance, in the case of office design competitions, it typically takes an average of 30 days to deliver a design proposal.

As a designer, one of the most frequently asked questions is: “What does your own home look like?” or “Did you design your own home as well?”

A significant work experience involved implementing fundamental design concepts through overseas material sourcing.

CHIMEI, EPSON, gogoro, IBM, Intel, KWE, KIRIN, Mitsubishi Estate Taiwan, NetApp, PHILIPS, RICOH, SHISEIDO, Schneider Electric, TÜV Rheinland, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Takeda etc.

Concept design. The starting point for giving space feelings.

Motivate young designers. Combining design trends with the promotion of a sustainable and healthy environment.

We work collaboratively as a team.

You can contact me via email:RT001780@mail.ruentex.com.tw