Interview with Rupert Ooi Say Yung

I chose to become a designer because designing allows me to 'play'. There's no other job quite like it. I feel compelled to be a designer because other professions seem mundane in comparison.

The design works, regardless of the interior space, that I find most rewarding are those where there is mutual respect between the designer and the client. This mutual respect fosters a collaborative and creative environment, leading to the most successful and satisfying outcomes. It also allows for constructive feedback, making it easier to address any issues or challenges that arise during the design process.

Absolutely, young designers need to recognize whether they possess a genuine passion for design, especially when facing obstacles and hardships, particularly at the start of their careers. This resilience and dedication are crucial for eventually becoming design legends.

The younger version of myself often reflects on whether the act of designing brings me joy and satisfaction. I consider if my interest in design remains strong over time, even after encountering challenges or setbacks.

Always evaluate whether you have a constant desire to learn more about design, whether it’s new techniques, trends, or tools. And if you are continually inspired to create and innovate, finding unique solutions to design problems. Aim to create work that is not only innovative but also timeless and influential.

A good designer brings fresh, creative ideas to the table, although they may often be influenced by current trends. They are reliable and consistent in delivering quality work on time.

A great designer deeply understands and empathizes with users, creating designs that resonate on an emotional level and fundamentally improve the user experience. They go beyond the brief, understanding the client’s business, brand, and goals to deliver strategic solutions that drive success. Great designers often influence and inspire others, contributing to the design community through speaking engagements, writing, and teaching.

A successful design achieves the dual goals of solving the client's brief and making a lasting positive impact on the community. By balancing functionality and aesthetics, respecting cultural and environmental contexts, and fostering emotional connections, designers can create spaces that are both practical and inspirational. This holistic approach ensures that the design not only meets the immediate needs of the client but also enhances the broader community, leaving a lasting legacy.

The value of good design lies in its ability to meticulously cater to individual needs, thereby enhancing both business performance and lifestyle efficiency. When design is tailored to the unique requirements and preferences of individuals, it can yield numerous benefits.

Investing in good design whenever possible is essential, as it enhances user experience, boosts brand identity, fosters innovation, and contributes to overall well-being and sustainability. By prioritizing thoughtful and user-centric design, businesses and individuals can achieve greater efficiency, satisfaction, and long-term success.

To me, the secret recipe of success in design hinges on how effectively a design addresses the client's brief. Always try to include creativity and innovation in design to exceed client expectations.

And my secret ingredient lies in cultivating strong interpersonal relationships and maintaining effective communication with the client. Get to know the client beyond the project scope, understanding their values and vision can lead to more tailored and effective design solutions. This will also help us to establish a foundation of trust and rapport with clients through honesty, reliability, and empathy.

I'm often inspired by the work of Oki Sato, the founder of Nendo, renowned for his originality and innovative approach to design. I admire the way he tackles problems from unique angles to discover innovative solutions, going beyond surface aesthetics to create designs with deeper meanings and connections.

In much of his work, he incorporates playful and unexpected elements to delight and surprise users, using humor and creativity to engage them and make their interaction with the design memorable.

He always embraces the limitations of a project as a source of creative inspiration.

To make oneself a better designer, we need to possess unique insights into our work, effectively interpret client needs, and fundamentally address the clients' pain points rather than simply following trends.

My ultimate goal as a designer is to inspire as many individuals as possible to embrace design, particularly emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in the design process. This can be achieved by providing mentorship to budding designers, guiding them through their creative journeys, and helping them develop critical thinking skills. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to a more thoughtful, innovative, and impactful design community.

From my point of view, we as designers have a significant responsibility to society and the environment. By instilling an appreciation for aesthetics in the younger generation, designers can foster a culture that values and seeks out good design. Simultaneously, making design achievable for society ensures that everyone can benefit from well-designed spaces and products, leading to an improved quality of life and a more sustainable future. Balancing these responsibilities requires a commitment to education, inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement.

With AI tools becoming more sophisticated, designers now have access to powerful resources that can automate certain tasks, generate ideas, and even assist in the creative process. This shift is prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be a designer and what role human creativity plays in design.

Authenticity in design becomes crucial in this context. As AI becomes more prevalent in the design process, there's a growing need for designers to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and creative insights to the table. Authenticity is about infusing design with human emotion, intuition, and understanding, elements that AI, for all its capabilities, still struggles to replicate fully.

Designers who prioritize authenticity focus on creating experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level, tapping into cultural, social, and personal contexts. They might draw inspiration from their own stories, heritage, or values, injecting a sense of genuineness and sincerity into their work.

Moreover, authenticity fosters trust and connection between brands and consumers. In an age where consumers are increasingly seeking genuine experiences and meaningful connections, authentic design can help brands stand out and build lasting relationships with their audience.

In essence, while AI is revolutionizing the design process, the future of design lies in the harmonious integration of technology and human creativity, where authenticity becomes the hallmark of truly impactful and resonant design.

AI is certainly a game changer and reshaping the design industry.

For every new project, we first gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry, market, and context related to the design project. We investigate the current state of the industry, including trends, challenges, and opportunities. We identify key market players, target audience demographics, and user behavior.

We also evaluate the skills and expertise of our team members, identifying any gaps that need to be filled, whether through training, hiring, or collaboration with external experts. We assess the time frame and budget allocated for the project, ensuring they are realistic and sufficient to meet the project goals.

Finally, we prepare for a comprehensive and effective client brief session.

"Creativity is nothing but a mind set free"

Creativity can be seen as the result of a mind liberated from conventional constraints and open to new possibilities. When the mind is set free, it can explore uncharted territories, connect seemingly unrelated ideas, and generate innovative solutions

I wish my designs evoke curiosity in the audience and invite questions about the underlying stories and ideas behind the design itself, as well as the context of the environment or situation that influenced my design decisions.

Cultivate a habit of continuous learning and curiosity. Explore different fields, cultures, and perspectives. View creative activities as part of "play". Experiment without fear of failure to discover new ideas and approaches.

A free mind is a powerful catalyst for innovation and original thinking, and also a key to becoming a successful master designer. Adopt a growth mindset where failures are seen as learning opportunities.

Design awards and recognition can indeed serve as motivation for hard work and effort, while accolades can encourage designers by recognizing their talent and hard work, providing a morale boost. But they do not necessarily guarantee fame or long-term success.

It is hard to become famous; it goes way beyond winning awards. It is about creating impact in the design world and society with consistent, meaningful work, developing a unique design identity, and leaving a legacy.

As the name “MATTENESS” INTERIOR DESIGN goes, I believe that in order to creates great design or something that never before existing, one needs to possesses extreme passion in his work (others often see that as a state of “MADNESS”), while constantly seek to redefine and rethink interiors way beyond the conventional perception of space, and eventually brought the company to the notice of the international community.

Design to me is indeed a meticulous solution that requires careful consideration of numerous elements to create cohesive, functional, and beautiful spaces. Each aspect, from space planning to the final decorative touches, plays a crucial role in the overall success of the design. By paying attention to these details, designers can craft environments that are not only visually appealing but also enhance the quality of life for those who inhabit them.

Thus, my role in the company is to take brief and translating it to a conceptual design that accurately reflects the client’s requirements and business plan, for both present and future. I involved in all projects at the practice from inception to delivery and work extremely close with the team and clients to ensure a well-executed solution that works.

The design works (given any interior space) that I find most rewarding is when there is mutual respect between the designer and the client. This mutual respect fosters a collaborative and creative environment, leading to the most successful and satisfying outcomes. Mutual respect also allows for constructive feedback, making it easier to address any issues or challenges that arise during the design process.

There was one project back then in 2016, an information and souvenir center with an alfresco cafe, at the end of a 1.6KM original nature trail built by the British on the top of Penang Hill at 700 meters above sea level, operated by The Habitat to promote eco-tourism in Penang, Malaysia. It’s a standalone building fully surrounded by 130-million year old rainforest, allowing one to reconnect with nature in its purest form. My part for the project was to conceptualize the design and to coordinate the interior fit-out work. It is a challenge to us to do interior fit-out site assemble works, as the fixture is of a large scale geometry forms, and the site is located on top of the hill. This project often reminds me to stay humble and kind while working with others who also participating in the project with the same goal, because it takes way more than just ideas to complete a project. Every project will not succeed without the contribution and efforts from every craftsmen.

The best emotions when designing are the adrenaline rush of starting a new project with endless possibilities and the urge to create a new concept. These emotions not only fuel your passion for design but also enhance the quality and originality of your work.

Conceptual Breakthrough - The thrill of having a sudden, brilliant idea that perfectly solves a design challenge. And experiencing a surge of inspiration, where ideas flow effortlessly, and everything clicks into place.

Client Interaction - The excitement when a client enthusiastically approves your design proposal.

Knowing that your design positively impacts the client’s life/business and enhances the space, the sense of personal accomplishment in overcoming challenges and growing as a designer is overwhelming. also the pride in what you and your team have achieved together, recognizing everyone’s hard work and contributions.

There is also excitement of knowing that the success of one project opens the door to new and potentially more challenging opportunities. The realization of your designs and the knowledge that you and your team can pursue more projects evoke a mix of satisfaction, pride, excitement, confidence, camaraderie, and a continuous drive for improvement.

A successful design achieves the dual goals of solving the client's brief and making a lasting positive impact on the community. By balancing functionality and aesthetics, respecting cultural and environmental contexts, and creating emotional connections, designers can create spaces that are both practical and inspirational. This holistic approach ensures that the design not only meets the immediate needs of the client but also enhances the broader community, leaving a lasting legacy.

The idea that there is no absolute "good" or "bad" in design, but rather that it is about effective problem-solving, is a valuable perspective. Design's primary role is to address specific needs and challenges, making it more about finding suitable solutions than adhering to subjective notions of good or bad.

Design is user-centric, a "good" design should be evaluated based on how well it meets the needs and preferences of its intended users. The effectiveness of a "good" design can depend on its context, including cultural, social, and environmental factors.

However, aesthetics are subjective and can vary greatly between different cultures and individual preferences. While aesthetics are important, they should not overshadow the primary goal of solving the design problem effectively.

From my point of view, we as a designer have a significant responsibility to society and the environment. By instilling an appreciation for aesthetics in the younger generation, designers can foster a culture that values and seeks out good design. Simultaneously, making design achievable for society ensures that everyone can benefit from well-designed spaces and products, leading to improved quality of life and a more sustainable future. Balancing these responsibilities requires a commitment to education, inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement.

I think the "design field" is evolving with the emergence of AI is certainly reshaping the design industry. With AI tools becoming more sophisticated, designers now have access to powerful resources that can automate certain tasks, generate ideas, and even assist in the creative process. This shift is prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be a designer and what role human creativity plays in design.

Authenticity in design becomes crucial in this context. As AI becomes more prevalent in the design process, there's a growing need for designers to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and creative insights to the table. Authenticity is about infusing design with human emotion, intuition, and understanding, elements that AI, for all its capabilities, still struggles to replicate fully.

Designers who prioritize authenticity focus on creating experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level, tapping into cultural, social, and personal contexts. They might draw inspiration from their own stories, heritage, or values, injecting a sense of genuineness and sincerity into their work.

Moreover, authenticity fosters trust and connection between brands and consumers. In an age where consumers are increasingly seeking genuine experiences and meaningful connections, authentic design can help brands stand out and build lasting relationships with their audience.

In essence, while AI is revolutionizing the design process, the future of design lies in the harmonious integration of technology and human creativity, where authenticity becomes the hallmark of truly impactful and resonant design.

My best approach is to kickstart my day with seeking inspiration from various forms of beautiful design, is a wonderful way to ignite creativity and set a positive tone for the day. By capturing ideas and concepts that resonate with our current projects, i'm able to draw inspiration from diverse sources and infuse our designs with creativity and originality.

Setting aside time for sketching or doodling encourages creative exploration and experimentation, helping me generate new ideas and solutions without constraints. Sketching out rough concepts and creating mood boards allows me to also flesh out my ideas and convey them visually to the design team, fostering collaboration and alignment.

Visiting field works and attending on-site meetings with other consultants or clients is almost daily basis, it allows me to gather firsthand insights, address any issues or concerns, and ensure that our design solutions align with real-world requirements. Reviewing my priorities and goals for the day ensures that I can stay focused on what matters most, and maximize productivity and effectiveness.

I usually end my day with a rejuvenating jog, it's always a valuable self-reflecting moment to reflect on the lessons learned and identify areas for improvement or further exploration in future projects. Let go of any lingering thoughts or worries from the day and focus on being present in the moment, and embrace a sense of gratitude for the opportunities, challenges, and creative inspirations that each day as a designer brings.

To the younger designer, go all out to pursue your dreams in interior design. As people nowadays are more exposed to aesthetics interior space and art. We in the creative industry always needed more young blood to blend in and to contribute their unique way of thinking. The younger generation will also have their strengths in terms of their knowledge on social media/digital platform and also on design software skill sets. Looking forward to meet energetic younger team mates and together we can make our industry even better.

The principle of being user-centric is indeed a golden rule in my design. Designing with the user in mind requires empathy to understand their perspectives, preferences, and pain points. Positive user experiences foster brand loyalty, as satisfied users are more likely to return and recommend products or services to others.

Interpersonal skills are the cornerstone of a designer's success, enabling effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. By honing these skills, designers can better understand client needs, work seamlessly with teams, engage stakeholders, present ideas persuasively, and create designs that truly resonate with end-users. Ultimately, strong interpersonal skills enhance both the creative process and the overall success of design projects.

Interpersonal skills are vital for presenting design concepts persuasively to clients, stakeholders, and decision-makers. Negotiating with clients, suppliers, and contractors also requires strong interpersonal skills to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Strong interpersonal skills facilitate networking with other professionals in the industry, opening up opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement. Building long-term relationships with clients relies on effective interpersonal skills, leading to repeat business and referrals.

My role as a design director in my company, focused mainly on translating client briefs into conceptual designs, indeed heavily relies on the skill of sketching, and my main tool is any sketching tools. By harnessing the power of sketching, I can communicate ideas with my team members, explore design possibilities, collaborate with colleagues, engage clients, and ultimately, bring our creative visions to life in a way that accurately reflects the client’s requirements and business plan.

One of the most frequent questions to me as a designer often revolves around how can I maintain my passion for design. The desire to create meaningful user experiences is always the key answer. While, setting small milestones and celebrating achievements along the way helps me stay motivated, while also reminding myself of the impact my designs can have on users and clients.

Engaging in design work that pushes our team out of our comfort zone and requires extensive research can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I always find that those projects that require collaboration across multiple disciplines, and challenge our existing knowledge and perspectives, are very enjoyable to work with.

By immersing myself in unfamiliar domains, embracing curiosity, and conducting thorough research, we can develop innovative solutions that address complex challenges, inspire change, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

The passed pandemic really hit us hard by giving us a huge impact, as our on-going field work project needed to be on-hold, and this is our main source of income. Having said that, it actually expedites our plan to diversify our company’s direction; by not limiting our self to depend on residential projects solely, but also able to handle project across various scale as an interior design consultant. By all means, we are able to produce high quality interior works technical drawings for bigger portfolio.

In the future, we will be focusing more on diversifying the type of projects that we have, and to be involved more on commercial and office space projects in the next year or two and we will be a little more deliberate on the residential projects that we take on. We aim to build up a bigger portfolio where we can express our design ethos to the fullest.

We are an interior design practice that operates as a cohesive team, collaboration is not just a strategy but a fundamental aspect of the design process. By harnessing the collective creativity, expertise, and synergy of team members, interior design practices can deliver exceptional results, exceed client expectations, and achieve enduring success in the competitive design industry.